Which connection method fits your group?
| Your situation | Use | Who prepares it? |
|---|---|---|
| Java players on the same home network | A LAN world | The host opens the world to the local network |
| Java players in different locations | A Java server or Java Realms | The host supplies an address or invitation |
| Bedrock players on supported devices | A friend’s world or Bedrock Realms | The host sends a game or Realm invitation |
| Friends need access while the host is offline | Realms or a separate server | Choose hosting independent of the local play session |
Each player needs the matching edition and version. Trying to join a regular server from a test build introduces another compatibility problem. Compare the installed version with the server requirement before changing network settings.
How do you open Java 26.3 to LAN?
- The host opens the intended world and pauses the game.
- Go to World Options → Multiplayer and set the LAN scope. Check the port and joining players’ command access if needed.
- Other players on the same local network select the discovered LAN world from Multiplayer.
The separate Open to LAN button moved. Java 26.3 documents the new General and Multiplayer sections in World Options. Opening a LAN session does not automatically give a friend elsewhere on the internet a publicly reachable server address.
Source · www.minecraft.netCurrent Java LAN menu
How do you join a remote Java server?
Get the server address from its owner. Use Direct Connection for an immediate connection or Add Server to keep it in the Multiplayer list. Those fields need server information, not your account password.
Source / rights
How are Bedrock invitations different from Realms?
Find your friend by gamertag and add them. With the world running, the host can send an invitation through Invite to Game. For a Realm, use the owner’s invitation or joining code, and launch the correct edition.
A local friend’s world and a Realms subscription are different options. Console online play can also require the platform’s own subscription. A party helps a group move between experiences; it is not, by itself, a private Survival server or a Java–Bedrock bridge.
Source · www.minecraft.netOfficial multiplayer choices
What if the world does not appear?
Compare the invited account, game version and connection method first. Then check whether multiplayer is permitted for the account; a family organizer manages a child account’s permissions. Keep the exact error message if a connection fails, and change one setting at a time so you can tell which step affected the result.
Source · www.minecraft.netOfficial server connection instructions
Related guides
Minecraft Java vs Bedrock: Choose for your device and friends
Minecraft not launching: Launcher, install and connection fixes
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