The fastest way to play together on Minecraft Java Edition
To join a friend in Minecraft Java Edition, you need either their IP address (if they are running a server from home) or an invite link (if they are using Realms or a third-party server). The method depends on how your friend is hosting the world. If your friend is playing single-player and wants you to join, they must either open their world to LAN (Local Area Network) or move the world to a server. The simplest route for most players is Minecraft Realms, which is a subscription service that lets your friend invite you without technical setup.
Java Edition and Bedrock Edition use different systems, so confirm which version your friend plays before you start. You can check in the launcher — Java Edition shows "Minecraft: Java Edition" at the top, while Bedrock shows "Minecraft for Windows" or "Minecraft Launcher". The steps below cover Java Edition, which is the most common on PC.
Key Takeaways
- Minecraft Realms is the easiest method: your friend subscribes, sends you an invite, and you join from the Realms menu without sharing IP addresses.
- If your friend runs a server from home, you need their IP address, which you enter in the Multiplayer menu under "Direct Connection".
- LAN worlds work only if you are on the same home network; your friend opens their world to LAN and you see it in the Multiplayer list.
- Third-party servers (like Aternos or Nitrado) give you a server address to share instead of a home IP, and they stay online even when your friend logs off.
Joining through Minecraft Realms
Realms is the official subscription service that handles hosting for you. Your friend pays a monthly fee (usually around $8 USD, though this varies by region), and the world stays online whether they are playing or not. To join, your friend must first own a Realm and then send you an invite from inside the world.
When your friend invites you, you will receive a notification in the Minecraft launcher or an email with a link. Click the link or open the launcher, go to the Realms menu, and look for "Invitations" at the top. Your friend's Realm will appear in the list. Click it and select "Join Realm". You will be added to the world and can log in whenever you want. No IP address or technical setup is needed on your end.
If you do not see the invitation after a few minutes, ask your friend to check that they sent it to the correct Microsoft account email. Realms invites are tied to the email address linked to your Minecraft account, not your username.
Joining a friend's home server using their IP address
If your friend is running a server from their own computer, you need their IP address. This is a string of numbers (like 192.168.1.100 for a local network or a public IP for remote play) that points to their machine. Ask your friend to find their IP by opening Command Prompt on Windows and typing ipconfig, then looking for "IPv4 Address". If they want you to join from outside their home network, they need their public IP instead, which they can find by searching "what is my IP" in a browser.
Once you have the IP address, open Minecraft Java Edition and click "Multiplayer" from the main menu. Click "Direct Connection" and paste the IP address into the box. If your friend is using a non-standard port (most home servers use port 25565 by default), ask them for the port number and add it to the IP like this: 192.168.1.100:25566. Click "Join Server" and you will connect to their world.
If the connection fails, the most common reasons are: your friend's server is not running, the IP address is wrong, or your firewall is blocking the connection. Ask your friend to restart their server and confirm the IP address is correct. If you are still stuck, they may need to open port 25565 in their router settings, which is a more advanced step.
Joining a LAN world on the same home network
If you and your friend are on the same Wi-Fi or wired network, they can open their single-player world to LAN without any server software. This is the fastest method if you are in the same house or office.
Your friend opens Minecraft, loads the world they want to share, and presses Escape. They click "Open to LAN" and choose a game mode (Survival or Creative). The world is now visible to anyone on the same network. On your end, open Minecraft, click "Multiplayer", and look under "Servers". Your friend's world should appear in the list with their username. Click it and select "Join Server".
LAN worlds only stay open while your friend is in the world and the game is running. If they close Minecraft or quit the world, you will be kicked out. This method works well for quick sessions but is not suitable for long-term play.
Using a third-party server host
Third-party hosts like Aternos, Nitrado, or Shockbyte run servers on their computers instead of your friend's. Your friend rents space, uploads or creates a world, and you join using the server address they provide. These services cost money (Aternos offers a free tier with limitations, while others charge monthly), but the server stays online even when your friend is offline.
To join, your friend gives you the server address (something like play.example.aternos.me). You open Minecraft, click "Multiplayer", then "Add Server". Paste the address into the "Server Address" field, give it a name, and click "Done". The server now appears in your list. Click it and select "Join Server".
Third-party hosts are more reliable than home servers because they have better internet connections and do not depend on your friend's computer staying on. They are the best choice if you want a stable world that multiple friends can join at different times.
Troubleshooting connection problems
If you cannot connect, start by confirming the server is actually running. Ask your friend to log in from their own computer first — if they can play, the server is up. Then check the address or IP you are using: copy and paste it directly from your friend rather than typing it by hand, because even one wrong number will block the connection.
If you see "Connection refused" or "Connection timed out", the server may be offline, the port may be closed, or your firewall may be blocking it. Windows Defender Firewall sometimes blocks Minecraft without warning. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app through firewall, find Minecraft Java Edition in the list, and make sure both "Private" and "Public" are checked.
If you are trying to join from outside your friend's home network and it is not working, they may need to enable port forwarding on their router. This is a technical step that varies by router model. Your friend should search "[router brand] port forwarding" and follow the guide for their specific device. Port forwarding is not necessary for Realms, LAN, or third-party hosts — only for home servers accessed remotely.
Choosing the right method for your situation
Use Realms if you want the easiest setup and do not mind paying a subscription. Use LAN if you are on the same network and only playing for a short time. Use a home server if your friend wants to host for free and you are both on the same network or comfortable with port forwarding. Use a third-party host if you want a reliable server that stays online and multiple friends will join at different times.
The table below summarizes the trade-offs:
| Method | Cost | Setup difficulty | Server stays online when friend is offline | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Realms | Monthly subscription (~$8 USD) | Very straightforward | Yes | Casual play, small groups |
| LAN | Free | Very straightforward | No | Same network, short sessions |
| Home server | Free | Medium | No | Same network, long-term play |
| Third-party host | Free to $15+ per month | straightforward | Yes | Stable play, multiple friends |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I join my friend's world if they are playing on a different version of Minecraft?
No. Java Edition and Bedrock Edition are separate games and cannot play together. Both you and your friend must be on the same version. Check the launcher to confirm — Java Edition says "Minecraft: Java Edition" and Bedrock says "Minecraft for Windows" or "Minecraft Launcher".
What if my friend does not want to pay for Realms?
They can run a free server from their own computer using software like Spigot or Paper, or they can use a free third-party host like Aternos (which has a free tier with a player limit). Both require more setup than Realms but cost nothing.
Why does the server say "outdated server" or "outdated client"?
This means you and your friend are running different versions of Minecraft. Both of you must update to the same version. Check the launcher for updates and restart it, then try again.
Can I join a Bedrock world on my Java PC?
No. Bedrock and Java are separate games. If your friend plays Bedrock Edition, you would need to buy and play Bedrock Edition on your PC to join them. They are not compatible.
What should I do if my friend's home server keeps disconnecting me?
Ask your friend to check their internet connection and restart the server software. Home servers are less stable than third-party hosts because they depend on your friend's computer and internet. If disconnections keep happening, switching to a third-party host will solve the problem.