Yes, Minecraft is cross-platform, but with one big catch. Minecraft Bedrock Edition supports crossplay between Windows PCs, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iPhone, iPad and Android devices. Minecraft Java Edition, the original PC version, only plays with other Java players on Windows, macOS and Linux. Java and Bedrock cannot play together without special server software. This guide explains exactly who can play with whom, how to set up crossplay on each platform, how Realms and servers fit in, and how to solve common crossplay problems.
Quick answer: Minecraft crossplay chart
| Edition | Platforms | Crossplay with |
|---|---|---|
| Bedrock Edition | Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, iOS, Android | All other Bedrock platforms |
| Java Edition | Windows, macOS, Linux | Other Java players only |
| Minecraft Education | Schools (Windows, Mac, iPad, Chromebook) | Other Education users only |
Is Minecraft cross platform between Xbox and PlayStation?
Yes. Since December 2019, Minecraft on PlayStation has used Bedrock Edition and supports full crossplay with Xbox, Switch, PC and mobile. Players on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S can join the same worlds, Realms and featured servers. The only requirement is that every player signs in with a free Microsoft account, which handles friends lists across platforms.
Is Minecraft crossplay between PC and console?
It depends on which PC version you play. Minecraft for Windows (Bedrock) works with consoles and phones. Minecraft Java Edition does not. Since 2022, buying Minecraft on PC gives you both, so PC players can simply launch the Bedrock version from the Minecraft Launcher to play with friends on console. Mac and Linux players only have Java, so they cannot play with console players without server tricks.
How to set up Minecraft crossplay
- Update every device to the same version of Minecraft, because players on older versions cannot join newer worlds.
- Sign in with a Microsoft account on every platform. On Xbox and Windows you are already signed in. On PlayStation and Switch, choose Sign in with a Microsoft Account from the main menu and follow the code at microsoft.com/link.
- Add friends using their gamertag. Open Play, then the Friends tab, then Add Friend, and search for the gamertag.
- Host or join a world. The host opens a world with multiplayer enabled; friends see it under the Friends tab and can join.
On console you need the platform’s online subscription to play online: PlayStation Plus Essential on PlayStation, Game Pass Essential on Xbox, and Nintendo Switch Online on Switch. Phones and PCs do not need a subscription. See how to play Minecraft with friends for every multiplayer method.
Crossplay with Realms
Minecraft Realms are private servers run by Mojang. Bedrock Realms are cross-platform, so friends on any Bedrock device can join with an invite link or code, even when the owner is offline. Java Realms only work with Java Edition. Realms are the easiest way to have a world that is always online for a cross-platform group. Read how much Minecraft Realms costs.
Crossplay on servers
Bedrock players on Windows, mobile and Xbox can join any Bedrock server by IP address. PlayStation and Switch players can join featured servers, such as The Hive, Cubecraft and Lifeboat, directly from the Servers tab; joining custom servers on console needs workarounds. Java players join Java servers by IP. Some servers run both editions at once using a plugin called GeyserMC, which translates between Java and Bedrock so console and mobile players can join Java servers. This is the only practical way to mix Java and Bedrock players.
Can Java and Bedrock players play together?
Not directly. The two editions are built on different code, and their worlds and networking are not compatible. You can convert worlds between editions with third-party tools, and you can join special servers running GeyserMC, but you cannot open a Java world to LAN and have a Bedrock friend join. If your group is split, the easiest fix is for PC players to switch to Bedrock, which they already own if they bought Minecraft after 2022.
Common crossplay problems and fixes
- Friends cannot see your world: check that multiplayer is enabled in world settings and that the world’s visibility is set to Friends or Friends of Friends.
- Different versions: update Minecraft on every device. Console updates sometimes arrive a day later than PC or mobile.
- PlayStation or Switch cannot add friends: make sure you signed in with a Microsoft account, and that your Xbox privacy settings allow cross-network play.
- Child accounts cannot join: parents need to allow multiplayer and cross-network play in Xbox Family Settings.
- Connection errors: restart the router, use a wired connection on consoles, and check Minecraft server status.
Split-screen and local play
On Xbox, PlayStation and Switch, Bedrock Edition also supports split-screen for up to four players on one TV, and split-screen players can join online cross-platform worlds together. Java Edition has no split-screen. Mobile and PC players can also play together over the same Wi-Fi network without an online subscription, as long as everyone is on Bedrock.
Minecraft crossplay FAQ
Is Minecraft cross platform between PS5 and Xbox?
Yes, through Bedrock Edition, with a free Microsoft account.
Can Minecraft Java play with Bedrock?
Not directly. Only special servers with GeyserMC allow it.
Is Minecraft crossplay on Switch?
Yes. Switch and Switch 2 run Bedrock Edition and play with every other Bedrock platform.
Do you need to pay for crossplay?
Crossplay itself is free, but consoles need their online subscription for internet multiplayer.
Can mobile players play with PC players?
Yes, if the PC player uses Bedrock Edition for Windows.
For more, see our Minecraft hub and Minecraft prices on every platform.
Which platform should your group choose?
If you are setting up a new group, choose Bedrock Edition unless everyone is on PC and wants mods. Bedrock lets each friend use whatever device they already own: a parent on a phone, a teenager on PS5, a sibling on Switch and a friend on Xbox can all share one Realm. It also supports split-screen and Marketplace worlds that are easy to start with. Choose Java if your whole group plays on computers and wants mods, shaders and the huge Java server scene, or if you want the most technical redstone behavior. Many families end up running a Bedrock Realm for everyday play and letting older players experiment with Java separately.
Crossplay and parental controls
Because crossplay connects players across networks, parents should check settings on every device. On Xbox and Windows, Xbox Family Settings control multiplayer, chat and cross-network play for child accounts. On PlayStation and Switch, the console’s parental controls apply in addition to the Microsoft account settings, so both need to allow online play. For younger children, a private Realm with invited friends only is the safest way to enjoy crossplay, because strangers cannot join.
Cross-progression and purchases
Your Marketplace purchases and Minecoins are tied to your Microsoft account and carry across most Bedrock platforms, although some content bought on one store may not transfer to another. Worlds are stored on each device, so to move a world between platforms you upload it to a Realm and download it on the other device. Achievements also use your Microsoft account.
Once everyone is signed in and on the same version, crossplay in Bedrock Edition works smoothly, and you can build, explore and survive together no matter which device each person prefers.