Minecraft Realms offer a seamless and secure way to play with friends across different devices. Whether you’re on PC, console, or mobile, Realms provide a dedicated world hosted by Mojang that stays online even when you’re not. Joining a Realm can seem a bit confusing at first, especially when you’re switching between platforms, but with the right guidance, it’s a fairly easy process that opens up countless multiplayer possibilities.
TL;DR: To join a Minecraft Realm, you need a valid Minecraft account and the game installed on your device. The Realm owner must send you an invitation. After that, simply go to the “Play” menu, open the “Friends” tab, and accept the invite. This works across platforms, although you need to be playing Minecraft: Bedrock Edition for full cross-play functionality.
What Are Minecraft Realms?
Minecraft Realms are private, cloud-hosted servers created and managed by Mojang. They provide a cleaner and more user-friendly way for players to game together online without needing to manually set up servers. Realms are subscription-based, and only the Realm owner needs to pay the monthly fee. Up to 10 players can join a Realm at the same time in a standard subscription, with support for more in the Realms Plus option.
For cross-platform play, it’s important to know that Minecraft has two editions: Java Edition and Bedrock Edition. Cross-platform play is only possible in the Bedrock Edition, which is available on Windows 10/11, iOS, Android, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.
Requirements for Joining a Realm
Before you can join a Realm, make sure you have the following:
- A valid Minecraft account – You’ll need a Microsoft account to play on most platforms.
- The correct version of Minecraft – Ensure you’re on Bedrock Edition if trying to play cross-platform.
- An active internet connection – Realms are hosted online, so a stable connection is crucial.
- An invitation from the Realm owner – You cannot join a Realm without an invite.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Join a Minecraft Realm
1. Receive an Invitation
The Realm owner must send you an invite. This is usually done via Xbox Live or directly in the game interface if you’re friends in-game. You’ll receive a notification in your Minecraft main menu or Xbox Live messages.
Note: If you don’t receive an invite, double-check that you’re friends with the Realm owner on Xbox Live and that you’re using the correct Microsoft account.
2. Accessing the Realm
Follow these steps once you’ve received an invitation:
- Open Minecraft and log into your Microsoft account.
- Click on the “Play” button from the main menu.
- Navigate to the “Friends” tab.
- Look under “Joinable Realms” to find the invitation.
- Click “Join” and start playing.
This process is the same regardless of the platform, as long as you’re using the Bedrock Edition of Minecraft. If you’re using the Java Edition, you have to join via the Java Realms interface, which is slightly different but still intuitive.
Differences Between Bedrock and Java Realms
There are a few significant distinctions between the two editions that impact how you join Realms:
- Bedrock Edition: Supports cross-platform play; works on mobile, console, and Windows 10/11; uses Xbox Live for multiplayer functionality.
- Java Edition: Only works on Windows/macOS/Linux PCs; Realms are managed directly through the Minecraft Java launcher and account; no cross-platform play with Bedrock.
If you try to join a Java Realm with a Bedrock account (or vice versa), it won’t work. Make sure you and your friends are on the same edition before attempting to join one another’s Realms.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Issue 1: Invitation Not Received
This is often caused by friend request issues or account mismatches. Make sure:
- You’re logged in with the correct Microsoft account.
- You’ve accepted the Realm owner’s friend request.
- Your account’s privacy settings allow multiplayer games.
Issue 2: Can’t Find the Realm in the Friends Tab
If the Realm isn’t showing up:
- Restart Minecraft or your device.
- Check if the invitation has expired or has been revoked.
- Make sure you’re using the Bedrock Edition on supported devices.
Issue 3: Multiplayer Access Blocked
This can happen due to Xbox Live privacy settings, parental controls, or age-restricted accounts. Visit account.xbox.com/settings and adjust the settings to allow multiplayer access and joining clubs.
How to Join a Realm on Different Platforms
Windows 10/11 (Bedrock Edition)
Launch Minecraft and sign in with your Microsoft account. Follow the steps under the “Accessing the Realm” section to join.
Xbox Series X|S / Xbox One
Make sure you’re signed into Xbox Live with a Microsoft Account. Go to the Friends tab inside the game and access joinable Realms from there.
PlayStation 4/5
After launching Minecraft, link your PlayStation Network account with a Microsoft Account if prompted. Once signed in, use the steps above to find and join the Realm.
Nintendo Switch
You’ll need both a Nintendo Online subscription and a Microsoft account. After logging into both, head to the Friends tab and join the Realm via the invite.
iOS / Android / Tablet
Make sure your Minecraft app is the latest version. Sign into your Microsoft account in-game, head to the Friends tab, then click on the Realm under “Joinable Realms.”
Can You Join a Realm Without an Invite?
No, you cannot access a Minecraft Realm without a personal invitation. If the Realm owner has published a code, they must still approve your addition to the Realm. There’s no option to search or browse public Realms like you might with public servers.
Tips for a Better Multiplayer Experience
- Use voice chat: Use tools like Discord or Xbox voice chat for better teamwork and game coordination.
- Stay up to date: Keep your game updated to avoid any compatibility issues with Realms using newer versions.
- Back up your worlds: If you’re a Realm owner, make regular backups to prevent data loss.
- Respect realm rules: Follow the rules set by the Realm owner to avoid getting removed or banned.
Conclusion
Joining a Minecraft Realm is a straightforward process once you understand the steps involved. Whether you’re on console, PC, or mobile, Realms offer a reliable and safe way to enjoy multiplayer Minecraft with friends. Keep in mind the edition differences and ensure your game and account settings are correct to avoid common issues. With a proper setup, you can jump into exciting shared adventures with zero hassle.
If you’re new to Minecraft Realms or trying to connect with cross-platform friends, following this guide will set you on the right path. Happy crafting!
