How to Play Minecraft with Friends on Phone
Minecraft, a popular sandbox video game, allows players to build and explore blocky worlds with their friends. With the mobile version of the game, players can play together seamlessly across devices, regardless of the platform. In this article, we will guide you on how to play Minecraft with friends on phone.
Prerequisites
Before diving into the world of Minecraft multiplayer, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
- Minecraft mobile version installed on each device
- A stable internet connection (WiFi or mobile data)
- The latest version of Minecraft Pocket Edition or Minecraft Realms (explained below)
- A username or Realms subscription for each player
Method 1: Minecraft Pocket Edition Multiplayer
For those playing on mobile devices, the most common way to play Minecraft with friends is through the Minecraft Pocket Edition.
- Create a new world or join an existing one: Start by creating a new world or joining an existing one that has multiplayer enabled. Make sure you’re in a public world or have permission to join from the world’s creator.
- Set up a game invite: Tap the three-dot menu next to the world’s name and select "Set Up a Game Invite". You can also do this from the "Play" screen.
- Generate a unique invite link: Once set up, a unique invite link will be generated. Share this link with your friends who want to join.
- Friends join the world: The invite link will be shared through social media, messaging apps, or directly via the Minecraft app. Your friends can enter the link, create their Minecraft username, and join the world.
- Play together!: You’ll be able to play with your friends in real-time, exploring and building together.
Method 2: Minecraft Realms Multiplayer
Alternatively, Minecraft Realms is a cloud-based subscription service that allows players to host their own dedicated servers for seamless multiplayer gaming.
Advantages:
- No need to worry about finding or joining public servers
- Secure, password-protected servers
- Automated backups and updates
- Exclusive Realms-only content
Steps:
- Subscribe to Minecraft Realms: Access the Minecraft app store or Minecraft.com to subscribe to Minecraft Realms. Realms comes in different subscription plans, with varying storage capacity and server capacity.
- Create a new Realms world: Within the Minecraft app, access the Realms section and create a new world. Make sure to choose the "Multiplayer" mode.
- Share the server invitation: Share the invitation link or invite friends directly from the Minecraft app. Your friends will receive the invite and join the Realms server.
- Play together!: As with Method 1, you’ll be able to play with your friends in real-time, exploring and building together on your own dedicated Realms server.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Make sure all players have the latest version of Minecraft installed
- Check your internet connection for stability and speed
- If players encounter lag, try closing unnecessary apps or restarting the device
Tips for an Optimal Experience
- Ensure you’re in the same time zone or have set time zones to the same to avoid confusing clocks.
- Set username permissions for the world or server to manage player access.
- Create a dedicated chat channel for friends-only discussions.
- Consider voice chat apps to communicate while playing.
- Make sure you have enough storage space on your device for large maps or resource-intensive worlds.
FAQs
Q: What are the minimum requirements for playing Minecraft on a phone?
A: A smartphone or tablet running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher or iOS 11.0 or higher.
Q: Can I play Minecraft with friends who play on PC or Xbox?
A: Yes! You can join servers or invite friends playing on PC, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch to play together. Make sure everyone is using the same Minecraft version and has a valid login credentials.
Q: Are Minecraft Pocket Edition and Minecraft Realms the same?
A: No, Minecraft Pocket Edition is a standalone version of Minecraft, while Minecraft Realms is a subscription-based service providing dedicated servers for seamless multiplayer gaming.
Q: Can I invite friends from the Minecraft Realms subscription service?
A: Yes, once you have a Minecraft Realms subscription, you can invite friends to join your server using the shared invitation link or through the Minecraft app.
Q: Is there a limit to the number of friends I can invite?
A: With a standard Minecraft Realms subscription, there’s no limit to the number of friends you can invite. However, storage capacity and server capacity may be limited.
Q: How do I manage player permissions and access to my Realms server?
A: From the Realms menu within the Minecraft app, access the Player Management section to manage permissions, assign ranks, and control access to your server.
Q: Can I use voice chat with friends while playing Minecraft on phone?
A: Yes! Use popular voice chat apps like Discord or WhatsApp to communicate with friends while playing Minecraft.
Q: How do I share a Minecraft world or Realms server invitation?
A: Within the Minecraft app, access the Game Invites or Share option and share the unique invite link with your friends.