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Minecraft and Family Sharing: A Comprehensive Guide

The question of whether Minecraft can be shared with family sharing is a complex one, as the answer varies depending on the version of Minecraft and the platform you’re using. Generally, Minecraft: Bedrock Edition is more amenable to family sharing than Minecraft: Java Edition. However, even with Bedrock, the specifics depend on whether you’re using Apple’s Family Sharing, Google Play Family Library, or Microsoft’s family features on Xbox. For Java Edition, each player needs their own separate account and license.

Understanding the Nuances of Minecraft Sharing

Minecraft’s popularity makes it a common request within families. Children want to play together, and parents naturally look for ways to manage costs. Unfortunately, the licensing structure isn’t always straightforward. Let’s break down the various scenarios:

Minecraft: Bedrock Edition and Family Sharing

Minecraft: Bedrock Edition is available on a wider range of platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows 10/11, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. This edition is often more accommodating to family sharing features offered by the respective platforms.

Apple Family Sharing: If you purchased Minecraft: Bedrock Edition on an iOS device, Apple’s Family Sharing should allow other members of your family group to download their own copy without needing your Apple ID and password. This relies on the standard app sharing functionality built into iOS.
Google Play Family Library: On Android devices, you can enable the Family Library feature within the Google Play Store. This allows family members to share eligible apps and games, including Minecraft: Bedrock Edition, without separate purchases. To enable it, navigate to “My Apps & Games” within the Minecraft: Bedrock Edition details page and turn on Family Library.
Microsoft Family on Xbox: On Xbox consoles, you can set up a Microsoft Family group and designate a “Home Xbox.” Any games purchased digitally on the account associated with the Home Xbox can be shared with other profiles on that console.

Minecraft: Java Edition: Separate Accounts Required

Minecraft: Java Edition has a stricter licensing policy. Each player needs their own Minecraft account and license to play. This means you cannot directly share a single Java Edition purchase across multiple accounts. To purchase Minecraft: Java Edition (through the Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition bundle) from minecraft.net costs $29.99 USD or the local currency equivalent. This is a one-time purchase. You can buy an account for yourself or buy a code to gift to someone else.

Cross-Platform Play and Account Requirements

It’s crucial to remember that cross-platform play requires all players to be using the same edition of Minecraft. A Bedrock player cannot connect to a world hosted by a Java player, and vice versa. Furthermore, regardless of the edition, each person needs their own Microsoft Account to play online with others.

Navigating Microsoft Accounts for Minecraft

A Microsoft account makes it easier for children to find their friends and invite them to play Minecraft online. As a parent, you can control who they add to keep them safe. And with a Minecraft Realms subscription, a child can play and explore with up to 10 friends on their own private server.

To use multiple Microsoft accounts on one computer, create a different computer user account for each purchase of Minecraft: Bedrock Edition you have. Note: Each Minecraft: Bedrock Edition purchase will use a different Microsoft account login.

Tips for Managing Minecraft Access for Families

Prioritize Bedrock Edition if Sharing is Essential: If family sharing is a key requirement, opt for the Bedrock Edition, which offers more flexibility on certain platforms.
Consider Minecraft Realms: A Minecraft Realms subscription allows up to 10 players to play together on a private server. This can be a good option for families wanting a safe and controlled multiplayer environment.
Monitor Online Activity: Whether your child is playing Java or Bedrock, supervise their online interactions and ensure they understand online safety guidelines.
Explore Educational Aspects: Minecraft can be a powerful educational tool. Encourage your children to explore the game’s creative and problem-solving aspects. GamesLearningSociety.org has interesting content on Minecraft as an educational tool, visit the Games Learning Society website for additional details.

Minecraft as an Educational Tool

Because of its complexity, potential for mild violence, and online community, Minecraft is generally appropriate for kids age 8 and up. If you have younger kids who want to play but aren’t quite ready, you have options. These Minecraft alternatives can occupy them with a very similar style, without some of the tougher stuff.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I share Minecraft Java Edition with my family?

No, you cannot directly share Minecraft Java Edition. Each player needs their own separate Minecraft account and a valid Java Edition license.

2. Does family sharing work for Minecraft: Bedrock Edition?

Yes, family sharing often works for Minecraft: Bedrock Edition, but it depends on the platform (iOS, Android, Xbox). Apple Family Sharing, Google Play Family Library, and Microsoft Family on Xbox can all facilitate sharing Bedrock Edition under certain conditions.

3. How do I add Minecraft to my family library on Google Play?

In the Google Play Store app, navigate to “My Apps & Games” within the Minecraft: Bedrock Edition details page, and turn on the “Family Library” option.

4. Do I have to buy Minecraft for each child?

For Minecraft: Java Edition, yes, you need to buy a separate license for each child. For Minecraft: Bedrock Edition, it depends on the platform’s family sharing capabilities.

5. Can two kids share a Minecraft account?

While technically possible, sharing a Minecraft account is generally discouraged as it violates the terms of service. If one person is logged into that account and playing, another player cannot also log into that same account and play. It’s better to have separate accounts for each child.

6. Do I have to pay for Minecraft on each device?

If you’re using the same Apple ID on multiple iOS devices, you generally don’t have to pay again. On other platforms, it depends on whether you’re using family sharing and whether the devices are linked to the same account.

7. Can two people use the same Minecraft account simultaneously?

Gamers can boot up the game on the same account on several different devices. However, only one of the devices can be involved in online play at any given time. Servers and other things are restricted to one device, but the others can be in a world doing whatever they want.

8. Can you use Minecraft on 2 different devices?

Yes, but all devices connecting to the shared world must be the same edition of Minecraft. A Bedrock player cannot connect to a world hosted by a Java player, and vice versa.

9. Can you buy Minecraft once for two accounts?

No, you need a separate purchase for each account. However, with Bedrock Edition and family sharing, you may only need to buy it once for the “family organizer” account.

10. What is a Minecraft family account?

There isn’t a specific “Minecraft family account.” However, you can use Microsoft Family features to manage your child’s access to Minecraft and control their online interactions.

11. Can Microsoft family share games?

Yes, Microsoft Family groups can share games, particularly on Xbox.

12. How do I share my Minecraft purchases?

All purchases made on the Minecraft Marketplace are only for the account that bought them and cannot be shared across other accounts you have for this version or other profiles on this console.

13. Do you have to buy Minecraft twice for two accounts?

Yes, generally. Minecraft: Java Edition requires separate purchases for each account. Minecraft: Bedrock Edition may be shareable through family sharing features on some platforms.

14. Do you need two accounts to play Minecraft?

Everyone joining the game must have their own, separate Microsoft Accounts.

15. Do I have to buy Minecraft again for each iPad?

All purchases on the Apple App Store are associated with your Apple ID or iTunes account. If you sign in to the App Store with the same Apple ID as you used to buy Minecraft, you won’t need to pay for it again.

Minecraft’s popularity and educational potential make it a valuable addition to any family’s digital library. By understanding the nuances of family sharing and account management, you can ensure everyone enjoys the game responsibly and affordably.

Can Minecraft be shared with family sharing?