Downloading Minecraft Bedrock: A Comprehensive Guide for Existing Owners

So, you already own Minecraft: Bedrock Edition and want to get it on another device or perhaps re-download it. The good news is, it’s usually a straightforward process! The exact steps depend on the platform you originally purchased it on, but the core principle remains the same: access the store associated with your account and re-download the game. Let’s break down the process by platform.

Accessing Minecraft Bedrock on Your Devices

The key is to remember the account you used to initially purchase Minecraft: Bedrock Edition. This could be your Microsoft account, your Nintendo account, your PlayStation Network account, or your Google Play account, depending on your platform.

• Windows 10/11: If you bought Minecraft: Bedrock Edition through the Microsoft Store, sign in with the same Microsoft account. Then, go to your Library within the store; Minecraft should be available for download.

• Xbox: Assuming you’re using the same Xbox account that owns the game, navigate to “My Games & Apps,” then “Full Library,” and finally, “Owned Games.” Minecraft: Bedrock Edition should appear in the list and be ready for download.

• Nintendo Switch: Head to the Nintendo eShop, and ensure you’re logged in with the Nintendo account that purchased the game. Search for Minecraft, and you should see an option to re-download it without further payment.

• PlayStation: Access the PlayStation Store with the correct account, and find Minecraft: Bedrock Edition in your game library or purchase history. You can then download it to your console.

• Android: Open the Google Play Store and sign in using the Google account you used to buy Minecraft. Go to “My apps & games,” then “Library.” You should find Minecraft ready for re-installation.

• iOS: On your iOS device, open the App Store and sign in with the Apple ID used for the original purchase. Navigate to your purchased apps section or search for Minecraft. The option to download it should be available.

Important Considerations:

• Cross-Platform Limitations: Keep in mind that you can’t freely transfer your Minecraft: Bedrock Edition license between different ecosystems. For instance, purchasing it on Xbox doesn’t automatically grant you access on PlayStation.
• Account Consistency: Double-check that you’re using the correct account across all devices and stores. This is the most common reason for download issues.
• Family Sharing: If a family member purchased the game, ensure you have appropriate sharing settings enabled on your platform to access it.
• Game Pass: If you have access to Minecraft: Bedrock Edition through Xbox Game Pass or PC Game Pass, you can download it as long as your subscription is active.
• Minecraft PC Bundle: With the Minecraft PC Bundle you get access to both Minecraft: Bedrock Edition and Minecraft: Java Edition through the same launcher, which is a convinient method.

FAQs about Downloading Minecraft Bedrock

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to further clarify the process and address common concerns regarding downloading Minecraft: Bedrock Edition.

General

1. Can I download Minecraft Bedrock on multiple devices if I already own it?

   Yes, as long as you’re using the same account on each device that you used to purchase the game. However, remember that cross-platform licenses aren’t universal (e.g., Xbox to PlayStation usually requires a new purchase).

2. Do I need to buy Minecraft Bedrock again if I switch from Android to iOS?

   Yes, because licenses are usually tied to the specific app store (Google Play for Android, App Store for iOS). Moving between mobile operating systems typically requires a fresh purchase.

3. I bought Minecraft Java Edition. Do I get Bedrock for free?

   At one point, owning Java Edition entitled you to a free copy of Bedrock Edition (and vice versa). This offer is currently not available. The Minecraft PC Bundle gives you both, but requires a purchase.

4. I have Minecraft through Game Pass. What happens when my subscription ends?

   You can play Minecraft: Bedrock Edition and/or Java Edition through Xbox Game Pass or PC Game Pass as long as your subscription is active. When your subscription ends, you will lose access to the game until you renew or purchase it.

5. I accidentally deleted Minecraft Bedrock. Can I re-download it without paying again?

   Yes, you can! Using the same account on the same device, navigate to your purchase history or game library in the respective app store and re-download it.

Windows Specific

6. I can’t find Minecraft in my Microsoft Store library. What should I do?

   First, double-check you’re logged into the Microsoft Store with the correct account (the one you used to buy Minecraft). If it’s still missing, try clearing the Microsoft Store cache or contacting Microsoft Support.

7. Can I run both Java and Bedrock Editions on the same Windows PC?

   Yes! You can run both editions side-by-side on the same PC. The Minecraft PC Bundle includes both, making it convenient to switch between them.

8. I bought Minecraft Bedrock on my old PC. How do I transfer it to my new one?

   Simply log into the Microsoft Store on your new PC with the account you used to purchase the game. Then, download it from your library. Worlds will need to be manually transferred or backed up to Minecraft Realms.

Console Specific

9. I bought Minecraft Bedrock on my Xbox. Can I play it on my Switch without buying it again?

   No, you will need to purchase a new copy on the Nintendo Switch. Licenses are not cross-platform between different console ecosystems.

10. I upgraded my Nintendo Switch. How do I get Minecraft Bedrock on the new console?

    Log into the Nintendo eShop on your new Switch using the same Nintendo Account, and re-download Minecraft from your purchase history.

11. Does Bedrock Edition support cross-platform play?

    Yes! The Minecraft: Bedrock Edition is designed for cross-platform play. This allows players on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile devices to play together in the same worlds.

Account and License Issues

12. I forgot which account I used to buy Minecraft. How can I find out?

    Check your email accounts for purchase confirmations from the Microsoft Store, Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or the Nintendo eShop. This should give you a clue as to which account you used.

13. Can I share my Minecraft Bedrock license with my family?

    Most platforms offer family sharing features, allowing you to share purchased games with family members under certain conditions. Refer to the specific platform’s guidelines on family sharing.

14. What’s the difference between Minecraft Java and Bedrock Editions?

    Java Edition is the original version of Minecraft, known for its extensive modding support and customization options. Bedrock Edition is a more optimized, cross-platform version designed to run on a wider range of devices and facilitate cross-play. There are gameplay differences between versions. Bedrock Edition is written in C++ and Java Edition is written in Java.

15. How do I transfer my Minecraft worlds to a new device?

    For Minecraft: Bedrock Edition, the easiest way to transfer worlds is using Minecraft Realms, a subscription service that stores your worlds in the cloud. You can also manually transfer the world files, but this process varies depending on the platform. Make sure you are using the same edition of Minecraft: Bedrock Edition to transfer worlds.

The End Goal

Ultimately, re-downloading Minecraft: Bedrock Edition if you already own it is a simple process, but requires diligence when it comes to the correct account information and understanding cross-platform limitations. With the correct information, you’ll be back to building and exploring in no time!

For those interested in the educational aspects of gaming, including Minecraft, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for more information on how games are used in education. It is a research community focused on understanding and supporting learning through games.