Is Minecraft crossplay? Cross-platform status on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, more

Anmol David
Hills and a cherry grove in Minecraft.

Minecraft is often referred to as one of the greatest games ever made but has its popularity given it the privilege of being cross-platform? Here’s everything you need to know about Minecraft and crossplay.

There is a ton to explore in Minecraft, from biomes and alternate dimensions to caves, shipwrecks, fortresses, and secret passageways. In addition, new content is added all the time, and playing Minecraft with friends has never been more fun.

Many players, however, have friends that play on a different platform than them. This often leads to confusion regarding cross-platform gameplay and progression, so here’s a guide that explains whether Minecraft has crossplay or not.

Minecraft with shaders.
Cross-platform play allows players to explore a brand-new Minecraft world together.

Does Minecraft have crossplay? Cross-platform status

Minecraft supports cross-platform play since the Bedrock Edition was released back in 2011. The Bedrock version of the game is available on every platform, which makes crossplay available on all of them. Therefore, players should have no problems joining or inviting friends on any other platform.

The Java Edition is a different story. That version is only available on PC, so crossplay isn’t a feature.

How to play Minecraft cross-platform

To play Minecraft with friends on different platforms, you will have to connect to your Microsoft accounts. This is a simple process and only requires each of you to own a Minecraft copy that falls under the Bedrock Edition and a working internet connection.

Here’s how you can activate cross-platform in Minecraft:

  1. Launch Minecraft on your device.
  2. Create or load into a pre-existing world.
  3. Access the in-game pause menu on your respective platform.
  4. Click on the green ‘Invite to Game’ button on the right side of the screen.
  5. A list of all your in-game and online friends will open, allowing you to choose who to invite.
  6. Scroll down to ‘Online Cross-Platform Friends‘, select your friend’s name, and you’ll then be able to send them an invite.
Some beautiful landscape in Minecraft.
Minecraft adventures are more enjoyable with friends.

What platforms is Minecraft available on?

Since the game’s release in 2010, Minecraft has been made available on a wide variety of platforms. Here’s every platform on which you can play Minecraft:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • Android
  • iOS
  • iPadOS
  • Xbox 360
  • Raspberry Pi
  • Windows Phone
  • PlayStation 3
  • Fire OS
  • PlayStation 4
  • Xbox One
  • PlayStation Vita
  • Wii U
  • Apple TV
  • tvOS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • Nintendo 3DS

That’s everything you need to know about cross-platform play in Minecraft. For more on the sandbox title, check out our guides below:

How to get a saddle in Minecraft | How to make a lectern in Minecraft | How to grow mushrooms in Minecraft | How to make a compass in Minecraft | How to change Minecraft username | How to make a bed in Minecraft | How to dye leather armor in Minecraft | How to cure a Zombie villager in Minecraft | How to make and use a beacon in Minecraft