What a LAN server is and how to find one
A LAN server is a Minecraft world that runs on someone's computer on the same local network as yours — usually your home WiFi or a network at a LAN party or gaming event. When someone opens their world to LAN, other players on that same network can see it in their server list and join without needing a password or internet account beyond their Minecraft login.
You find LAN servers in the Multiplayer menu, not by typing in an address. When you open Multiplayer and wait a few seconds, any active LAN worlds on your network appear automatically. The person hosting the world does not need to set up port forwarding or rent a server — they just open their world and toggle LAN mode on.
LAN servers work on Java Edition and Bedrock Edition, but the steps differ slightly between them. Both are free to use once you own the game.
Key Takeaways
- LAN servers show up automatically in your Multiplayer menu when someone on your network opens their world to LAN — you do not search for them or enter an address.
- On Java Edition, click Open to LAN in the pause menu while in a world; on Bedrock, toggle Multiplayer in world settings before entering the world.
- You must be on the same WiFi network or connected to the same local network as the host to see their server.
- If a LAN server does not appear after 10 seconds, restart your Multiplayer menu or ask the host to close and reopen their world to LAN.
Joining a LAN server on Java Edition
Start by asking the person hosting the world to open it to LAN. They should be in their world, press Escape to open the pause menu, and click the button that says Open to LAN. A message will appear telling them the port number — they can share this with you, though you do not need it to join.
On your computer, open Minecraft Java Edition and click Multiplayer from the main menu. Wait 5 to 10 seconds. Any LAN worlds currently active on your network will appear in the server list below the Multiplayer button. Click the world name and then click Join Server. You will load into the host's world with the same permissions as if you were playing single-player — you can build, break blocks, and interact normally unless the host has set restrictions.
If you do not see the server after 10 seconds, make sure you are on the same WiFi network as the host. If you are, ask them to close the world and open it to LAN again. Sometimes the broadcast does not reach all devices on the first try.
Joining a LAN server on Bedrock Edition
Bedrock Edition (the version on Windows 10, Windows 11, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox) handles LAN slightly differently. The host needs to enable multiplayer before they enter the world, not after. They should create or open a world, and before clicking Play, they toggle on the Multiplayer switch in the world settings. Once they enter the world, it broadcasts to the network.
On your device, open Minecraft Bedrock and go to Play. Under Friends, you should see the host's world listed if they have multiplayer enabled. Tap or click on it and select Join. You will load into their world. If you do not see it, make sure both devices are on the same WiFi network and ask the host to close and reopen the world.
Bedrock LAN servers are more reliable when both players are on the same type of device — two Windows computers, or two Nintendo Switches — but cross-platform joining usually works if you are on the same network.
Troubleshooting when a LAN server will not appear
The most common reason a LAN server does not show up is that you are not on the same network as the host. Check that both computers or devices are connected to the same WiFi network. If one person is on a guest network and the other is on the main network, they will not see each other even if the WiFi name looks the same.
If you are on the same network and the server still does not appear, restart your Multiplayer menu. Close it completely and reopen it. Ask the host to do the same on their end. If it still does not work, have the host close their world entirely and open it to LAN again — sometimes the broadcast needs to be refreshed.
On Java Edition, if you have a firewall or antivirus software, it may block the LAN broadcast. Try temporarily disabling it to test, or add Minecraft to the firewall's allowed programs list. On Bedrock, make sure the host has not accidentally set the world to Invite Only in the world settings.
What happens after you join
Once you are in the world, you play normally. You can build, mine, craft, and interact with the world just as the host can. If the host pauses the game, everyone pauses. If the host closes the world, you are kicked out and return to the main menu.
LAN servers do not save your progress separately — you are playing in the host's world file. If you place blocks or collect items, they stay in that world. If you die, you respawn at the world spawn point or your bed, depending on the world settings.
The host can adjust game rules, difficulty, and other settings in the pause menu while you are playing. Changes take effect when ready for all players.
When LAN is not available or does not work
LAN only works on local networks. If you want to play with someone on a different WiFi network or across the internet, you need a different option. On Java Edition, you can use a third-party server hosting service or set up port forwarding on your router. On Bedrock, you can use Realms, which is a subscription service that lets you play together over the internet.
If you are at a LAN party or event and the network is very large or heavily restricted, LAN mode may not work because the network administrator has blocked the broadcast. In that case, ask the event organizer if they have set up a dedicated server address you can join instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a password to join a LAN server?
No. LAN servers do not use passwords. Anyone on your network who can see the server in their Multiplayer menu can join. If the host wants to restrict who joins, they need to use a different method, such as a paid server or Realms.
Can I join a LAN server if I am on a different device than the host?
Yes, as long as both devices are on the same network. Java Edition and Bedrock can join each other's LAN servers only if both are Bedrock Edition or both are Java Edition. You cannot join a Java LAN server from a Bedrock device or vice versa.
What if the host's computer goes to sleep or shuts down?
The LAN server closes when ready. You will be kicked out and returned to the main menu. The host needs to keep their computer or device awake and running for the server to stay open.
Can I join a LAN server if I am on mobile data instead of WiFi?
No. LAN servers only work on local networks. Mobile data connects you to the internet through your carrier, not to the local network. You must be on the same WiFi or wired network as the host.
How many people can join a LAN server at once?
Java Edition supports up to 4 players on a LAN server by default, though this can be increased with mods or server software. Bedrock supports more players depending on the device and network, but typically 4 to 8 is reliable. The host's computer performance affects how many players the world can handle smoothly.