A LAN server is a game hosted on someone's computer on the same local network as yours
A LAN server (Local Area Network) runs on one player's computer and broadcasts to everyone connected to the same Wi-Fi or ethernet network. You don't need to buy anything or set up port forwarding. The host starts the world, opens it to LAN in the pause menu, and other players on that network see it appear in their server list within seconds. It works for up to 10 players depending on the host computer's power.
The catch: the host's computer must stay on and in the world the entire time you're playing. If they close the game or shut down their machine, the server stops and everyone gets kicked out. LAN servers are best for playing with people in the same house, dorm, or office — not for persistent worlds where people log in at different times.
Key Takeaways
- The host opens their world to LAN by pausing the game, clicking "Open to LAN", and choosing a game mode.
- Other players on the same network see the server appear in their Multiplayer menu under "LAN Worlds" within a few seconds.
- You join by clicking the server name in that list — no password, IP address, or port number needed.
- The host's computer must stay powered on and in the world for the server to remain playable.
- LAN servers work only on Java Edition for Windows, Mac, and Linux — not on Bedrock Edition or console versions.
How the host starts a LAN server
The person hosting the world opens Minecraft Java Edition and loads the world they want to share. Once inside, they pause the game by pressing Escape. In the pause menu, they click "Open to LAN".
A small window appears asking for the game mode. The host can choose Survival, Creative, or Adventure. They can also toggle whether cheats are on or off. Once they click "Start LAN World", the server is live. The host stays in the world — they don't go back to the menu.
How to find and join the server on your computer
On your own computer, open Minecraft Java Edition and click "Multiplayer" from the main menu. Your game automatically scans the local network for LAN worlds. Within a few seconds, you should see the host's world appear in the list under "LAN Worlds" with the host's username and the world name.
Click the server name once to select it, then click "Join Server". You load into the world at the spawn point. You don't need to enter a password, IP address, or server code — the network finds it for you.
If you don't see the server after 10 seconds, make sure your computer is on the same Wi-Fi network as the host. If you're on a different network (like a guest Wi-Fi), you won't see it. Ask the host which network they're using and connect to that one.
Troubleshooting: the server doesn't appear in your list
The most common reason is that you're on a different network than the host. Some networks — especially corporate or school networks — block LAN discovery. If you're on the same network and still don't see it, try restarting Minecraft on your computer. Sometimes the scan doesn't run on the first load.
If the host's computer is on ethernet and yours is on Wi-Fi, they should still be on the same network and visible to each other. But if the router has a separate guest network, you need to be on the main network, not the guest one.
Another possibility: the host closed the world or quit the game. LAN servers disappear when ready when the host exits. Ask them to reload the world and open it to LAN again.
What happens if the host's computer goes offline
The server stops when ready. Everyone in the world gets kicked back to the main menu with a "Connection lost" message. Any unsaved progress in the last few seconds may be lost, though Minecraft usually saves every 30 seconds or so.
The host can restart the world and open it to LAN again, and players can rejoin. But there's no way to keep a LAN world running if the host computer shuts down, sleeps, or closes the game.
LAN servers on Bedrock Edition and consoles
LAN servers as described here work only on Java Edition. Bedrock Edition (Windows 10/11, mobile, and console) uses a different system called Realms for multiplayer, which requires a subscription and works differently.
If you're on Bedrock and want to play with people on the same network, you can use "Local Network Multiplayer" in the world settings, but it's less reliable than Java LAN and has the same limitation: the host's device must stay on.
When to use LAN instead of a public server
LAN is the right choice when everyone playing is physically near the host — same house, dorm, or office. It's when ready to set up, requires no account or payment, and has no lag from internet routing. You also have full control: the host can change the world, adjust difficulty, or turn cheats on mid-game without anyone's permission.
Use a public server or Realm instead if players are in different locations, if you want the world to stay online when nobody is playing, or if you want to invite people you don't know. Those options cost money or require more setup, but they don't depend on one person's computer staying powered on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I join a LAN server if I'm on a different computer in the same house?
Yes, as long as both computers are on the same Wi-Fi network or connected to the same ethernet network. The server appears in your Multiplayer menu automatically. If you're on a guest network or a separate network, you won't see it.
What if the host's computer is very slow or old?
The game may lag or stutter, especially with many players or lots of activity. The host's computer does all the work of running the world, so a slower machine means slower performance for everyone. Closing other programs on the host's computer can help.
Can I play on a LAN server with my friend who has Bedrock Edition?
No. Java Edition and Bedrock Edition cannot play together on LAN servers. Everyone must be on Java Edition. If your friend is on Bedrock, you'd need to use Realms or a public server that supports cross-platform play.
Do I need to know the host's IP address to join?
No. LAN discovery finds the server automatically and shows it in your list. You only need an IP address if you're trying to join a server outside your local network, which LAN doesn't support.
Can the host play in Creative mode while others play in Survival?
No. The game mode applies to the entire world. Everyone plays in the same mode that the host selected when opening to LAN. The host can change it by closing and reopening the world, but that kicks everyone out.