Connecting to LAN worlds in Minecraft Bedrock Edition is a straightforward process, allowing you to easily play with friends on the same local network. However, the specific steps might vary slightly depending on your device and Minecraft version. This guide will walk you through the process, covering common questions and troubleshooting tips.
What is a LAN World?
A LAN (Local Area Network) world in Minecraft Bedrock is a game world hosted on one device (e.g., your computer, phone, or tablet) that other devices on the same Wi-Fi network can join. This eliminates the need for external servers and makes multiplayer gaming simple and convenient.
How to Host a LAN World
Step 1: Create or Open a World
First, you need a world to host. Either create a new world or open an existing one. Ensure the world is not set to "Adventure Mode" if you want players to be able to build.
Step 2: Open to LAN
Once your world is loaded, look for the pause menu (usually accessed by pressing the Esc key on PC or a similar button on mobile devices). Within the pause menu, you should find an option called "Open to LAN." Select this option.
Step 3: Choose Your Game Settings
A new window will appear allowing you to configure certain settings for the LAN world. These settings might include:
- Game mode: Choose between Survival, Creative, Adventure, or Spectator.
- Allow Cheats: This determines whether cheats are enabled in the LAN world.
- Difficulty: Select the difficulty level.
Step 4: Start the LAN World
Click "Start LAN World." Minecraft will now begin hosting your world. The game will display your world's IP address and port number – you'll need this information for players to join. However, often you don't need to share this IP address if you're all on the same WiFi network.
How to Join a LAN World
Step 1: Be on the Same Network
Make sure all players joining the game are connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the host.
Step 2: Find the World
On the main menu of Minecraft, select "Play," then look for the "Play" button in the top-right corner and choose "Friends". You should see the LAN world hosted by your friend listed here. Select the world to join.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
I can't see the LAN world.
- Check your network connection: Make sure all devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and have a stable internet connection. A weak signal can sometimes prevent devices from finding each other.
- Firewall or antivirus: Your firewall or antivirus software might be blocking the connection. Temporarily disable these to see if it resolves the issue. Remember to re-enable them afterward.
- Different Minecraft versions: Ensure all players are using the same version of Minecraft Bedrock Edition. Version discrepancies can prevent connections.
- Restart devices: A simple restart of your devices (both host and client) can often solve minor network glitches.
I'm getting an error message.
Write down the exact error message you are receiving. This will help in diagnosing the problem. Common errors often relate to network connectivity or version incompatibility. Search online for solutions related to the specific error code.
My friend can't join my LAN world.
- Check the NAT type: The Network Address Translation (NAT) type on your router can sometimes interfere with LAN connections. Consult your router's documentation for information on adjusting NAT settings. Port forwarding is generally not necessary for LAN worlds, but if issues persist, you might need to look into this more advanced configuration.
This comprehensive guide should help you successfully connect to LAN worlds in Minecraft Bedrock Edition. Remember to troubleshoot based on the specific errors you encounter, and always ensure all players are on the same network and using the same version of the game. Happy gaming!
