Cross-play works inside Bedrock Edition: a world hosted on any Bedrock platform (Windows, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, mobile) can be joined by players on all the others, using a Microsoft account for identity. Realms are Mojang's subscription servers that keep that world online for invited friends.[1]
Java Edition does not join Bedrock cross-play. Java players connect through Java servers or third-party hosting, which is why edition choice matters for friend groups on mixed devices.[1]
Setting up cross-play
Each player signs into a Microsoft account in-game, adds the others as friends, and joins a shared world or Realm. The host's platform does not restrict which devices can connect, within Bedrock.[1]
Realms versus self-hosted servers
Realms are managed by Mojang, always online and capped to a small invite list. Self-hosted or dedicated Bedrock servers scale further but need someone to run them. Families and small friend groups usually start with a Realm.[1]
Sources & verification
Facts last checked Nov 4, 2026. Checking a source does not change the page’s update date.
- Minecraft — official site Mojang Studios / Microsoft · official · Checked Nov 4, 2026
Official product site covering Java and Bedrock editions.
Original language: en - Minecraft updates timeline and evolution Mojang Studios · official · Checked Nov 4, 2026
Official update history used for version and drop facts.
Original language: en - Minecraft's new version numbering system Mojang Studios · official · Checked Nov 4, 2026
Official article explaining the year-based 26.x numbering.
Original language: en - Planned versions — Minecraft Wiki Minecraft Wiki community · reference · Checked Nov 4, 2026
Community-maintained tracker of announced and preview versions.
Original language: en
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