Do you have to buy Minecraft for each platform?

We're often asked if players can download Minecraft for free after purchasing it on a different device. Unfortunately, this is not possible. This is because Minecraft is sold and licensed separately on each platform, and transferring licenses is not possible as each platform has their own marketplace.

Do I need to buy Minecraft for every platform?

If you haven't played for a while or you've switched devices, you do not have to buy Minecraft again. If you need to download the game again, visit our Download page and follow the instructions for the version you prefer (or all of them, if you want).

Can I use Minecraft on multiple platforms?

Since the release of the Bedrock Edition, Minecraft has supported cross-platform play. This means that you can play the game with your friends no matter which platform they might be playing on including mobile, PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.

Do Minecraft purchases cross-platform?

Minecraft for Windows also features cross-platform compatibility with Minecraft Realms and the Minecraft Marketplace, where you can purchase both community-made and in-house-created content.

Do I need to buy Minecraft for each child?

Each player needs their own Minecraft account, so you'll have to pay again if you want to play with your child: one account for you, one for your child.

How To Buy Minecraft Java Edition (Guide) | Purchase Minecraft

Can I share Minecraft with family if I buy it?

App purchases

For example, if you are the Organiser and have purchased Minecraft on your iOS device, each member in the Family Sharing Group can download their own copy of the game on their Apple device without requesting your Apple ID and password.

Do you have to pay for Minecraft on multiple devices?

We're often asked if players can download Minecraft for free after purchasing it on a different device. Unfortunately, this is not possible. This is because Minecraft is sold and licensed separately on each platform, and transferring licenses is not possible as each platform has their own marketplace.

Can I play Minecraft on Xbox and PC if I buy it?

Yes, you can. Minecraft for Windows and Minecraft: Java Edition will continue to co-exist as separate games.

Can I play Minecraft if I bought it on Xbox?

Xbox Game Pass for Console

Minecraft is available with Xbox Game Pass on Xbox consoles. If you have an active Game Pass Ultimate or Game Pass for Console subscription, you can install and play Minecraft on your Xbox console.

Do I own Minecraft on PC if I bought it on Xbox?

Nope. Minecraft Xbox (Bedrock) and Minecraft PC (Java) are not compatible and therefore cannot be played on different devices.

How do you play Minecraft with friends on different platforms?

Once you have loaded in, open the in-game pause menu and click “invite to Game” on the far right. After this select the option to “Find Cross Platform Friends” on the next screen. Find your friends using their Minecraft ID (Gamertag) and select “Add Friend”.

Do I have to buy Minecraft to play with friends?

Minecraft Multiplayer for Public Servers

Servers are free to join and you can find them by using any of the many server-listing sites such as MinecraftServers.org (just search "Minecraft Servers" in your web browser to find more listing sites).

Do you have to buy Minecraft again if you already have an account?

Already bought the game? If you've recently updated your device and need a new version of Minecraft, you don't have to buy it again. Returning users can redownload the game at no additional cost.

Do I have to rebuy Minecraft for Microsoft?

Hello Geoffrey, you bought the game directly from the Microsoft or Mojang website, regardless of where you bought it you used an account to log in and buy it, just log in again where you bought it and download it.

How to get Minecraft for free if you already have it on Xbox?

Using the Bedrock Edition on Xbox One

If you already have a copy of classic Minecraft on your Xbox One, you can download the Bedrock Edition of Minecraft for free. Select the Store tab. Scroll right to the Store tab at the top of the screen, then press A on your controller.

Can you use the same Minecraft account on Xbox and PC?

Minecraft and Microsoft accounts

When playing Minecraft on Xbox, Windows, or Android and iOS mobile devices, you can sign in with your Microsoft account and use your Xbox gamertag to save your progress, purchases, and play online with your friends using Realms.

Why won't my Xbox let me play Minecraft?

Unplug your Xbox from the power socket and wait 15 seconds. Plug your Xbox back into the outlet and press the Xbox Logo on either your console or paired controller. Launch Minecraft.

How to get Minecraft for free?

When you buy Minecraft is it a one time payment?

Note Only Minecraft, Minecraft for Windows, and Minecraft: Java Edition support Realms. Legacy console editions such as Minecraft: Xbox One Edition do not support Realms. Depending on the device that you're playing on, you can choose either a one-time purchase or a recurring subscription.

Do you have to buy Minecraft twice for two accounts?

Really depends on your use case. You only need one copy of the actual game installed if they are taking turns playing. If you want them to play multiplayer, you will need to purchase two accounts, one for each kid. This also allows them to easily have their own name and "skin" in game.

How many people can play Minecraft on one account?

Split Screen. Playing split screen allows up to four players to play on the same screen at the same time. Split screen play is available only for consoles (Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch).

How do I share Minecraft from one device to another?

Can multiple family members use Minecraft?

Each individual user of the Java edition will need their own license to play. You can definitely let multiple children all play on a single computer, but they won't be able to play together.

Do you need a subscription to play Minecraft with friends on switch?

Yes, Realms is available on the Bedrock edition of Minecraft for Nintendo Switch. To play online on a Nintendo Switch, you must have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, so this is a requirement for playing on Realms. Learn more information about Nintendo Switch Online.