This is the feature Java players have been asking for forever. Minecraft Java Edition will finally feature the ability to add friends. Previously, Java Edition didn’t have any friend request or list feature — you and your friend had to either choose the same public server and jump on it, or create a private server. Now, Java Edition features a friend list and even a peer-to-peer multiplayer world option, allowing you to open single-player worlds to your friends.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Table of Contents
All Minecraft Methods to Play With Friends
| Method | Cost | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Friends List (In-Game) | Free | Direct invite to your world | Snapshot 26.2 feature — in development |
| LAN World | Free | Same Wi-Fi friends | Host must keep game running |
| Minecraft Realms | ~$8/month | Groups up to 10 players | No mods/plugins on Java |
| Public Servers | Free | Large communities | No friend requests needed |
| Dedicated Server | Varies | Full mod/plugin control | Most flexibility |
Method 1: Using the New Friends List (Snapshot 26.2)
The Friends List is designed to make it easier to jump into a game with your friends in Minecraft: Java Edition. It’s easy to add friends — just search their Java profile name and send them a friend request. You’ll be able to chat with friends on your Friends List and invite them to play on your local worlds. Minecraft
Step-by-step:
- Open Minecraft Java Edition and go to the main menu
- Click the Friends tab
- Search your friend’s Java profile username
- Hit Send Friend Request
- Once accepted, open any world → pause → click Multiplayer → set to Online → hit Invite
Friends added through Xbox will also appear in your Friends List in Minecraft: Java Edition, provided your friend owns Java Edition as well. Friends who don’t own Minecraft: Java Edition won’t appear in Friends List. Minecraft
Note: This feature is currently in Minecraft 26.2 snapshot 7 and is under development, so it is subject to change before its official release.
Method 2: LAN World (Free, No Account Needed)
For local multiplayer without subscriptions, LAN worlds allow friends on the same Wi-Fi network to join. Launch a single-player world and pause the game, select Open to LAN, then note the local IP address displayed in chat. Share this IP with friends on the same network. Friends join via Multiplayer → Direct Connect, pasting the IP address. Minefort
Method 3: Minecraft Realms
Realms is Mojang’s official hosted server service. You pay around $8/month and they run a server for your group of up to 10 players. Open Minecraft, click Minecraft Realms on the main menu, choose your plan, name your realm, then use Members → Invite to add friends by username. Note that Realms on Java doesn’t support mods or plugins. If your group wants WorldEdit or any custom plugin, skip Realms and go with a dedicated server. BuildingguideBuildingguide
As one of the best-selling sandbox video games ever made, Minecraft’s move to native Java friend lists is a long-overdue quality-of-life upgrade that will make multiplayer far more accessible for millions of players.
For more Minecraft tips and gaming guides, check our Minecraft guides section at TechnoSports and our latest PC gaming news and updates.
FAQs
Q: How do I add friends in Minecraft Java Edition using the new Friends List?
Open the main menu in Minecraft Java Edition, go to the Friends tab, search your friend’s Java profile name, and send a friend request — once accepted, you can directly invite them into your worlds from the pause menu.
Q: Is the new Minecraft Java Friends List feature available for everyone right now?
Not yet for the full release — the Friends List is currently available in Minecraft Java snapshot 26.2 snapshot 7 and is still under active development, meaning some details may change before the official public rollout.
