Learn How to Fix Multiplayer Not Working in Minecraft PE! Stuck staring at connection errors when trying to join your buddy’s awesome Minecraft PE world? Nothing kills the fun faster than multiplayer glitches when you’re ready for a building session. I’ve been there too many times.
After hours of troubleshooting and testing every possible fix, I’ve put together this no-nonsense guide to get your multiplayer working again. Most issues boil down to a handful of common problems that are actually pretty easy to solve once you know what to look for.
Let’s skip the fluff and dive straight into fixing your Minecraft PE multiplayer problems for good.
Check Your Internet Connection
The most common reason for multiplayer not working in Minecraft PE is a poor internet connection:
- Make sure you’re connected to WiFi, not cellular data (cellular connections often have restrictions)
- Move closer to your router for a stronger signal
- Restart your router if you haven’t done so recently
- Try connecting to a different WiFi network to see if the issue persists
Update Minecraft PE to the Latest Version
Playing on different game versions is a common multiplayer blocker:
- Open your app store (Google Play Store or Apple App Store)
- Search for Minecraft and check if updates are available
- If an update is available, install it immediately
- Ask your friends to update their game too
Need help with updates? See our complete Minecraft PE update guide.
Sign In to Xbox Live Account
Minecraft PE requires an Xbox Live account for multiplayer features:
- Open Minecraft PE and tap the Profile button
- Sign in with your Microsoft/Xbox Live account
- If you don’t have an account, create one for free
- Ensure your friends are also signed in to Xbox Live
Check Multiplayer Settings
Incorrect settings can prevent multiplayer from working:
- Open Settings in Minecraft PE
- Go to Profile > Sign-in with a Microsoft Account (if not already done)
- Enable “Multiplayer Game” toggle
- Make sure “Server Visible” is turned ON
- Check that your privacy settings allow multiplayer play
Learn more about optimizing your settings in our Minecraft PE settings guide.
Verify Friend Settings
Friend settings might be blocking multiplayer connections:
- Make sure you and your friend are Xbox Live friends
- Check that your friend’s world is set to “Friends can join”
- Verify neither of you has the other person blocked
- Confirm that both players have multiplayer enabled in privacy settings
Fix NAT Type Issues
A restrictive NAT type often blocks multiplayer connections:
- Open your device’s WiFi settings
- Connect to a different network if possible
- Try using mobile hotspot from another device
- Contact your internet provider to request an open NAT type
Try LAN Play Instead
If online multiplayer isn’t working, LAN might be your solution:
- Connect both devices to the same WiFi network
- In Minecraft PE, have one player create a world
- Make sure “Visible to LAN Players” is toggled ON
- Other players should see the world in their “Friends” tab
Reinstall Minecraft PE
If all else fails, a clean reinstall often resolves stubborn issues:
- Back up your worlds (Settings > Profile > Export World)
- Uninstall Minecraft PE from your device
- Restart your device completely
- Reinstall Minecraft PE from your app store
- Sign in with your Xbox Live account
- Import your saved worlds if needed
Contact Minecraft Support
If you’ve tried everything and multiplayer still isn’t working:
- Visit Minecraft Support
- Check the status of Minecraft servers
- Submit a support ticket with details of your issue
- Include your device model and Minecraft PE version
Wrapping Up
Multiplayer issues in Minecraft PE can be frustrating, but they’re usually fixable with the right approach. Try these solutions step by step, and you’ll likely resolve the problem.
Remember that sometimes the simplest fix works best – a device restart or game update might be all you need. If you found this guide helpful, check out our other troubleshooting articles like solutions for Minecraft PE lag.
