Do You Need a Microsoft Account to Play Minecraft Online with Friends?
Since July 25, 2022, all Minecraft players need a Microsoft account to play any version of Minecraft, including Minecraft: Bedrock Edition, Minecraft: Java Edition, Minecraft Dungeons, and Minecraft Realms (both Bedrock and Java Edition).
Minecraft: Bedrock Edition
Minecraft: Bedrock Edition is a popular version of Minecraft that can be played on various devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. To play Minecraft: Bedrock Edition online with friends, you need a Microsoft account. This account will allow you to access Minecraft Realms, which are online multiplayer servers that allow you to play with friends.
Minecraft: Java Edition
Minecraft: Java Edition is another popular version of Minecraft that can be played on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Although Minecraft: Java Edition does not require a Microsoft account to play single-player, it does require a Microsoft account to play online multiplayer. This is because Minecraft Realms, the online multiplayer feature, is only available through a Microsoft account.
Minecraft Realms
Minecraft Realms is a feature that allows you to play online multiplayer with friends. It is available for both Minecraft: Bedrock Edition and Minecraft: Java Edition. To access Minecraft Realms, you need a Microsoft account. This account will allow you to create and manage your own online multiplayer servers, invite friends to play with you, and join existing servers.
Requirements for Microsoft Account
To use Minecraft Realms and play online multiplayer, you need a Microsoft account that meets the following requirements:
- The account must be at least 13 years old, or the account must have parental consent.
- The account must be registered with a valid email address.
- The account must have a verified identity.
Benefits of Having a Microsoft Account
Having a Microsoft account has several benefits when playing Minecraft online with friends. These benefits include:
- Cross-platform compatibility: With a Microsoft account, you can play Minecraft on multiple devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
- Cloud saves: With a Microsoft account, your game saves will be stored in the cloud, allowing you to access them from any device.
- Multiplayer functionality: With a Microsoft account, you can play online multiplayer with friends and access Minecraft Realms.
- Easy account management: With a Microsoft account, you can easily manage your account, including adding friends, blocking users, and customizing your online profile.
Alternatives to Microsoft Account
If you do not want to use a Microsoft account to play Minecraft online with friends, there are alternative options available. These alternatives include:
- Private servers: You can set up your own private servers to play Minecraft online with friends. These servers can be hosted on a Windows or Linux computer and can be customized to suit your needs.
- Third-party hosting services: There are several third-party hosting services that offer Minecraft server hosting, including services like Mojang and 2b2t.
Conclusion
In conclusion, to play Minecraft online with friends, you need a Microsoft account. This account is required to access Minecraft Realms, which are online multiplayer servers that allow you to play with friends. Having a Microsoft account has several benefits, including cross-platform compatibility, cloud saves, multiplayer functionality, and easy account management. If you do not want to use a Microsoft account, there are alternative options available, including private servers and third-party hosting services.