How to Add Friends in Minecraft

Guide Java Bedrock

Quick answer: Bedrock: add friends by their Xbox gamertag - pause > Invite to Game, or Profile > Add Friend. Java has no friend system: you meet on servers or share a Realm invite. Cross-platform play works between all Bedrock devices once you are Xbox friends.

What you need

Bedrock: a free Microsoft account sign-in
Your friend's Xbox gamertag (not their Minecraft name on Java)
Java: a server address or Realm invite instead

Step by step

Bedrock: sign in with a free Microsoft account - it unlocks friends, Realms and featured servers.
Add a friend: pause in a world > Invite to Game > Find Cross-Platform Friends, type their gamertag and send the request. Or use Profile > Add Friend from the main menu.
Once they accept, their joinable worlds appear in the Friends tab - click to join when they are playing.
Invite to your world: open it, pause > Invite to Game and pick them from your friends list.
Java: there is no friend list - give friends your server address, open your world to LAN on the same network, or invite them to a Realm from the Realms menu.
Gamertags come from the Xbox account, free to create. Console players need their console's online subscription for most online play.

Java vs Bedrock

Friends are a Bedrock feature. Java multiplayer is server-based - no built-in friend list exists.

Versions: The friends system works on all current Bedrock versions. Gamertag changes: first one free, paid after that.

Frequently asked questions

Can Java and Bedrock players be friends?

Not in-game - the editions cannot join each other's worlds. Bedrock players across Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, mobile and Windows can all friend each other.

Is a Microsoft account free?

Yes - creating and using one for friends costs nothing. Online play on consoles may still require the console's subscription.