How to Tame an Allay in Minecraft (Find, Befriend & Duplicate)

Guide Java Bedrock

Quick answer: Allays cannot be tamed like a wolf, but giving one any item (use it on the allay) makes it follow you and fetch dropped copies of that item. Find them caged at pillager outposts or jailed in woodland mansions - and duplicate them with an amethyst shard while they dance to a jukebox.

What you need

Any item to hand over (the one you want collected)
Amethyst shard + jukebox + any music disc (for duplication)
Lead (optional, to park it)
Note block (optional, for farm delivery points)

Step by step

Find an allay: they only spawn during world generation - 50% chance of 1-3 in the dark oak cages at pillager outposts, and 50% chance of 1-3 in the jail cells inside woodland mansions. Break them out.
Befriend it: hold ANY item and press use on the allay. It takes the item, starts following you (within 64 blocks) and searches for dropped copies of that same item within 32 blocks of you.
Take the item back with an empty hand (use on the allay) if you want it to stop following or change jobs.
Automate collection with a note block: if a playing note block sounds within 16 blocks, the allay delivers items there for 30 seconds instead of to you. Repeat the note to keep it locked on - the classic farm sorting trick.
Duplicate your allay: play any music disc in a jukebox so it dances, then give it an amethyst shard. It splits into two allays and the shard is consumed. Both allays get a 5-minute cooldown before duplicating again.
Keep it safe: allays have 20 health, regenerate 2 HP per second and cannot be hurt by their owner. A lead ties them to a fence - but a leashed allay will not follow you through portals.

Java vs Bedrock

Behavior is nearly identical. Bedrock extras: allays teleport to you through nether portals, and using a lead or name tag on an allay gives the item to it. In Java a name tag always performs its naming function instead.

Versions: Added in Java 1.19 and Bedrock 1.19.0 (The Wild Update, 2022) after winning the Minecraft Live 2021 mob vote. Amethyst duplication arrived in the same update.

Frequently asked questions

Can you tame an allay like a wolf or cat?

Not exactly - there is no tame button. Giving it an item makes it YOUR allay: it follows you, works for you and cannot be damaged by you. Taking the item back releases it.

Why won't my allay pick up items?

Three common reasons: the mob_griefing game rule is false, the drops are further than 32 blocks from you, or you are more than 64 blocks away so it is not following.

Can an allay find any item?

It collects dropped copies of the exact item it holds - it ignores enchantments and custom names, and it cannot fetch items stored inside shulker boxes.