Is Minecraft Cross Platform? Crossplay and Cross-Progression (2026)
Nick Guli|Partly. Checked on Oct 8, 2026.
Minecraft: Java Edition is available exclusively on Windows, Mac, and Linux. In contrast, Bedrock Edition runs on several platforms: Windows 10 and 11, Xbox, PlayStation 4 and 5, Nintendo Switch, Android, and iOS. All Bedrock platforms support cross-play, and Java players can connect with each other too. However, players using Java and Bedrock can’t play together, as stated by Mojang.
Minecraft crossplay by platform
| Platform | Crossplay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PC (Windows, Bedrock, Microsoft Store) | Yes | Bedrock on Windows PC can play with other Bedrock platforms. |
| PC (Windows, macOS, Linux, Java Edition) | No | Java Edition multiplayer is limited to other Java players on Windows, macOS and Linux. Crossplay with Bedrock is only possible on servers running third-party tools such as GeyserMC, which Mojang does not officially support. Minecraft is not listed on Steam in the sources reviewed, and Java is launched through the Minecraft Launcher. |
| PlayStation 5 | Yes | Bedrock Edition. Players need a free Microsoft account, and PS5 players link their PlayStation Network account to it. An active PlayStation Plus subscription is generally needed for online play. |
| PlayStation 4 | Yes | Bedrock Edition. A linked Microsoft account is needed. PlayStation 4 joined the shared Bedrock pool on 10 December 2019. |
| Xbox Series X|S | Yes | Bedrock Edition. Friends are added by Xbox Gamertag. Online play normally requires the console's online membership. |
| Xbox One | Yes | Bedrock Edition. Friends are added by Xbox Gamertag. |
| Nintendo Switch | Yes | Bedrock Edition. A Nintendo Switch Online membership is needed for online play, and a Microsoft account is linked on first launch. |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | Unconfirmed | Crossplay support for a dedicated Switch 2 version has not been officially confirmed in the sources reviewed. The original Switch version is Bedrock and supports crossplay. |
| iOS | Yes | Bedrock Edition. A Microsoft account sign-in is needed for crossplay. |
| Android | Yes | Bedrock Edition. A Microsoft account sign-in is needed for crossplay. |
Does Minecraft have cross-progression?
Partly. Bedrock ties Marketplace purchases and Realms access to a Microsoft account across devices. Local worlds and saves do not automatically sync between platforms, and worlds and progress move between devices only through a hosted world. One third-party site says saves and unlocks sync across platforms, which conflicts with this and has not been officially confirmed. Java and Bedrock worlds and progress are separate.
How to turn crossplay on or off in Minecraft
- Crossplay is built into Bedrock and has no single in-game on/off switch. Sign in with a Microsoft account in Minecraft's settings.
- To block or allow it, open Xbox privacy settings in a browser and sign in with the Microsoft account used in Minecraft.
- Open the Online Safety tab for Xbox and Windows 10 devices.
- Set 'You can join multiplayer games' to Allow.
- Set 'You can join cross-network play' to Allow, or Block to turn crossplay off.
- Select Submit, then restart Minecraft.
Minecraft crossplay FAQ
Is Minecraft cross platform?
Partly. Minecraft: Java Edition is only available on Windows, Mac and Linux, while Bedrock Edition runs on Windows 10 and 11, Xbox, PlayStation 4 and 5, Nintendo Switch, Android and iOS. Every Bedrock platform plays together, and the Java platforms play together. Java and Bedrock players cannot play together, according to Mojang.
Can PC and PS5 players play Minecraft together?
Yes, if the PC player uses Bedrock Edition on Windows. Both players need a Microsoft account. A PC player on Java Edition cannot join a PS5 player.
Can Xbox and PlayStation players play Minecraft together?
Yes. Both run Bedrock Edition, and players add each other by Microsoft account Gamertag. Each console may need its own online subscription.
Can Java and Bedrock players play together?
Not officially. Mojang says the two editions use different servers. A Java server running GeyserMC can let Bedrock players join, but consoles are often blocked from joining custom servers.
Does Minecraft crossplay work on Nintendo Switch?
Yes, the Bedrock version on Nintendo Switch plays with PC, Xbox, PlayStation and mobile. Support for a Switch 2 version has not been officially confirmed.
Do Realms work across platforms?
Realms is cross-platform only within the same edition. Java players join Java Realms and Bedrock players join Bedrock Realms.
Sources
- The Difference between Java and Bedrock Editions (Minecraft.net)
- Minecraft Realms & Realms Plus: Play Together Online (Minecraft.net)
- Is Minecraft Cross-Platform? Java, Bedrock and Consoles (GameServerKings)
- Is Minecraft cross-platform? Bedrock, Java, and console cross-play explained (Digital Trends)
- How to Enable Minecraft Multiplayer on Your Microsoft Account (Technobezz)
- Is Minecraft Cross-Platform? Complete Crossplay Guide for 2026 (Gaming Pro Max)
- Can Xbox and PS5 Play Minecraft Together? (Wabbanode)
More on Minecraft
How we check: Explosion verifies crossplay against official developer, publisher and platform sources, listed above, and re-checks every 30 days. Last checked Oct 8, 2026.
Nick Guli
Nick Guli is the founder and editor-in-chief of Explosion.com, which he launched in February 2012. With over a decade of experience in digital publishing, Nick oversees editorial direction across entertainment, gaming, technology, and lifestyle content. He is an avid gamer and movie enthusiast who brings a critical eye to coverage of industry trends, game reviews, and entertainment news.
