Playing together in a cubic world is always more fun than surviving alone, especially when friends are in the same room or even on opposite sides of the apartment. To run a shared server without renting hosting or complicated port settings, all you need is local network, connecting your devices. Modern routers allow you to set up such a connection in minutes using the standard Wi-Fi protocol found in every home.
The basic principle of operation is that all computers or phones must be in one LAN segmentation, that is, connected to the same wireless router. In this case, the operating system will automatically find other devices on the network if the discovery settings are configured correctly and firewalls aren't blocking the connection. It is critical that all devices have the same version of the game and, preferably, the same set of modifications.
In this article, we'll cover the setup process for Windows, Java Edition, and Bedrock Edition, and highlight common errors that occur when computers simply don't "see" each other despite a working internet connection. You'll learn how to check IP addresses, configure network profiles, and launch a game that will be accessible to all users on the local network.
Hardware and game version requirements
Before setting up, make sure your hardware and software meet the minimum requirements for stable server operation. A local Wi-Fi network is sensitive to signal quality, so the distance between devices and the router is important. A weak signal can cause lag or connection interruptions at the most inopportune moments.
To organize the game, you will need a router that supports the standards IEEE 802.11n or newer (ac/ax), which will provide sufficient bandwidth. All devices—whether laptops, desktop PCs with Wi-Fi adapters, or smartphones—should be connected to this network. Using guest networks often blocks data exchange between devices, so connect to the primary SSID.
- 📶 Stable connection to one Wi-Fi router for all players.
- 💻 An installed copy of Minecraft (Java or Bedrock) on each device.
- 🆔 The same game version (for example, 1.20.4) for all participants.
- 🔌 Activated network adapter and up-to-date drivers.
Pay special attention to the operating system version. Although Minecraft is cross-platform, it's best to use Windows 10 or 11 for creating a server on a PC, as network settings are more transparent. If you plan to play on phones, make sure they support the same edition of the game as the host computer, or use the cross-platform capabilities of Bedrock Edition.
Setting up a network in Windows for a host
The first step is to properly configure the network profile on the computer that will act as the server (host). By default, Windows often assigns new connections the "Public Network" profile, which hides your computer from other devices for security reasons. We need to change this status to "Private Network" to allow discovery.
To do this, open your network settings, find your current Wi-Fi connection, and change its properties. Under "Network Profile," select "Private." This will make your computer visible to other devices and open the necessary ports for local data exchange. Without this step, other players simply won't see your server in the list of available ones.
Next, you need to check if network discovery is enabled. Open Control Panel, go to Network and Sharing Center, and select Change advanced sharing settings. In the Private profile, make sure "Turn on network discovery" and "Turn on file and printer sharing" are enabled.
⚠️ Attention: If you're in a public place (a cafe or dorm), enabling network discovery may make your files vulnerable. After playing, it's recommended to reset your profile settings to "Public Network."
Running a local server in Minecraft Java Edition
Once you've set up Windows, you can jump right into the game. Launch Minecraft Java Edition and enter the single-player world you plan to play in. It's important that the world is fully loaded before opening it to others. From the main menu or while already in the game, press Esc to call up the pause menu.
In the menu that opens, select the "Open to LAN" button. This will open the multiplayer settings window. Here, you can select the game mode for your friends (Survival or Creative) and enable or disable cheats. After selecting the settings, click the "Open World to LAN" button.
[System Message]: Local server running on port 54321A message will appear in the game chat with the port number the server is running on. Write this number down; you'll need it to connect directly if the automatic search fails. Your computer is now broadcasting a signal, waiting for connections from other devices on the same Wi-Fi network.
Now other players can go to the "Multiplayer" section. Your server should appear in the list of available games within a few seconds. If it doesn't, they can use the "Direct Connection" feature and enter the host's IP address, which we'll cover in the next section.
Connecting players and working with IP addresses
To successfully connect, players must know the IP address of the host computer on the local network. This address usually begins with 192.168. or 10. and is internal. To find out its IP, the host must open a command prompt (by pressing Win + R, enter cmd and press Enter) and enter the command ipconfig.
In the list of adapters, find your wireless connection (Wi-Fi) and the line "IPv4 address." Copy these numbers. Players who don't see the server in the automatic list should select "Direct connection" and enter the address in the following format: IP:Port. For example, if your IP 192.168.1.5, and the port is in the game 54321, then you need to enter 192.168.1.5:54321.
| Device | Where to find IP | Input format |
|---|---|---|
| Windows PC | cmd -> ipconfig | 192.168.xx:port |
| macOS | System Preferences -> Network | 192.168.xx:port |
| Android/iOS | Wi-Fi Settings -> Details | Automatically or manually |
A common issue is that the Windows Firewall blocks the connection. When you first start the server, the system may ask for access permission. Be sure to select "Allow access" for private networks. If the prompt doesn't appear, check the list of allowed applications in your firewall settings and ensure that javaw.exe or Minecraft itself has the right to work online.
Minecraft Bedrock Edition Customization Features
The Bedrock version (available in the Microsoft Store, on consoles, and mobile devices) has a slightly different mechanism for working on a local network. It uses a protocol that automatically broadcasts the existence of a world to the network if the corresponding option is enabled. On the device hosting the world, go to the game settings, then go to the "Profile" or "Network" section.
Make sure the "Visible to LAN" toggle is enabled. Unlike the Java Edition, you don't need to manually open a world through the pause menu each time; simply load into the world, and it will be accessible to others. However, the game versions must match perfectly, including minor updates.
☑️ Pre-launch check
If your devices are on the same network but your world isn't showing up in your Friends or Games list, try rebooting your router. Sometimes the router's DHCP server cache can interfere with the proper distribution of addresses within the local network. Also, make sure all devices are signed in to the same Microsoft account (Xbox Live), as this is often a requirement for Bedrock Edition.
Diagnosing problems and resolving connection errors
Even with proper configuration, errors may still occur. The most common is "Unable to connect to the server." This often means that the antivirus's firewall is blocking the connection, even if the default Windows firewall is configured correctly. Try temporarily disabling your third-party antivirus to test this hypothesis.
Another common issue is different subnets. If you have a complex router or a mesh system, make sure all devices are connected to the same access point and not scattered across different guest VLANs. Also, check that "AP Isolation" isn't enabled in your router settings—it prevents devices from seeing each other.
What to do if the IP address keeps changing?
If your ISP or router frequently changes the local IP address (DHCP lease), configure a static IP for the host network card in the IPv4 protocol properties to keep the address constant.
If you're experiencing performance issues, such as a game running but experiencing significant lag, try reducing the chunk draw distance on the host computer. The computer hosting the server bears the brunt of the world rendering for all players. Reducing graphics settings and the draw distance will significantly improve FPS stability for all participants.
⚠️ Attention: Router interfaces and operating system versions may differ. Menu item names may vary depending on the hardware manufacturer and firmware version.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to play via Wi-Fi if there is no internet?
Yes, a local area network (LAN) doesn't require internet access. The main thing is that the router is turned on and creates a local network to which all devices are connected. Computers will communicate directly through the router.
Why can my friends see the server but can't join?
Most likely, the problem lies with the firewall or antivirus software on the host computer, blocking the incoming connection. Also, check that the game versions and installed mods (if any) match.
How many players can connect via Wi-Fi?
Theoretically, up to 20-30 players are possible, but for stable, lag-free gaming on a standard home Wi-Fi router, it's recommended to limit the game to 4-8 players. Any more will put a strain on the host's bandwidth and CPU.
Does this method work between different operating systems?
Yes, if you're using Minecraft Java Edition, your Windows server will be visible to macOS and Linux users. For Bedrock Edition, cross-platform play is also supported between Windows 10/11, Android, iOS, and consoles.