Table of Contents
Who this is for: Minecraft players trying to set up local multiplayer games with friends and family.
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Network Configuration Issues
The most common reason you can’t connect to your Minecraft LAN server is that your devices aren’t on the same network. Both the host computer and joining players must be connected to the exact same Wi-Fi network or router. If someone is using mobile data, a guest network, or a different Wi-Fi band (2.4GHz vs 5GHz), the connection will fail.
Check that everyone is using the same network name in their Wi-Fi settings. Some routers broadcast multiple networks, and connecting to different ones prevents LAN discovery.
Firewall and Antivirus Blocking
Windows Firewall often blocks Minecraft’s network communication by default. Navigate to Windows Security > Firewall & network protection > Allow an app through firewall, then ensure both “Minecraft” and “Java Platform SE Binary” are checked for both Private and Public networks.
Third-party antivirus software can also interfere. Temporarily disable your antivirus or add Minecraft as an exception to test if this resolves the issue.
Java Edition vs Bedrock Edition Compatibility
You cannot connect between different Minecraft editions. Java Edition players can only join Java Edition LAN servers, while Bedrock Edition (Windows 10, mobile, console) players need Bedrock servers. Make sure everyone is running the same edition and version.
Port and IP Address Problems
When hosting a LAN server, Minecraft displays a port number (usually 25565 or similar). If automatic discovery fails, joining players can manually connect using the host’s local IP address followed by the port number (format: 192.168.1.100:25565).
Find your local IP by opening Command Prompt and typing “ipconfig” – look for the IPv4 address under your active network adapter.
Router and Network Settings
Some routers have AP isolation or client isolation enabled, which prevents devices from communicating with each other even on the same network. Access your router’s admin panel and disable this feature if present.
VPN software can also interfere with local network discovery. Disconnect from any VPN services while hosting or joining LAN games.
If you’re still having trouble after trying these solutions, exploring more Minecraft content might help you discover additional troubleshooting tips and community solutions.
TL;DR
LAN connection issues usually stem from devices being on different networks, firewall blocking, or edition mismatches. Check network settings, disable firewalls temporarily, and ensure all players use the same Minecraft edition.
