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Minecraft · PC / console / mobile · 5 min · Updated September 2026

How to choose safer multiplayer in Minecraft

Minecraft can be played alone or online. Java (PC) and Bedrock (console, mobile, Windows) are different worlds — friends on one cannot join the other. Worth knowing before you buy Realms or invite friends.

In short

Realms are paid private worlds for friends. Public servers can have strangers and unfiltered chat. Turn multiplayer off for younger children, or use Realms with known friends only. Chat is managed separately on Xbox, PlayStation and Microsoft account — and in the game itself.

  1. 1

    Java or Bedrock?

    Ask which edition they use. Java Edition on PC has its own servers. Bedrock on Switch, PlayStation, Xbox and mobile shares multiplayer across those — but not with Java. If friends play Java, Bedrock Realms will not help them join.

  2. 2

    Realms vs. public servers

    Realms is a world you pay for where only invited players can join. Public servers — found via server lists or YouTube — can have anyone. For younger children: Realms with friends or solo. Ask how they found a server — many come via influencers.

  3. 3

    Microsoft account and Xbox settings

    Bedrock uses a Microsoft account. Go to account.xbox.com → Privacy & online safety → Xbox privacy settings. Limit «Communicate with friends» and «Multiplayer». The Family Safety app can manage screen time. Check your child is signed in with their own account — not yours.

  4. 4

    In-game chat

    Turn chat off under Settings → Multiplayer in Minecraft where available. Console party chat is still active unless you turn it off in system settings. Agree they tell you if someone in chat is unpleasant or asks for personal details.

  5. 5

    Marketplace and Minecoins

    Minecoins are bought through the platform store. Set spending limits on Xbox, PlayStation, Switch or the App Store. Marketplace content is official — third-party servers are not. Packs and skins can add up — check receipts regularly.

If someone in chat asks for personal details or wants to move to Discord: stop and tell an adult. See the App & Game Decoder for Minecraft. Public servers can change owners — check again if your child joins new ones.

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More help in Denmark

If you need someone to talk to, use these — they are free, and they take parents and children.

  • Parents’ Helpline 35 55 55 57

    Børns Vilkår. Free, anonymous counselling for parents and relatives in Denmark on 35 55 55 57. They take calls about screens, conflict and online problems.

  • Media Council for Children and Young People

    Public guidance in Denmark on children, young people and digital media. Advice on age, content and parent conversations — without sales language.

  • SletDet counselling 29 27 01 01

    Save the Children’s free counselling in Denmark for children, young people and parents facing bullying, image sharing, hacking and other harmful experiences online. Call 29 27 01 01. You do not need everything sorted before you call.

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