Minecraft Setup

Install Minecraft the easy way

A clean PC, mobile and tablet setup guide for Java, Bedrock, Modrinth mods, Android, iPhone and iPad.

Before you start

Minecraft is a paid game

On PC, the official Java & Bedrock Standard Edition is listed at $29.99. Mobile prices depend on your region and store, often around $6.99 / 7-8 Euro. Always check the official store before buying.

PC / Windows

Java, Bedrock and Mods

For PC, you usually want either the official Minecraft Launcher or the Modrinth App. Modrinth is easier for mods; the official launcher is best for vanilla Minecraft and Bedrock.

01

Buy Minecraft for PC

Open the official Minecraft PC store page, buy Java & Bedrock Edition, and use the Microsoft account that should own the game.

Official PC store
02

Install the Minecraft Launcher

Download it from minecraft.net or install it through the Microsoft Store. Sign in with your Microsoft account, then choose Java Edition or Minecraft for Windows.

Official launcher download
03

Use Modrinth for mods

Download the Modrinth App, sign in, create an instance or choose a modpack, and click Install. It handles versions and loaders much more comfortably than doing everything by hand.

Modrinth App

Quick choice

  • Mods: Java Edition with Modrinth App.
  • Vanilla: Java Edition in the official Launcher.
  • Crossplay: Bedrock / Minecraft for Windows.
  • Important: log in with the Microsoft account that owns Minecraft.

Phone & Tablet

Bedrock on Android, iPhone and iPad

On phones and tablets, Minecraft is Bedrock Edition. Install it from the official App Store or Google Play, then sign in with Microsoft for servers, Realms and crossplay.

IOS

iPhone & iPad

Open the App Store, search for Minecraft by Mojang/Microsoft, buy it if needed, install it and sign in with your Microsoft account inside the game.

Open App Store page
AND

Android phones & tablets

Open Google Play, search for Minecraft by Mojang/Microsoft, buy it if needed, install it and sign in with your Microsoft account.

Open Google Play page
TIP

Mobile tips

Use Wi-Fi for the first download, keep enough storage free, and update the app before joining servers. For multiplayer, the Microsoft/Xbox sign-in matters.

Minecraft Help Center

Console Crossplay

Nintendo Switch & Switch 2

Minecraft on Nintendo consoles is Bedrock Edition. You can buy it digitally from Nintendo eShop or as a physical/retail copy depending on your country.

Switch Guide

Buy, install, sign in, play.

Use Nintendo eShop for the digital version, or buy a code/game card from a trusted electronics or gaming store. Availability and prices can be different in every country.

NSW

Nintendo Switch

Open Nintendo eShop on your Switch, search for Minecraft, buy/download it, then open the game. You can also buy it from Nintendo's website or from retail stores that sell games.

Nintendo Store page
NS2

Nintendo Switch 2

Minecraft has been announced for Nintendo Switch 2 with a native version. Use the official Nintendo eShop when it is available in your region, and check Minecraft.net for current release details.

Switch 2 news
MS

Microsoft sign-in

For crossplay, Realms and friends, sign in with a Microsoft account inside Minecraft. Without it, online features can be limited.

Microsoft sign-in help

PlayStation Console Setup

PS4 & PS5

Minecraft on PS4 and PS5 is Bedrock Edition. Buy it through PlayStation Store or use a trusted disc/code, then sign in for crossplay.

PlayStation Guide

PlayStation Store or retail copy

On PlayStation, Minecraft is Bedrock Edition. Buy it from PlayStation Store, or use a disc/code from a trusted retail store if available in your country.

PS4

PlayStation 4

Open PlayStation Store on your PS4, search for Minecraft, buy/download it and start the game. Some regions also sell physical discs or digital codes in electronics and gaming stores.

PS4 Store page
PS5

PlayStation 5

Open PlayStation Store on your PS5 and search for Minecraft. Minecraft for PS5 is available, and PS4 Bedrock owners may be able to claim the PS5 version depending on ownership and region.

PS5 Store page
PSN

PSN + Microsoft account

For crossplay, Realms and friends, link your Microsoft account inside Minecraft. Your PlayStation Network account and Microsoft account are connected for Bedrock online play.

PlayStation sign-in help

Xbox Console Setup

Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One

Minecraft on Xbox is Bedrock Edition. You can buy it from the Xbox/Microsoft Store or play it through Game Pass when it is included in your plan.

Xbox Guide

Store, Game Pass, sign in, play

Use the same Microsoft/Xbox account for the Store, Game Pass and Minecraft. On console, online multiplayer may require a Game Pass plan.

XSX

Xbox Series X|S

Open the Microsoft Store on Xbox Series X or Series S, search Minecraft, then install it from your owned games or Game Pass library. Series X is the stronger console; Series S is the smaller digital option.

Xbox Store page
XONE

Xbox One

On Xbox One, open the Store or your library, search Minecraft and install it. If you already own Minecraft digitally on the same account, check your owned games before buying again.

Minecraft on Xbox
GP

Game Pass

Minecraft can be played with Game Pass when it is part of your active plan. For console multiplayer, Xbox lists Game Pass Essential, Premium or Ultimate as the required subscription.

View Game Pass plans