Locating LAN Servers in Minecraft: A Beginner's Guide

26th September 2022

Minecraft offers a versatile multiplayer experience, allowing players to connect and play together on local area networks (LAN). LAN servers enable seamless gameplay with friends and family in the same physical location, creating an exciting shared experience. In this beginner's guide, we will explore the steps to locate LAN servers in Minecraft, enabling you to connect and enjoy multiplayer adventures with ease.

Step 1: Ensure LAN World Option is Enabled:

First, ensure that the LAN World option is enabled in your Minecraft settings. To do this, launch Minecraft and navigate to the main menu. Click on "Options" and then "Open to LAN." Ensure the "Allow Cheats" option is selected if you wish to have cheat permissions in the LAN server.

Step 2: Start a LAN Server:

To start a LAN server, select the single-player world you want to share. Load the world, then press the ESC key to open the in-game menu. Click on "Open to LAN" and configure the settings as desired. Once done, click on "Start LAN World."

Step 3: Locate the LAN Server on Other Devices:

On the other devices you want to join the LAN server, make sure they are connected to the same local network. In the Minecraft main menu, click on "Multiplayer." The LAN server should appear in the server list under the "Scanning for LAN Worlds" section. Click on the server name and then select "Join Server" to connect to the LAN server.

Step 4: Troubleshooting Connection Issues:

If the LAN server does not appear in the server list, ensure that all devices are connected to the same local network and that the LAN World option is enabled on the hosting device. Additionally, double-check that there are no firewalls or security settings blocking the Minecraft application from communicating over the network. Adjusting network settings or temporarily disabling firewalls can help resolve connectivity issues.

Step 5: Enjoy Multiplayer Gameplay:

Once connected to the LAN server, you and other players can embark on multiplayer adventures together. Collaborate on building projects, explore vast landscapes, or engage in exciting battles within the shared Minecraft world.

Additional Tips:

• Use wired connections: For the most stable and reliable connection, consider using wired Ethernet connections instead of Wi-Fi when playing on LAN servers.

• Update Minecraft: Ensure that all devices running Minecraft are updated to the latest version. Outdated versions can lead to compatibility issues and prevent successful connections.

• Optimize network settings: If you experience lag or latency on the LAN server, optimizing network settings such as reducing network congestion, prioritizing Minecraft traffic, or using Quality of Service (QoS) settings on your router can help improve performance.

• Explore LAN server options: Experiment with different Minecraft game modes, such as survival, creative, or adventure, to further customize your LAN server experience.

Locating LAN servers in Minecraft is a straightforward process that allows players to connect and enjoy multiplayer gameplay with friends and family on the same local network. By following the steps outlined in this beginner's guide, you can easily set up and join LAN servers, creating memorable Minecraft experiences together. So gather your fellow Minecraft enthusiasts, start a LAN server, and embark on exciting adventures within the shared Minecraft world.