[FIXED] Not Able to Connect to Minecraft LAN Server

Nothing beats the experience and fun when playing video games with your friends under one roof. One of the best games to play together with your friends or family is Minecraft. In a perfect setup, playing Minecraft LAN games is a great way to spend your weekend with friends.

However, it could also be a bummer if it didn’t work as you intended.

There may be instances when you and your friends can’t connect to the same local server, or maybe one of you can’t join the local game. Today, we will discuss how you can quickly fix this problem so that you can get on your Minecraft LAN gaming sessions started.

Here are some of the steps that you can take to fix the Minecraft LAN issues:

Common Reasons for Minecraft LAN Connection Issues

Minecraft LAN connection issues can be a source of frustration for players trying to enjoy a seamless gaming experience with friends. To help you better understand the underlying problems, we have listed some common reasons for Minecraft LAN connection issues. Identifying these reasons will make it easier for you to apply the appropriate solutions.

1. Firewall Restrictions: Your computer’s firewall may be blocking Minecraft or Java from running correctly, preventing you from connecting to a LAN game. Ensure that Minecraft, Java, and “javaw.exe” are allowed through your firewall settings.
2. Incompatible Game Versions: If the players are using different versions of Minecraft, they might face issues connecting to the LAN server. Make sure all players are running the same game version to avoid compatibility problems.
3. Network Settings: Incorrect network settings, such as disabled network discovery or problems with the router configuration, can cause issues with Minecraft LAN connections. Check your advanced sharing settings and ensure network discovery is enabled.
4. Mods and Customizations: If the host is using mods or custom game settings that others don’t have, it can lead to connection problems. Ensure that all players have the same mods and game settings before attempting to connect.
5. Insufficient System Resources: Hosting a Minecraft LAN server requires a decent amount of system resources. If the host’s computer cannot handle the server load, players may experience connection issues.
6. AP Isolation: Some routers have an “Access Point Isolation” feature, which can cause LAN connection problems when enabled. Check your router’s settings and disable AP isolation if necessary.
7. Antivirus or Security Software Interference: Security software, such as antivirus programs, can sometimes block Java or Minecraft from running correctly. Make sure Java is allowed through your security software settings.
8. Connectivity Issues: Players must be connected to the same LAN network to join a Minecraft LAN game. Ensure that all players are connected to the same network, either through Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable.

By understanding these common reasons behind Minecraft LAN connection issues, you can quickly identify the problem and apply the appropriate solution. Always make sure to synchronize your game versions, mods, and settings with other players to avoid any potential connection problems.

With a little bit of troubleshooting, you and your friends can enjoy a fun-filled Minecraft LAN gaming session without any hassles.

First Method – Let Minecraft Executable File Through the Windows Firewall

If Minecraft is not allowed through your Firewall, then that will cause Minecraft LAN games not to work. Here’s how you can enable Minecraft through your Firewall.

1. Hold down the “Windows” + “R” keys on your keyboard and type in “control firewall.cpl” in the command prompt line.

2. In the Firewall window, click “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.”

3. Click on “Change Settings” and put a check on both “Private” and “Public” for all apps with the name “javaw.exe,” “Minecraft,” and Java Platform SE Binary.”

4. If you cannot see the “Minecraft” application on the list, click “Allow another app.”

5. Click on “Browse,” go to the folder of Minecraft and select “Minecraft Launcher,” and click “Add.” Once it has been added, you will be brought back to the main window of Windows Firewall; click “OK” to complete the steps.

6. Once you have completed all the steps, launch Minecraft and see if you can play LAN games.

Second Method – Make Sure All of You Are on the Same Network

If one or multiple people cannot join your Minecraft LAN world, there is a high probability that you are not all connected to the same LAN network. This is probably the easiest fix. You must ask everyone to connect to your home internet, whether Wi-Fi or cable.

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Third Method – Disable the “Access Point Isolation” Feature on Your Router

The “Access Point Isolation” feature is available on some routers. Having this feature turned on may cause the LAN server to malfunction. Follow these steps to check if the AP Isolation feature is causing it.

You must log in to your router’s GUI or Graphical User Interface. Depending on your router’s brand, you must use a browser to access its Management Page. We suggest you look at the manufacturer’s website to see what address you need to type in on your web browser.

1. In this example, we are showing you the GUI for TP-Link. You need to make sure the “AP Isolation” is unchecked. Click on “Save” and close out the window.

2. Now try to see if everyone can join your Minecraft Server to see if the issue has been fixed.

Fourth Method – Make Sure No One Is Using Any Custom Mods

If the server of your Minecraft LAN is using a mod or is in a modded session and the rest of the players do not have the same mods, they will not be able to join the server.

The easiest way to fix this is to let everyone download the same mod as the server or remove the mod from the server. Once that is done, check if the issue is fixed and enjoy the game.

Fifth Method – Make Sure the Computer Can Handle the Server

Sometimes, your LAN is not working because the host computer is not powerful enough to handle being the server. Hosting a LAN for Minecraft takes a lot of resources, so using a powerful PC to host several clients is highly suggested.

Sixth Method – Make Sure All Minecraft Clients Are Running on the Same Versions

The Minecraft server clients must be running on the same version as the host. Any version mismatch will cause clients to fail to connect to the server. Updating Minecraft is pretty straightforward.

1. If you’re using Minecraft on a Windows 10 computer, your client should automatically update itself once you launch it.

2. If you’re using other platforms to play Minecraft, you may visit their official update instructions by clicking here to see what steps you need to follow.

Seventh Method – Check Advanced Sharing Settings and Enable Network Discovery

Sometimes, LAN games might not work because network discovery is disabled on your computer. Follow these steps to enable network discovery:

1. Press the “Windows” key and type “Network and Sharing Center” in the search bar, then click on it.
2. In the “Network and Sharing Center” window, click “Change advanced sharing settings.”
3. Under your current network profile, click “Turn on network discovery” and “Turn on file and printer sharing.”
4. Click on “Save changes.”

After enabling network discovery, try connecting to the LAN session again.

Eight Method – Check Your Antivirus Software and Security Features

Antivirus software and other security features on your computer might be blocking Java, which is required to run Minecraft LAN games. Check your antivirus settings to ensure that Java is allowed and not blocked.

Ninth Method – Make Sure All Minecraft Clients Are Running on the Same Versions

The Minecraft server clients must be running on the same version as the host. Any version mismatch will cause clients to fail to connect to the server. Updating Minecraft is pretty straightforward.

If you’re using Minecraft on a Windows 10 computer, your client should automatically update itself once you launch it.

If you’re using other platforms to play Minecraft, you may visit their official update instructions by clicking here to see what steps you need to follow.

Summary

If you would notice, there is one common denominator for all the methods we have mentioned. All clients connecting to the server should have identical versions and settings.

Before you go to your friend’s house or invite them to your home to play Minecraft LAN, make sure to sync your Minecraft versions and settings beforehand.

Frequently Asked Questions