To play Minecraft online, use Realms, buy from the Marketplace or play with friends on other devices, you need a free Microsoft account. It is also where your Minecraft purchase is saved, so you can download the game again on a new device. Here is how to set one up.
Why you need one
- Play with friends across phones, PCs and consoles.
- Join Realms and many servers.
- Keep Marketplace items and Minecoins on every device.
- Download the PC version again any time, because it is linked to your account.
Step 1: Create the account
- Go to account.microsoft.com and choose to create an account.
- Use an email you already have, or make a new Outlook email.
- Pick a strong password you do not use anywhere else.
- Fill in your country and birth date, and confirm your email with the code you get.
It is free, and you only need one account for everything.
Step 2: Your gamertag
Your gamertag is the name other players see in Bedrock. The first time you sign in to Minecraft or Xbox, you get asked to pick one. You can change it later in your Xbox profile settings.
Step 3: Sign in to Minecraft
- Bedrock (phone, console, Windows): open Minecraft and press Sign In on the start screen.
- Java: open the Minecraft Launcher and sign in with the same account.
Some devices show a short code and ask you to visit a website on another device to finish signing in. Only type that code on the official Microsoft page.
Accounts for kids
Children get a child account that a parent manages through Microsoft Family Safety. Parents can choose if the child can play online, chat, or make purchases. If a child cannot join friends or servers, a parent may need to allow multiplayer in those settings.
Keep your account safe
- Turn on two-step verification in your Microsoft account security settings.
- Never share your password or sign-in codes, not even with friends.
- Be careful with sites that offer free Minecoins or skins in exchange for your login. They steal accounts.
- Never type your password into a launcher or client from an unknown site.
Next steps
New to the game? See how to download Minecraft and free ways to play with friends.
