Share this article

Improve this guide

Unable to Connect to World with Minecraft Crossplay

This issue usually occurs due to permissions or connectivity problems

7 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

Share this article

Improve this guide

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Key notes

Minecraft is aworld-building gamethat millions of players across the planet play online together. However, multiplayer crossplay issues arise for some Minecraft players. TheUnable to connect to worlderror is one such issue that sometimes arises when some players try to connect with worlds.

What exactly is Minecraft crossplay?

Minecraft crossplay is a feature that enables cross-platform multiplayer gaming for Minecraft. Crossplay means Windows players can play multiplayer Minecraft games with console and mobile device players. These are the Minecraft Bedrock game editions with crossplay compatibility:

With those Bedrock editions, Minecraft’s multiplayer crossplay extends across many gaming platforms. You can play crossplay multiplayer Minecraft games with Windows 10 PCs, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Switch, Android, and iOS gaming platforms.

We have an excellent guide onhow to play Minecraft cross-platformthat may help you with that.

However, crossplay doesn’t extend to older Windows platforms and other consoles. Minecraft: Java Edition doesn’t support crossplay compatibility for older Windows platforms. Nor is crossplay applicable for PlayStation 3, Wii U, Vita, 3DS, and Xbox 360 players.

What causes this Unable to connect to world Minecraft error?

There are a few reasons why this error occurs, and we will outline the most important of those:

Now that we know why this error occurs, let’s proceed with the solutions to fix the problem.

How can I fix the Unable to connect to world error?

1. Run the CheckNetIsolation PowerShell command

CheckNetIsolation.exe is a diagnostic tool in Windows that tests and troubleshoots a Windows Store app that needs network capabilities.

In other words, if Minecraft has any trouble connecting to the Internet, this tool will identify and fix it.

2. Select the join multiplayer games Xbox account settings

Also, make sure the Multiplayer Game option is enabled for the Minecraft world you can’t connect to. To do so, click the edit (pencil) button for a world on Minecraft’s World tab. Then toggle theMultiplayer Gameoption toOnif it’s disabled.

3. Update Windows 10 and Minecraft to the latest versions

If the App updates option is enabled, Minecraft will be updated automatically.

4. Update your PC’s network device driver

The Update Drivers utility in Windows isn’t always entirely reliable for updating drivers. If that utility doesn’t find and install a new driver, consider trying a third-partydriver updater utilitylike Outbyte Driver Updater.

Outbyte Driver Updater will scan your PC, list devices with outdated drivers, and enable you to update their drivers.

Outbyte Driver Updater

5. Enable UnPn for your router

6. Turn off Windows Defender Firewall

If this solution resolves the issue, the firewall was blocking Minecraft’s server. ClickAllow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewalland select all the bedrock_server checkboxes to allow Minecraft through WDF. Then you can turn the firewall back on.

Also, try disabling any third-party antivirus utility installed on your desktop or laptop before launching Minecraft. To do so, right-click your antivirus utility’s system tray icon to select a turn off or disable shield option of some kind. Choose to turn off the shield for a few hours if you can.

It’s only advised to temporarily disable your antivirus utility. Remember to turn it back on after you’ve finished playing Minecraft. Alternatively, consider adding Minecraft to your antivirus utility’s exclusion list.

7. Allow local network access for Minecraft (iOS fix)

To fix theUnable to connect to worlderror for Minecraft for Mobile on iOS devices, tapSettingson your tablet or phone. Then tap thePrivacyandLocal Networkto view a list of apps that have requested permission to find local area network devices.

Within theLocal Networkmenu, look forMinecraftand enable its access. This worked for a lot of our readers so try it out.

The Minecraft Help Center page includes the contact form players can fill out. Input all the required details for your Minecraft game issue in that form. Then click theSubmitbutton to send.

Minecraft’s support forum also helps players fix issues with that game. You can sign in to that forum with a Microsoft or Google account. Then click theMinecraft (Bedrock) Supportsection to add a post about the Unable to connect to World error there.

The resolutions above are some of the more widely confirmed fixes for theUnable to connect to worldcrossplay error. So, those potential fixes will probably be enough to kick-start crossplay multiplayerMinecraft gamesfor most players.

If you have any other suggestions or questions, feel free to write them in the comments section below.

Unable to Connect to World with Minecraft Crossplay#

What exactly is Minecraft crossplay?#

What causes this Unable to connect to world Minecraft error?#

How can I fix the Unable to connect to world error?#

1. Run the CheckNetIsolation PowerShell command#

2. Select the join multiplayer games Xbox account settings#

3. Update Windows 10 and Minecraft to the latest versions#

4. Update your PC’s network device driver#

Outbyte Driver Updater#

5. Enable UnPn for your router#

6. Turn off Windows Defender Firewall#

7. Allow local network access for Minecraft (iOS fix)#