How to Play Minecraft on a Local Network (LAN) with a Mac
If you’re looking to play Minecraft (Java Edition) with your friends on a local network using a Mac, this step-by-step guide will help you get started quickly. Whether you’re on Wi-Fi or an Ethernet connection, playing via LAN is a great way to enjoy Minecraft together without setting up an external server.
1. Requirements
• Minecraft Java Edition: Ensure each player has the same version of Minecraft Java Edition installed.
• Same Local Network: All players must be connected to the same local router (either via Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
• Firewall Settings: Make sure your Mac’s firewall allows incoming connections for Minecraft (Java).
2. Finding Your Mac’s Local IP Address
Before hosting a LAN game, you’ll need to know your computer’s IP address.
1. Open Terminal on your Mac (use Spotlight or Launchpad).
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
ipconfig getifaddr en0
• This usually shows the IP address for Wi-Fi (en0).
• If you’re using Ethernet, try ipconfig getifaddr en1 instead.
You should see something like 192.168.x.x as your IP address. Note this down.
3. Hosting a LAN World on Mac
1. Launch Minecraft (Java Edition).
2. Open a Singleplayer World: Choose an existing world or create a new one.
3. Open to LAN:
• Press the Esc key to open the in-game menu.
• Select Open to LAN.
• Choose your preferred game mode (Survival, Creative, etc.).
• Optionally allow cheats.
• Click Start LAN World.
4. Port Information: After you click “Start LAN World,” Minecraft will display a port number in the chat or bottom-left corner (e.g., Port 51234).
4. Connecting from Another Mac (or PC) on the Same LAN
1. Launch Minecraft on the second computer.
2. Go to Multiplayer from the main menu.
3. If the LAN game automatically appears in the server list, just click it to join.
4. Otherwise, select Direct Connect and enter:
[Your Mac's IP Address]:[Port]
Example:
192.168.68.63:51234
5. Click Join Server. You should now connect to the host’s Minecraft world.
5. Troubleshooting
• LAN Game Not Showing Up:
Sometimes Minecraft doesn’t automatically detect LAN worlds. Use Direct Connect with the IP and port.
• Firewall Blocking:
If you can’t connect, check your Mac’s firewall in System Settings > Network > Firewall. Make sure Minecraft or Java is allowed.
• Different Game Versions:
All players must use the same version (e.g., 1.19, 1.20). Otherwise, you’ll encounter connection errors.
• Port Changes Each Time:
Each time you use Open to LAN, Minecraft may assign a new port. Recheck and give the correct port to other players.
6. Conclusion
Playing Minecraft on a local LAN with a Mac is straightforward and requires only a few steps: find your IP address, open your world to LAN, and share the IP/port with friends. This setup ensures a low-latency, direct connection for everyone on the same network, making it perfect for small groups wanting a quick way to play together. Enjoy building, mining, and exploring in your shared Minecraft world!
If you’re looking to play Minecraft (Java Edition) with your friends on a local network using a Mac, this step-by-step guide will help you get started quickly. Whether you’re on Wi-Fi or an Ethernet connection, playing via LAN is a great way to enjoy Minecraft together without setting up an external server.
1. Requirements
• Minecraft Java Edition: Ensure each player has the same version of Minecraft Java Edition installed.
• Same Local Network: All players must be connected to the same local router (either via Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
• Firewall Settings: Make sure your Mac’s firewall allows incoming connections for Minecraft (Java).
2. Finding Your Mac’s Local IP Address
Before hosting a LAN game, you’ll need to know your computer’s IP address.
1. Open Terminal on your Mac (use Spotlight or Launchpad).
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
ipconfig getifaddr en0
• This usually shows the IP address for Wi-Fi (en0).
• If you’re using Ethernet, try ipconfig getifaddr en1 instead.
You should see something like 192.168.x.x as your IP address. Note this down.
3. Hosting a LAN World on Mac
1. Launch Minecraft (Java Edition).
2. Open a Singleplayer World: Choose an existing world or create a new one.
3. Open to LAN:
• Press the Esc key to open the in-game menu.
• Select Open to LAN.
• Choose your preferred game mode (Survival, Creative, etc.).
• Optionally allow cheats.
• Click Start LAN World.
4. Port Information: After you click “Start LAN World,” Minecraft will display a port number in the chat or bottom-left corner (e.g., Port 51234).
4. Connecting from Another Mac (or PC) on the Same LAN
1. Launch Minecraft on the second computer.
2. Go to Multiplayer from the main menu.
3. If the LAN game automatically appears in the server list, just click it to join.
4. Otherwise, select Direct Connect and enter:
[Your Mac's IP Address]:[Port]
Example:
192.168.68.63:51234
5. Click Join Server. You should now connect to the host’s Minecraft world.
5. Troubleshooting
• LAN Game Not Showing Up:
Sometimes Minecraft doesn’t automatically detect LAN worlds. Use Direct Connect with the IP and port.
• Firewall Blocking:
If you can’t connect, check your Mac’s firewall in System Settings > Network > Firewall. Make sure Minecraft or Java is allowed.
• Different Game Versions:
All players must use the same version (e.g., 1.19, 1.20). Otherwise, you’ll encounter connection errors.
• Port Changes Each Time:
Each time you use Open to LAN, Minecraft may assign a new port. Recheck and give the correct port to other players.
6. Conclusion
Playing Minecraft on a local LAN with a Mac is straightforward and requires only a few steps: find your IP address, open your world to LAN, and share the IP/port with friends. This setup ensures a low-latency, direct connection for everyone on the same network, making it perfect for small groups wanting a quick way to play together. Enjoy building, mining, and exploring in your shared Minecraft world!
