Why Won’t Minecraft LAN Work? Here’s How to Fix It!

Why Won’t Minecraft LAN Work?

If you’re a Minecraft player who loves playing the game with friends or family, you know how frustrating it can be when the LAN feature isn’t working. This issue can happen for various reasons, such as network issues, outdated game version, or incorrect game settings.

In this article, we’ll explore the common reasons why Minecraft LAN isn’t working and provide some solutions to fix the issue.

Why LAN Isn’t Working in Minecraft

Outdated Game Version

One of the most common reasons why LAN isn’t working in Minecraft is because you could be using an outdated game version. Check if you and your friends have updated the game to the latest version. If not, update it to the latest version and try again.

Network Issues

Another common reason why LAN isn’t working is due to network issues. Minecraft LAN requires a stable network connection to function correctly. If you’re having trouble with your network connections, there’s a chance that this could be causing the problem.

Incorrect Game Settings

Sometimes, Minecraft LAN doesn’t work because of incorrect game settings. Ensure that you’ve enabled Minecraft LAN and configured the game settings correctly.

How to Fix Minecraft LAN Not Working

Check Your Firewall Settings

One of the most important things to do when you have issues connecting to Minecraft LAN is to check your firewall settings. Firewalls can block Minecraft LAN from functioning, so, therefore, you need to make sure your firewall settings are allowing Minecraft to access your network.

To check your firewall settings, follow the steps below:

  • Press the Windows key and type in ‘firewall.’
  • Click on ‘Windows Defender Firewall.’
  • Look for ‘Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall’ and click on it.
  • Scroll down to locate Minecraft and make sure the settings are enabled.

Use Direct Connect

If you’ve tried other solutions and Minecraft LAN is still not working, you can try connecting directly to the host player’s IP address. Use Direct Connect option and enter your friend’s IP address to join their game.

Reset Your Network

If none of the above solutions works, try resetting your network. Resetting your network can help fix connection issues and can enable Minecraft LAN to work correctly.

To reset your network, follow the steps below:

  • Press the Windows key and type in ‘cmd.’
  • Right-click on ‘Command Prompt’ and select ‘Run as administrator.’
  • Type the following commands: ipconfig/release, ipconfig/renew, and netsh winsock
    reset.
  • Wait for the process to complete.

Why Can’t I Connect to LAN Minecraft?

If you can’t connect to LAN Minecraft, it’s possible that you and your friend may be using different networks. Ensure that both of you are connected to the same network before trying to connect to Minecraft LAN.

Why Isn’t LAN Working on Minecraft?

Minecraft LAN may not work for several reasons, such as outdated game versions, network issues, or incorrect game settings. Follow the above solutions on fixing the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Minecraft LAN?

Minecraft LAN is the Local Area Network setup in the game that enables players to connect to each other’s games locally.

How do I know if Minecraft LAN is enabled?

To check if Minecraft LAN is enabled, launch Minecraft > Click on ‘Singleplayer’ > Create a new world > Click on ‘More World Options’ > Enable ‘Allow Cheats’ and ‘LAN World.’

How do I join a friend’s Minecraft LAN game?

To join a friend’s Minecraft LAN game, click on ‘Multiplayer’ > Click ‘Direct Connect’ > Enter your friend’s IP address and click ‘Join Server.’

Conclusion

Minecraft LAN is a great way to play the game with friends and family. However, users may face issues connecting to Minecraft LAN due to several reasons. If you’re experiencing any issues with Minecraft LAN, follow the solutions in this article to fix the problem.