A Microsoft account is required to play Minecraft online, including multiplayer servers, Realms, and cross-platform play.

This account:

• Saves your game ownership
• Stores your username (Gamertag)
• Manages multiplayer settings
• Connects friends and online features

What Is a Microsoft Account?

A Microsoft account is an email-based login used for:

• Minecraft (Java & Bedrock)
• Xbox services
• Microsoft Store purchases
• Online multiplayer

You sign in using:

• An email address
• A password
• Optional security verification

Once Minecraft is purchased or redeemed, it becomes permanently linked to that Microsoft account.

Microsoft Accounts for Children

For players under 18, Microsoft requires accounts to be created as part of a Microsoft Family Group.

This means:

• A Parent account (adult Microsoft account) manages the family.
• A Child account is created under that parent.
• The parent controls privacy and multiplayer permissions.

How Child Accounts Work

When creating a child account:

1. The parent creates or signs into their own Microsoft account.
2. The parent adds a child account through Microsoft Family Safety.
3. The child gets their own:
   1. Email address
   2. Password
   3. Gamertag
4. The parent manages permissions from their account.

The child signs into Minecraft using their own login, but the parent controls settings.

Managing Multiplayer & Privacy Settings

For a child to play Minecraft multiplayer (including Mud Club), the parent must enable certain permissions.

These are managed at:

account.microsoft.com/family

Or through:

account.xbox.com/settings

Important Settings Parents Must Allow for Mud Club & Online Gaming

Under the child account’s settings, ensure:

• ✅ “You can join multiplayer games”
• ✅ “You can add friends”
• ✅ “You can create and join clubs” (if needed)
• ✅ Communication settings are set appropriately

If these are turned off, Minecraft will block multiplayer access.

Managing Purchases

• Game purchases are tied to the Microsoft account used to redeem or buy them.
• A child account must own Minecraft to play it.
• Parents can control spending permissions in Family Safety settings.

Common Issues

Multiplayer Not Working

• Usually caused by:
  • Privacy settings not enabled
  • Child account not properly linked
  • Signed into the wrong Microsoft account
     

“You Cannot Play Online”

• This almost always means parental permissions need to be adjusted.

Important Notes

• Every player needs their own Microsoft account.
• Accounts cannot be shared.
• Child accounts must be managed by a parent.
• Game ownership stays with the account permanently.