Minecraft Lan not showing up – How to fix

Minecraft is a popular sandbox video game that allows players to explore and create virtual worlds with endless possibilities. One of the great features of Minecraft is the ability to play with friends on a local area network (LAN). However, sometimes players encounter issues where the Minecraft LAN does not show up. This can be a frustrating experience for players who are looking to enjoy the game with their friends. In this article, we will explore the reasons why Minecraft LAN may not be showing up and how to fix it.

Minecraft Lan not showing up

Reasons why Minecraft LAN may not show up

There are various reasons why Minecraft LAN may not show up. Some of the common reasons are:

Firewall settings:

Your firewall settings may be blocking the Minecraft LAN connection. Firewalls are security software that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic. If the firewall is blocking Minecraft LAN traffic, you will not be able to see the LAN game on your network.

Different versions of Minecraft:

If you and your friends are using different versions of Minecraft, the LAN game may not show up. It is important to ensure that all players are using the same version of Minecraft.

LAN settings:

If your LAN settings are not configured properly, the Minecraft LAN game may not show up. LAN settings can be configured in the Minecraft options menu.

Network issues:

Sometimes, network issues can cause Minecraft LAN games not to show up. These issues can be related to your router, modem, or network adapter.

How to fix Minecraft LAN not showing up?

Now that we have identified some of the reasons why Minecraft LAN may not be showing up, let’s explore how to fix it.

Fix 1: Check firewall settings

One of the common reasons why Minecraft LAN games may not show up is due to the firewall settings. The firewall settings may be blocking the Minecraft LAN connection, preventing it from showing up on your network. Here are the steps to check your firewall settings and fix the issue:

Step 1: Open the Control Panel

The first step is to open the Control Panel on your computer. You can do this by clicking on the Start menu and typing “Control Panel” in the search bar. Click on the Control Panel option to open it.

Step 2: Go to System and Security

In the Control Panel, look for the System and Security option and click on it. This will take you to a new screen where you can manage the security settings on your computer.

Step 3: Open Windows Defender Firewall

In the System and Security screen, look for the Windows Defender Firewall option and click on it. This will take you to the firewall settings menu.

Step 4: Allow Minecraft through the firewall

In the Windows Defender Firewall menu, click on the “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall” option. This will open a new window where you can add Minecraft to the list of allowed apps.

Step 5: Add Minecraft to the list of allowed apps

In the new window, click on the “Change settings” button to allow changes. Scroll down the list of apps until you find Minecraft. Make sure that the checkbox next to Minecraft is ticked for both private and public networks. If Minecraft is not in the list of allowed apps, click on the “Allow another app” button and browse for Minecraft on your computer. Once you have added Minecraft to the list of allowed apps, click on the OK button to save the changes.

Step 6: Restart Minecraft

Once you have allowed Minecraft through the firewall, restart Minecraft and try to connect to the LAN game again. You should be able to see the LAN game on your network.

Checking your firewall settings and allowing Minecraft through the firewall can help you fix the issue of Minecraft LAN not showing up. Follow the above steps to ensure that Minecraft is allowed through the firewall, and you should be able to play the game with your friends on a LAN network.

Fix 2: Use the same version of Minecraft

Another common reason why Minecraft LAN games may not show up is due to different versions of the game being used by players. It is important to ensure that all players are using the same version of Minecraft to avoid compatibility issues. Here are the steps to check and update your Minecraft version:

Step 1: Open the Minecraft launcher

The first step is to open the Minecraft launcher on your computer. This is the application that you use to start the game.

Step 2: Check your Minecraft version

In the Minecraft launcher, look for the version of Minecraft that you are currently using. You can find this information in the lower-left corner of the launcher.

Step 3: Check with your friends

Check with your friends to find out which version of Minecraft they are using. It is important to ensure that everyone is using the same version of the game to avoid compatibility issues.

Step 4: Update Minecraft

If you are not using the same version of Minecraft as your friends, you will need to update your game. To do this, click on the “Installations” tab in the Minecraft launcher. Look for the version of Minecraft that your friends are using and click on the “New” button to create a new installation with that version. Give the installation a name and click on the “Create” button to create the new installation. Once the new installation has been created, select it from the list of installations and click on the “Play” button to start the game.

Step 5: Connect to the LAN game

Once you have updated your Minecraft version, connect to the LAN game again and see if it shows up on your network. You should now be able to see the LAN game and join in with your friends.

Using the same version of Minecraft is important to avoid compatibility issues and ensure that everyone can join the LAN game. Follow the above steps to check your Minecraft version and update it if necessary. This should help you fix the issue of Minecraft LAN not showing up.

Fix 3: Check LAN settings

Sometimes, the LAN settings in Minecraft may not be configured properly, causing the LAN game not to show up. Here are the steps to check and configure your LAN settings in Minecraft:

Step 1: Open Minecraft and go to Options

Open Minecraft and click on the “Options” button on the main menu.

Step 2: Select the LAN Settings option

In the Options menu, click on the “LAN Settings” button. This will open the LAN Settings menu.

Step 3: Enable “Open to LAN”

In the LAN Settings menu, make sure that the “Open to LAN” option is enabled. If it is not enabled, click on the “Open to LAN” button to enable it. This will allow other players on the same network to see and join your LAN game.

Step 4: Configure game settings

In the LAN Settings menu, you can also configure other game settings such as game mode, difficulty, and cheats. Make sure that these settings are configured to your liking.

Step 5: Start the LAN game

Once you have configured your LAN settings, click on the “Start LAN World” button to start the LAN game. This will make the game visible to other players on the same network.

Step 6: Connect to the LAN game

Ask your friends to look for the LAN game on their computers. They should be able to see the game on the multiplayer screen and join in by clicking on the game name.

Checking and configuring your LAN settings in Minecraft is important to ensure that the LAN game shows up on your network. Follow the above steps to enable the “Open to LAN” option and configure other game settings. This should help you fix the issue of Minecraft LAN not showing up.

Fix 4: Restart your router and modem

Sometimes, network issues can cause Minecraft LAN games not to show up. Restarting your router and modem can help resolve these issues. Here are the steps to restart your router and modem:

Step 1: Turn off your router and modem

Locate your router and modem and turn them off by unplugging them from the power source. It is important to turn off both the router and modem to ensure that any network issues are resolved.

Step 2: Wait for a few minutes

Wait for a few minutes after turning off your router and modem. This will allow any residual power to drain from the devices.

Step 3: Turn on your modem

Plug your modem back into the power source and turn it on. Wait for a few minutes for the modem to start up.

Step 4: Turn on your router

Once your modem is up and running, plug your router back into the power source and turn it on. Wait for a few minutes for the router to start up.

Step 5: Connect to the LAN game

After restarting your router and modem, connect to the LAN game again and see if it shows up on your network. You should now be able to see the LAN game and join in with your friends.

Restarting your router and modem can help resolve network issues and fix the issue of Minecraft LAN not showing up. Follow the above steps to turn off and turn on your router and modem. This should help you connect to the LAN game on your network.

Fix 5: Use direct connect

If none of the above solutions work, you can try using the direct connect feature in Minecraft. This feature allows you to manually connect to a server using an IP address. Here are the steps to use direct connect:

Step 1: Find the IP address of the host computer

The first step is to find the IP address of the computer hosting the LAN game. To do this, open the Command Prompt on the host computer and type “ipconfig” in the command prompt. Look for the IPv4 address and note it down. This is the IP address that you will use to connect to the LAN game.

Step 2: Open Minecraft

Open Minecraft on the computer that you want to connect to the LAN game.

Step 3: Select Multiplayer

Click on the “Multiplayer” button on the main menu.

Step 4: Select Direct Connect

In the Multiplayer menu, select the “Direct Connect” button.

Step 5: Enter the IP address

In the Direct Connect menu, enter the IP address of the host computer that you noted down in Step 1. Click on the “Join Server” button to connect to the LAN game.

Step 6: Connect to the LAN game

Once you have entered the IP address and clicked on the “Join Server” button, you should be connected to the LAN game. You can now play the game with your friends.

Using the direct connect feature in Minecraft can help you connect to the LAN game if other solutions do not work. Follow the above steps to find the IP address of the host computer and connect to the LAN game using the direct connect feature. This should help you fix the issue of Minecraft LAN not showing up.

Fix 6: Check network adapter settings

If the Minecraft LAN game still does not show up, you can try checking the network adapter settings on your computer. Here are the steps to check your network adapter settings:

Step 1: Open the Control Panel

Open the Control Panel on your computer by clicking on the Start menu and typing “Control Panel” in the search bar. Click on the Control Panel option to open it.

Step 2: Go to Network and Sharing Center

In the Control Panel, look for the Network and Sharing Center option and click on it. This will take you to a new screen where you can manage your network settings.

Step 3: Click on Change adapter settings

In the Network and Sharing Center, click on the “Change adapter settings” option. This will show you a list of all the network adapters that are currently installed on your computer.

Step 4: Check the network adapter status

Check the status of the network adapter that you are using to connect to the LAN game. If the network adapter status is “Disabled,” right-click on it and select “Enable.” This will enable the network adapter and allow you to connect to the LAN game.

Step 5: Restart Minecraft

Once you have enabled the network adapter, restart Minecraft and try to connect to the LAN game again. You should be able to see the LAN game on your network.

Checking your network adapter settings can help you fix the issue of Minecraft LAN not showing up. Follow the above steps to check the status of your network adapter and enable it if necessary. This should help you connect to the LAN game on your network.

Fix 7: Use a third-party VPN

If all the above solutions fail to fix the issue of Minecraft LAN not showing up, you can try using a third-party VPN. A VPN can help you create a virtual LAN network that allows you to connect to the LAN game from different locations. Here are the steps to use a third-party VPN:

Step 1: Choose a VPN service

Choose a reliable and trusted VPN service that supports LAN gaming. Some popular VPN services that support LAN gaming include Hamachi, Evolve, and ZeroTier.

Step 2: Download and install the VPN software

Download and install the VPN software on your computer. Follow the instructions provided by the VPN service to set up the software.

Step 3: Create a virtual LAN network

Create a virtual LAN network using the VPN software. Follow the instructions provided by the VPN service to create the virtual LAN network.

Step 4: Connect to the virtual LAN network

Connect to the virtual LAN network using the VPN software. Follow the instructions provided by the VPN service to connect to the virtual LAN network.

Step 5: Start the LAN game

Once you have connected to the virtual LAN network, start the LAN game as you normally would. The game should show up on the virtual LAN network, and you can join in with your friends.

Using a third-party VPN can help you connect to the LAN game if other solutions do not work. Follow the above steps to choose a VPN service, download and install the VPN software, create a virtual LAN network, and connect to the virtual LAN network. This should help you fix the issue of Minecraft LAN not showing up.

Fix 8: Check the network configuration on your router

If none of the above solutions work, you can try checking the network configuration on your router. Here are the steps to check your router’s network configuration:

Step 1: Access your router’s configuration page

Open your web browser and type your router’s IP address into the address bar. This will take you to your router’s configuration page. If you do not know your router’s IP address, you can find it in the Command Prompt by typing “ipconfig” and looking for the “Default Gateway” address.

Step 2: Log in to your router

Enter your router’s username and password to log in. If you do not know your router’s username and password, check the documentation that came with your router or contact your internet service provider.

Step 3: Check LAN settings

In your router’s configuration page, look for the LAN settings. Check that your router is configured to use the same network protocol as your computer. For example, if your computer is using IPv4, make sure that your router is also using IPv4.

Step 4: Enable UPnP

In your router’s configuration page, check that UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) is enabled. UPnP allows devices on your network to communicate with each other, which is necessary for the LAN game to show up.

Step 5: Disable port blocking

In your router’s configuration page, check that there are no port-blocking settings enabled. Some routers may have port-blocking settings enabled by default, which can prevent the LAN game from showing up.

Step 6: Restart your router

Once you have checked your router’s network configuration, restart your router and try to connect to the LAN game again. You should be able to see the LAN game on your network.

Checking your router’s network configuration can help you fix the issue of Minecraft LAN not showing up. Follow the above steps to access your router’s configuration page, check LAN settings, enable UPnP, disable port blocking, and restart your router. This should help you connect to the LAN game on your network.

Preventing Tips to Avoid Minecraft LAN Not Showing Up

In addition to the solutions mentioned above, there are some preventing tips that you can follow to avoid the issue of Minecraft LAN not showing up. Here are some tips that you can follow:

1: Ensure Compatibility

One of the main reasons why Minecraft LAN games may not show up is due to compatibility issues. Ensure that all players are using the same version of Minecraft and have the same game settings configured. If any player has a different version of Minecraft or game settings, it may cause compatibility issues and prevent the LAN game from showing up.

2: Configure Firewall Settings

Firewall settings can prevent the LAN game from showing up on your network. Make sure that your firewall settings are configured to allow Minecraft to communicate through the network. You can also add Minecraft to the list of allowed apps in your firewall settings.

3: Use a Wired Connection

Using a wired connection instead of a wireless connection can help prevent network issues and improve network stability. A wired connection can also help reduce latency and improve the performance of the LAN game.

 4: Update Network Drivers

Outdated or corrupted network drivers can cause network issues and prevent the LAN game from showing up. Make sure that your network drivers are up to date and working properly. You can update your network drivers manually or use a driver update software.

5: Use Reliable Network Hardware

Using reliable network hardware such as routers, modems, and network cables can help prevent network issues and improve network stability. Make sure that your network hardware is compatible with your computer and has the necessary features to support LAN gaming.

Following the above preventing tips can help you avoid the issue of Minecraft LAN not showing up. Ensure compatibility, configure firewall settings, use a wired connection, update network drivers, and use reliable network hardware to prevent network issues and improve network stability. With these tips, you can enjoy playing Minecraft LAN games with your friends without any problems.

Conclusion

There can be several reasons why Minecraft LAN games may not show up on your network. However, by following the above solutions, such as checking firewall settings, using the same version of Minecraft, checking LAN settings, restarting your router and modem, using direct connect, checking network adapter settings, and using a third-party VPN or checking network configuration on your router, you should be able to fix the issue and connect to the LAN game. Remember to follow the steps carefully and make sure that all players are using the same settings to avoid compatibility issues. With these solutions, you can enjoy playing Minecraft with your friends on LAN without any problems.

FAQs

Why is my Minecraft LAN game not showing up?

There can be several reasons, such as firewall settings, different Minecraft versions, LAN settings, network issues, etc.

How do I fix the issue of Minecraft LAN not showing up?

You can follow the solutions, such as checking firewall settings, using the same version of Minecraft, checking LAN settings, restarting your router and modem, using direct connect, checking network adapter settings, using a third-party VPN or checking network configuration on your router.

How do I check my Minecraft version?

Open the Minecraft launcher, check the version in the lower-left corner of the launcher.

How do I enable the “Open to LAN” option?

In the LAN Settings menu, click on the “Open to LAN” button to enable it.

What is the direct connect feature in Minecraft?

The direct connect feature allows you to manually connect to a server using an IP address.

How do I find the IP address of the host computer?

Open the Command Prompt on the host computer and type “ipconfig” in the command prompt. Look for the IPv4 address.

What is a third-party VPN?

A third-party VPN is a virtual private network service provided by a third-party company.

What is UPnP?

UPnP is Universal Plug and Play, which allows devices on your network to communicate with each other.

Why is my network adapter disabled?

Your network adapter may be disabled due to a configuration issue or a network error.

How do I access my router’s configuration page?

Open your web browser and type your router’s IP address into the address bar.