How to download Minecraft

How To
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Here’s how to download Minecraft on iPhone, Android, Amazon Fire, Windows PC, Mac and other devices

How to download Minecraft
(Image credit: Microsoft)

Once you know how to download Minecraft, you can join the fun and find out why it's become the best selling game of all time.

The ultimate sandbox game has sold more than 200 million copies since its launch in 2011 and currently has over 126 million monthly active users. 

Its popularity stems partly from the way its ultra-creative gameplay is suitable for all ages, and for everyone from casual to veteran gamers — but also from the fact that it's available on so many platforms. Seriously, there are probably toasters that can run it. 

The official website currently lists 17 different platforms/operation systems that can play the main version of Minecraft — and that's not even counting spin-offs such as Minecraft Dungeons, Minecraft Education and Minecraft Earth.

In short, if you have a laptop, desktop, phone, tablet or console, there's a good chance you can play Minecraft — once you know how to download it. Read on for all the information you need to get started.

Where to download Minecraft

How to download Minecraft: All the platforms it's available on

Java Edition

Windows PC

MacOS

Linux

Bedrock Edition

Windows 10

iOS

Android

Microsoft Xbox One

Sony PlayStation 4

Nintendo Switch

Amazon Fire

Amazon Fire TV

Oculus

Other (standalone) versions

Microsoft Xbox 360

Sony PlayStation 3

Sony PlayStation Vita

Nintendo Wii U

Nintendo 3DS

Before you find out how to download Minecraft, you need to know which version of the game you want.

There are two main versions of Minecraft, commonly known as the Java Edition and the Bedrock Edition.

Minecraft Java Edition is available on Windows PC, MacOS and Linux and offers cross-platform play between those three operating systems.

Minecraft Bedrock Edition was previously known as Pocket Edition and is available on Windows 10, iOS and Android devices, Amazon Fire devices, PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch consoles and Oculus, with cross-platform play supported across all of those varied devices.

Outside of their cross-platform compatibilities, the Java and Bedrock Editions of Minecraft are increasingly similar these days, with the main difference being the fact that the Java Edition supports mods. 

How to download Minecraft for Windows PC, MacOS and Linux (Java Edition)

  • Download Minecraft (Java Edition) for Windows/MacOS/Linux: Minecraft.net

You can download the Java Edition of Minecraft from the official Minecraft website, Minecraft.net.

Note that there are minimum hardware requirements to play Minecraft:

CPU: Intel Core i3-3210 3.2 GHz/ AMD A8-7600 APU 3.1 GHz or equivalent

GPU (integrated): Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Ivy Bridge) or AMD Radeon R5 series (Kaveri line) with OpenGL 4.4*

GPU (discrete): Nvidia GeForce 400 Series or AMD Radeon HD 7000 series with OpenGL 4.4

RAM: 4GB

HDD: 1GB

How to download Minecraft for Windows 10 (Bedrock Edition)

  • Download Minecraft for Windows 10 (Bedrock Edition): Minecraft.net

The dedicated Windows 10 version of Minecraft offers cross-platform play with other Bedrock Edition games on mobile devices and consoles, but with a starting price of $29.99, it's slightly more expensive than the Java version. 

Again, there are minimum hardware requirements to play Minecraft Bedrock Edition on Windows 10:

CPU: Intel Celeron J4105 | AMD FX-4100

GPU: Intel HD Graphics 4000 | AMD Radeon R5

RAM: 4GB

Architecture: ARM, x64, x86

OS: Windows 10 version 14393.0 or higher,

How to download Minecraft for iOS and Android

You can use both mobile versions of Minecraft on tablets as well as your mobile devices. Both are considerably cheaper than on desktop/laptop and offer cross-platform play with all other Bedrock Editions of the game, including the Windows 10 version and some consoles.

How to download Minecraft for PS4, Xbox and Nintendo Switch consoles

The PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch versions of Minecraft can all be downloaded from their respective stores. All are cross-platform compatible with all other Bedrock Editions, such as iOS and Android devices.

How to download Minecraft for Amazon Fire

  • Download Minecraft for Amazon Fire tablets: Amazon
  • Download Minecraft for Amazon Fire TV: Amazon

The mobile version of Minecraft can be played on both Fire tablets and Fire TV — though the Fire TV version is considerably more expensive. Again, both can be played cross-platform with users on iOS, Android and console versions.

Note that if you have an Amazon Fire for Kids tablet and your child is using the Amazon Fire for Kids software, they won't be able to download Minecraft themselves. Instead, you'll have to download it from a parent profile then make the game available to them to download in their profile. 

How to download Minecraft for Oculus, Microsoft Xbox 360, PS3, PS Vita, Nintendo Wii U and Nintendo 3DS

You'll find links for how to download Minecraft for other consoles and platforms on Minecraft.net. 

What you can do in Minecraft

As previously stated, Minecraft has grown exponentially over the years since its launch. You can opt to explore the world and create structures, or you can choose Survival and Hardcore modes to gather resources, fight off monsters, and eke out a life of your own. This includes needing to build a shelter to keep safe from monsters at night, eating food to stay healthy, and mining for treasures and supplies to build additional items for survival. 

You can also join others' servers to join in on roleplaying games, work on customizing enormous creations, and even utilize mods to make Minecraft feel more like your own. There are some mods that can completely change the way Minecraft plays so that it resembles an entirely different game. It's up to you. The possibilities are nearly endless. 

Brittany Vincent
Brittany Vincent

Brittany Vincent has been covering video games and tech for over 13 years for publications including Tom's Guide, MTV, Rolling Stone, CNN, Popular Science, Playboy, IGN, GamesRadar, Polygon, Kotaku, Maxim, and more. She's also appeared as a panelist at video game conventions like PAX East and PAX West and has coordinated social media for companies like CNET. When she's not writing or gaming, she's looking for the next great visual novel in the vein of Saya no Uta. You can follow her on Twitter @MolotovCupcake.