Open Minecraft on both devices
Make sure both players have the same Minecraft version
Sign in to Xbox/Microsoft accounts if needed
For local split-screen on console, connect a second controller
Start a world or join an existing one
Press the button to add the second player
For online play, one player creates a world and enables multiplayer
Invite the second player through friends or invite options
For LAN play, make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network
Open the world to LAN if available
The second player joins from the Friends or LAN section
For Realms, invite the second player to the Realm
Make sure multiplayer settings are allowed in the account privacy settings