Make sure everyone has Minecraft installed
Make sure everyone is using the same Minecraft edition
Make sure everyone is on the same game version
Add each other as friends on your platform or Microsoft account
One player creates a world or starts a server
Set the world to multiplayer or allow friends to join
Share the world invite or server address with friends
Friends join through the Friends tab, invite, or server list
If playing on the same Wi-Fi, use local multiplayer or LAN
If playing online, use a realm, server, or cross-platform invite
Check privacy and multiplayer settings if friends cannot join
Start playing together in the same world