So you want to know how to download Minecraft? Gosh, well, if that’s the case, it sounds like you’re at the start of a magnificent journey which will take you into Minecraft’s ethereal blocky world and give you a gaming experience you’ll never forget. We’re kind of jealous that we can’t go back and experience Minecraft for the first time again, actually.
However, if you do want to learn how to download Minecraft it’s important to keep in mind that there’s a different process for every console. That’s why we’ve broken it down into easy to follow instructions for each of the major consoles. Whether you’re a Nintendo, Xbox, or PlayStation fan, you’ve come to the right place, we don’t discriminate here.
Before you know it, you’ll be building your first house out of dirt, getting blown up by your first Creeper, descending into the endless caves to find your diamonds, and planning more and more intricate building ideas. Soon you’ll understand how Minecraft managed to cement itself as one of the most popular games of all time.
For your reference, we’ve got instructions here for both Xbox and PlayStation – these should be fine for both Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S, meanwhile, we’ll note any differences between PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. It goes without saying that the Nintendo Switch instructions will work with all models of Switch.
Download nowHow to download Minecraft on Xbox
This process will be different depending on whether or not you are a Game Pass subscriber. Here’s a breakdown of the two methods:
- Go to the Microsoft Store through your console
- Search for Minecraft
- Once you find it, you will see an option to download it for free if you have Game Pass, but if you do not, you will see an option to buy the game
- If you don’t have any money in your Xbox account, you will be prompted to add your card details so that you can add some
- Complete the transaction process and then wait for the game to download
If you access the Microsoft Store via a web browser, you can use this method to download the game on your computer too. You can also buy in your browser and then download it on your Xbox once you are next using it. Alternatively, you can also access the game via the following method:
- Select Game Pass on your Xbox’s home screen
- Search for Minecraft
- Once you find it, the option to download should be immediately visible
Get the Download CodeHow to download Minecraft on Nintendo Switch
The process for downloading Minecraft on Nintendo Switch is much the same as it is for anyone using an Xbox. Here’s what you do:
- From your Switch’s home screen, select the Nintendo eShop
- To the top left of the screen, find the search option and search for Minecraft
- Once you find it, select the game, then press “Proceed to Purchase”
- On the next screen, you’ll confirm your order, but if you don’t have enough money in your account, you’ll first be prompted to add funds
- Once this is complete, your game’s download should begin automatically
Alternatively, you can purchase a Minecraft download code from Best Buy (via the link below, or in the image above), which will then be found under ‘Account Home’ and then “Digital Library”. Once you have the code, you will need to:
- Select the Nintendo eShop from your Switch’s home screen
- On the menu to your left, select “Redeem Code”
- Enter the code you got from Best Buy (note: the letters I, O, and Z are never included to avoid confusion)
- Then you just need to confirm that you want to download Minecraft onto your Switch
How to download Minecraft on PlayStation
Last but not least, here’s how you download Minecraft on PlayStation. We’ll start with the method for PlayStation 4:
- Choose the PlayStation Store from the home screen
- Search for “Minecraft” and then select it from the results and choose “Add to Cart”
- Complete the transaction process – this will be relatively simple, but may require you to add your card details if you have not done so already
- Then, find Minecraft either within the PlayStation Store or your Game Library
- Select “Download” and the game should start downloading
If you are using a PlayStation 5, things are a little different, because there is not a PS5 version of Minecraft. However, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to play it on your console. PlayStation 4 games are still available to purchase on PS5, so you can just follow this process:
- Go to your Games home and then select “PlayStation Store”
- Search for Minecraft
- Select the price, accept the terms and conditions, then select “Order & Pay”
- Then, find Minecraft either within the PlayStation Store or your Game Library
- Select “Download” and the game should start downloading
We hope this helps you to get started in Minecraft. You might also be interested in reading our articles on Minecraft house ideas and Minecraft skins for an idea of what you might like to do once you’re playing.