Is Minecraft Realms Down? How to Check Status & Fix Not Loading Errors
Is Minecraft Realms down? It can be frustrating to experience server issues, especially when you’re paying for a subscription and suddenly can’t access your private server.
While there are plenty of public Minecraft servers to choose from, they can be chaotic depending on who you’re playing with. Minecraft Realms offers a great way to host your friends in a private setting, but when it goes offline, it feels like you’re not getting what you paid for.
If you’re wondering if Minecraft Realms is down, here are some tips to help you figure out possible causes and the best steps to fix Minecraft Realms.
As of this writing, the current status for Realms is that it’s up and running. Of course, when things go wrong and you get Minecraft Realms down-related problems, it’s helpful to know what steps to take.
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What is Minecraft Realms?
Before we get into the question of “Is Minecraft Realms down?”, we should first dive into what it is.
Minecraft Realms is a server hosting service that players can subscribe to to build and manage private Minecraft servers. Because it is hosted by Mojang, it doesn’t require any technical knowledge to run, and it provides better security and privacy than regular Minecraft servers.
Realms is meant for small groups of friends or family, and they can access the servers and play in the user’s world anytime and from any compatible device, even if the user who runs Realms isn’t online. They can also play for free; only the subscriber of the Realms account has to pay subscription fees.
Realms subscriptions are available on Bedrock and Java editions, with Realms and Realms Plus tiers to choose from, depending on your budget. Some features to be aware of include:
- 24/7 personal server
- Friends can play for free
- Up to 2 additional friends can play simultaneously alongside the subscriber, or 10 for Realms Plus members
- Compatible with Minecraft Marketplace
- Free backups
- Cross-platform for Bedrock-compatible devices and consoles only
- Three world slots (though only one is playable at a time)
Fix Minecraft Realms Down Issues
If you find Minecraft Realms down, either with a ‘not loading’ error or other server issues, try these troubleshooting tips:
- First, “Have you tried turning it off and on again?” This classic IT advice often fixes glitches quickly.
- If you’re playing on PC, restart your computer to refresh system settings.
- For console players, verify your Realms subscription is active and correctly linked to your gaming account.
- Try closing and reopening the Realm to refresh the connection. This is especially helpful for in-game lags and crashes.
- Check your internet connection if you find Minecraft Realms down—reboot or reset your router if necessary.
- Configure your router’s NAT type to open or moderate for better connectivity.
- If you changed your console’s DNS settings, reset them to automatic and test again.
- Use a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi for a more stable network.
- Close any bandwidth-heavy programs that might interfere with your connection.
- Ensure VPNs, antivirus, or firewall settings are not blocking Minecraft Realms. Open ports 26000-28000 and check ports 443 and 80 for proxy issues.
- If you’re using a private server or realm, contact the server host for assistance.
- Java Edition users: green server status means online, yellow means expiring soon, and red means down or expired.
- Update Minecraft to the latest version, as older versions may lose Realms support.
- Confirm your device and operating system meet Minecraft Realms’ compatibility requirements.
- Console users: check server status on the console to confirm no widespread outages.
Why Is Minecraft Down?
Minecraft Realms can go down without much warning. But that doesn’t mean the causes are unknown. Here are some common reasons it goes down:
- Mojang takes Realms offline from time to time to push updates or resolve issues. In these cases, you’ll get access again once the work is finished.
- While some outages are planned, others are unexpected. Things like bugs, crashes, and server-side issues can cause Realms to stop working suddenly, even if everything was fine earlier.
- Minecraft can also go down after big updates or during peak hours. Too many people hitting Realms at once can easily result in slow performance or failed connections.
- On some platforms, Realms depends on Xbox Live services. Realms may not load if those are having problems. Check the Xbox status here.
- In some cases, only certain areas are affected by server issues. This results in some players being able to connect while others cannot.
- Finally, simple credential issues could be at play. These issues can feel like the service is down, when really you just need to check your password!
How to Check If Minecraft Realms is Actually Down
If you can’t connect to Minecraft Realms, it’s important to confirm whether the servers themselves are down or if the problem is on your end.
Here are some reliable ways to check server status to confirm Minecraft Realms outages:
Use Down Detector to Monitor Mojang Server Status
Is Minecraft Realms down for everyone? Down Detector can help figure that out, as it tracks user reports and search trends.
If many players report issues, Down Detector will display outage notifications. This helps confirm if the problem is server-side. If confirmed, you can also contact Mojang support on X for updates.
Check Mojang Server Status on X
Another way to check server status is through X (formerly Twitter). Mojang regularly posts server status updates on their official X account.
This is the best source for real-time info and official communication on Minecraft Realms, including known issues, maintenance, and bug fixes.
Check Server Status at Down for Everyone or Just Me?
There are lots of sites out there you can use to check for server status (such as the already mentioned Down Detector), and Down for Everyone or Just Me is another reputable option.
They have up-to-date server outage reports, graphs, user reports, location information, and details about outage durations. Use this site if you’re seeing a ‘not loading’ error, even after checking the server status with the other tools.
Check Discord and Minecraft Realms Forums
Other possible places to check server status include various popular Minecraft forums, like Reddit, or the official Minecraft Realms Discord.
Both are highly likely to have players report widespread access issues to the game’s servers, and they may be faster to report it than other sources, as it can take time for websites like Down Detector to update their information.
The official Discord may also be more likely to have status communications from Mojang about any server issues.
Besides being on top of reporting server access problems, Discord and other forums are ideal for actually interacting with other players. Sharing experiences and confirming widespread issues in real-time is extraordinarily helpful when trying to determine if Minecraft Realms is down or if it is only a problem for an individual player.
Fix Not Loading Error
Minecraft Realms can get stuck on a ‘not loading’ screen when the service is having trouble or if your session is experiencing bugs or just simple connection problems. Here’s what to do:
- Confirm Realms is actually up by quitting Minecraft and checking the server status (see above).
- Restart your device and your network equipment, like your router and/or modem. If you’re able to, isolate the network problem by trying your phone’s hotspot (if it works there, then it’s your home network that’s causing the ‘not loading’ issue).
- Sign out of your account, and then sign back in.
- Update Minecraft to the latest version possible, and also take this time to update your device’s operating system. On some devices, you can simply reboot to check for updates.
- Clear the cache. This works differently depending on the device you’re using, but in most cases, you’ll open the advanced options or network settings to find the option to reset the app cache.
- Uninstall Minecraft and start over with a fresh install.
Cross-Device Play in Minecraft Realms
One of the biggest advantages of Minecraft Realms is its cross-device play support, which allows friends to connect regardless of what device they’re using—though there are important distinctions between Bedrock Edition and Java Edition.
Bedrock Edition Realms (Cross-Platform)
Realms for Bedrock Edition supports full cross-play across all Bedrock-supported platforms. That means you can start a Realm on your PC, and your friends can join from their console or mobile device. Supported platforms include:
- Windows 10/11 (Bedrock Edition)
- Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
- PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
- Nintendo Switch
- iOS devices (iPhone & iPad)
- Android devices (phones & tablets)
- Amazon Fire devices (Fire tablets, Fire TV)
As long as you’re signed in with your Microsoft account, you can access the same Realm across these devices seamlessly.
Java Edition Realms (PC-Only)
Realms for Java Edition is limited to desktop systems and does not support cross-play with Bedrock. Supported platforms are:
- Windows (Java Edition)
- macOS
- Linux
If you’re playing on Java, you’ll only be able to invite other Java players. Cross-play with consoles or mobile devices is not possible.
Why This Matters
- Families & friends on different devices → Bedrock Realms is the best choice for cross-platform play.
- PC-focused communities & modding fans → Java Realms is the option, though it’s more restrictive in terms of devices.
This division is one of the most important factors to consider before setting up or joining a Realm.o choice for families and groups of friends who use different gaming devices.
Marketplace Pass in Realms Plus
Subscribing to Realms Plus doesn’t just give you server hosting—it also comes with the Marketplace Pass, which unlocks premium content from the Minecraft Marketplace.
With the Marketplace Pass, subscribers get access to:
- 150+ pieces of premium content—including worlds, mash-up packs, skins, and texture packs.
- New content is added every month—fresh maps, adventures, and items are continuously released to keep the gameplay exciting.
- Cross-platform access—Marketplace Pass benefits apply to all supported Bedrock devices linked to your account.
- Play with friends—Friends who join your Realm can also access this content for free while they’re playing with you.
👉 The regular monthly updates mean your subscription is never stagnant. Whether you love minigames, survival challenges, or creative builds, Realms Plus ensures you’ll always have something new to try. Experiment with different maps, adventures, and customization options without buying them individually.
Realms Stories: A Social Feature
Another unique benefit of Realms Plus is the Realms Stories feature, which adds a social dimension to your gameplay. With Realms Stories, you can:
- Share updates from your Realm—Post screenshots, milestones, and short messages directly from your world.
- Stay connected with friends—Even when you’re not actively playing, Realms Stories lets you see what’s happening in your shared world.
- Celebrate achievements together—Document big builds, epic battles, or funny moments for everyone in your Realm to see.
- View Stories across devices—Just like Realms themselves, Stories are available across supported Bedrock platforms, so you can check in on your community from your console, PC, or mobile device.
This feature turns Realms into more than just a private server—it becomes a social hub, making it easier for players to stay engaged and connected with their community.
Minecraft Realms Subscription Options: Pricing & Player Limits
Choosing the right subscription depends on how many players you want in your world and whether you want access to premium Marketplace content.
Realms (Standard)
- Price: Around $3.99/month
- Player Limit: 2 players total (you + 1 friend)
- Content Access: No Marketplace Pass, just basic server hosting
- Platforms: Available on both Bedrock and Java Editions
Realms Plus
- Price: Around $7.99/month
- Player Limit: Up to 10 players at once (plus the Realm owner)
- Content Access: Includes the Marketplace Pass (150+ premium items, with new content added monthly)
- Platforms: Bedrock Edition only
Key Difference for Java Players
Java Edition players only have access to the basic Realms plan (2 players or 10 players), without Marketplace content. Realms Plus with Marketplace Pass is exclusive to Bedrock Edition.
Realms vs. Realms Plus: Key Feature Comparison
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide which plan is best for your setup:
| Feature | Realms (Standard) | Realms Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | ~$3.99 | ~$7.99 |
| Player Limit | 2 (you + 1 friend) | 10 + Realm owner |
| Marketplace Pass | ❌ Not included | ✅ 150+ premium items + monthly updates |
| Cross-Device Play | ✅ Bedrock & Java (separately) | ✅ Bedrock only (full cross-platform) |
| Realms Stories | ❌ Not available | ✅ Included |
| Best For | Small private sessions | Families, groups of friends, and players wanting evolving content |
👉 In short:
- Choose Realms if you just want a simple, private world for you and one friend.
- Choose Realms Plus if you want larger player capacity, monthly premium content, and extra social features like Realms Stories.
Conclusion: What to Do When Minecraft Realms is Down
Minecraft Realms is a widely used private server service, but like any large platform, it can experience downtime. If you notice that others can connect but you can’t, it’s probably a local issue on your device or network.
Always double-check your connection, firewall, and antivirus settings, as updates can sometimes reset these and block Minecraft Realms.
While waiting for Minecraft Realms to come back online, consider diving into some creative Minecraft projects—like building with colorful terracotta blocks to brighten your worlds.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re having trouble joining a friend’s Realm due to a ‘not loading’ error or something similar, first check if Minecraft Realms is down using Mojang’s X account or Down Detector.
If the service is up, have your friend try the troubleshooting steps above, and try them yourself. Restarting the game often resolves connection glitches that aren’t related to server issues.
There are several common reasons behind the problem when you find Minecraft Realms down. These include:
Official servers are experiencing issues or maintenance
Bugs from recent updates are causing connectivity problems
Authentication server failures
Subscription or account issues
Internet connectivity problems
Interference by VPN, antivirus, or firewall
Expired Realms subscription
Device or operating system compatibility issues
Minecraft Realms down problems affect your connection. To fix connection problems:
Restart your PC or console
Restart Minecraft and your Realm
Check server status for outages or authentication issues
Verify your internet connection
Consider if a recent update introduced bugs that need patching
Disable VPNs temporarily to test connection
Reset DNS settings to automatic
First, close Minecraft and reopen it. Then, check whether Realms or Xbox Live services are having an outage. If everything seems fine, restart your device and router, sign out and back into your Microsoft account, and then ensure that Minecraft is up to date. If Realms still won’t load, turn off any VPNs or firewalls and try again.
Yes! Minecraft Realms is very much alive and available on Bedrock and Java editions. Minecraft has proven its popularity through the years is here to stay, and Realms is no different.
No, Minecraft is not shutting down. However, it has shut down support and access on mixed reality and virtual reality headsets. This means players will have to switch to PC gaming instead, as they will no longer have the option to use these devices.
Fortunately, their account and saved games will still be accessible, just not on MR/VR headsets.
Typically, if you’re trying to connect to a Minecraft server you’ve been banned from, you’ll get an alert that says something like, “Connection lost, you are banned from this server.” It should be pretty obvious that Minecraft Realms is down because of a ban, rather than server issues.
It’s hard to say, exactly, what causes the ‘not loading’ error and why Realms goes down sometimes. However, judging from past logs on sites like Down Detector or Down for Everyone or Just Me, it can happen on a nearly daily basis for some users.
That said, this is on a global scale, and time frames where players can’t access servers are fairly short. Overall, Realms seems to have good reliability, which is important, considering you’re paying to be able to access it whenever you want.
Most are short and should be fixed within minutes to just a few hours. When there’s planned maintenance, you can usually expect a faster resolution. Unexpected issues, however, can take much longer depending on the cause.
Your Realm world is stored on Mojang’s servers and isn’t deleted during outages. Your world and progress should still be there once Realms is back online.
This usually points to a local issue, like your internet connection, credentials, cache, or network health. To help confirm the source of the problem, try another device or network, if you can.
