Playing Minecraft Online on iPhone: Bedrock Edition Multiplayer Guide

Yes, but terminology matters. "Minecraft PE" (Pocket Edition) was renamed Minecraft (Bedrock Edition) in 2017 (v1.2). The current iOS App Store app is Bedrock Edition.

How to Play Online (Multiplayer)

1. Open Minecraft (Bedrock) on iPhone.
2. Sign in with a Microsoft Account (Xbox Live) (free) – Profile button → Sign In.
3. Friends Tab: Add friends via Gamertag → Join their world (if "Multiplayer Game" toggle is ON).
4. Realms: Subscribe to Realms Plus ($7.99/mo) for a persistent 24/7 server.
5. Servers Tab: Featured servers (Hive, Mineplex, Lifeboat, CubeCraft) – minigames, no whitelist.
6. Local Network: Same Wi-Fi → "Visible to LAN Players" ON → Friends join via Friends tab.

Requirements

• iOS 13+ / iPadOS 13+.
• Microsoft Account (not Apple ID).
• Internet (Wi-Fi/Cellular).
• Xbox Live Gold NOT required for mobile Bedrock multiplayer (unlike console).

If you have the old "Minecraft: Pocket Edition" (pre-1.2) installed (offline IPA), it cannot connect to modern servers. Update via the App Store.