Where to buy Minecraft depends on what device you own

Minecraft is sold through different storefronts depending on whether you play on Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch. There is no single "Minecraft store" — you buy the version made for your device from that device's official marketplace. The price varies by platform, ranging from about $7 on mobile to $20 to $30 on consoles and computers.

The two main editions are Minecraft Java Edition (for Windows and Mac computers) and Minecraft Bedrock Edition (for Windows 10 and 11, phones, tablets, and consoles). Java Edition is what most PC players know; Bedrock Edition is newer and runs on more devices. They are separate purchases — owning one does not give you the other.

Key Takeaways

  • Java Edition is sold only through the official Minecraft launcher on the Minecraft website; Bedrock Edition is sold through your device's app store or game marketplace.
  • On Windows, you can buy Bedrock Edition through the Microsoft Store or Xbox app without leaving your computer.
  • On Mac, only Java Edition is available; Bedrock Edition does not run on macOS.
  • Mobile and console versions are Bedrock Edition only, sold through the App Store, Google Play, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, or Nintendo eShop.
  • You need a Microsoft account to play either edition; creating one is free and takes a few minutes.

Buying Minecraft Java Edition on Windows or Mac

Go to minecraft.net and click "Download" in the top menu. You will see two options: Java Edition and Bedrock Edition. Select Java Edition. The page will ask you to sign in with a Microsoft account — if you do not have one, you can create one on the same page for free.

After you sign in, click the download button for your operating system (Windows or Mac). The installer file will download to your computer. Open it and follow the on-screen steps to install the launcher. Once installed, open the launcher, sign in again with your Microsoft account, and click "Play" next to the latest version of Java Edition. The game will download and launch.

Java Edition costs around $27 on Windows and Mac. You pay once and own it permanently on that account.

Buying Minecraft Bedrock Edition on Windows

On Windows 10 or 11, you have two ways to buy Bedrock Edition without leaving your computer. The first is through the Microsoft Store: open the Microsoft Store app (built into Windows), search for "Minecraft," and click "Get" or the price button. The second is through the Xbox app: open the Xbox app, search for Minecraft, and purchase it there.

Both routes require a Microsoft account, which you can create for free. After purchase, the game will download automatically. Open it from the Start menu or from whichever app you bought it through. Bedrock Edition on Windows costs around $20.

If you already own Minecraft on Xbox Game Pass for PC, you do not need to buy it separately — it is included in your subscription.

Buying Minecraft on iPhone, iPad, or Android

On iPhone and iPad, open the App Store, search for "Minecraft," and tap the price or "Get" button. You will be asked to confirm the purchase with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password. The game will download and install automatically.

On Android phones and tablets, open Google Play, search for "Minecraft," and tap "Install" or the price. Confirm the purchase and wait for the download to finish. You will need a Google account to buy on Android.

Mobile versions cost around $7 and are Bedrock Edition. You can play online with friends on other devices (Windows, Mac, consoles) if they also own Bedrock Edition.

Buying Minecraft on PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch

On PlayStation 4 or 5, go to the PlayStation Store, search for Minecraft, and select "Buy" or the price. Sign in with your PlayStation Network account and confirm the purchase. The game will download to your console.

On Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S, open the Xbox Store, search for Minecraft, and select "Buy" or the price. Sign in with your Microsoft account and confirm. The game will download automatically. If you have Xbox Game Pass, Minecraft is included at no extra cost.

On Nintendo Switch, open the Nintendo eShop, search for Minecraft, and select the price button. Sign in with your Nintendo account and confirm the purchase. The game will download to your console.

Console versions cost between $20 and $30 depending on the platform. All console versions are Bedrock Edition, so you can play online with friends on other Bedrock devices.

What you need before you buy

You must have an account for the device or service you are buying from. On computers, you need a Microsoft account (free to create). On phones, you need an Apple ID or Google account. On consoles, you need a PlayStation Network, Xbox, or Nintendo account. All of these are free to set up.

You also need a payment method on file: a credit card, debit card, or gift card for the store you are buying from. Some platforms let you use PayPal or other payment methods instead. Check your device's settings to add a payment method before you try to buy.

If you are buying for a child, check your device's parental controls — some platforms require parental approval for purchases, and some let you set spending limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Java Edition and Bedrock Edition on the same account?

No. They are separate games and separate purchases. You can own both, but you buy them separately and they install as two different programs. Your character and world progress do not carry over between them.

Is Minecraft available on Mac?

Yes, but only Java Edition. Bedrock Edition does not run on macOS. If you want to play Bedrock Edition on a Mac, you would need to use a Windows virtual machine or boot camp, which is complicated and not officially supported.

Do I need to pay a monthly fee after I buy Minecraft?

No. You buy the game once and own it forever. However, if you want to play online multiplayer on consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch), you need a separate subscription to that console's online service — PlayStation Plus, Xbox Game Pass Core, or Nintendo Switch Online. That is not a Minecraft fee; it is a console fee.

What if I buy Minecraft and then change devices?

Java Edition is tied to your Microsoft account, so you can download and play it on any Windows or Mac computer you own by signing in with the same account. Bedrock Edition is also tied to your Microsoft account on Windows and Xbox. On mobile and Nintendo Switch, it is tied to your Apple ID, Google account, or Nintendo account respectively. You can play on multiple devices with the same account, but you need to own the game on each platform.

Can I refund Minecraft if I change my mind?

Refund policies vary by platform. Microsoft and most app stores offer refunds within a short window (usually 14 to 30 days) if you have not played much. Check the refund policy of the store you bought from before you purchase.