How to Get Minecraft for Free on Xbox One [4 Methods]

Minecraft is one of the most popular and creative games in the world with over 238 million copies sold worldwide1. It allows you to explore build and survive in a blocky sandbox world with endless possibilities. But how can you get Minecraft for free on Xbox One? Is there a legal and safe way to do so? In this article we will answer these questions and more.

Quick Answer

The quick answer is that there is no official way to get Minecraft for free on Xbox One. However there are some unofficial methods that may work for some people such as:

  • Using the free trial of Minecraft Bedrock Edition on Xbox One
  • Using the free trial of Minecraft Java Edition on PC and then redeeming a code for Minecraft Bedrock Edition on Xbox One
  • Playing Minecraft Classic online for free on your browser
  • Using an Xbox Game Pass subscription to access Minecraft Bedrock Edition on Xbox One

These methods are not guaranteed to work for everyone and they may have some limitations or risks. We will explain each method in detail below.

MethodProsCons
Free Trial of Minecraft Bedrock EditionEasy and quick to useLimited to 90 minutes and no saving or DLCs
Free Trial of Minecraft Java Edition + Redeem Code for Minecraft Bedrock EditionAllows you to play both versions of Minecraft on different platformsRequires a PC that can run Minecraft Java Edition and a payment for one of the versions
Minecraft Classic OnlineFree and simple to play online with friendsVery limited and outdated features and graphics
Xbox Game Pass SubscriptionGives you access to over 100 games on Xbox One and PC including Minecraft Bedrock EditionRequires a monthly fee and may lose access to the game if the subscription is canceled or the game leaves the catalog

Method 1: Using the Free Trial of Minecraft Bedrock Edition on Xbox One

One of the easiest ways to try Minecraft for free on Xbox One is to use the free trial of Minecraft Bedrock Edition which is the version of the game that runs on consoles mobile devices and Windows 10 PCs. The free trial allows you to play the full game for 90 minutes after which you will need to purchase the game to continue playing.

To use the free trial follow these steps:

  • Go to the Microsoft Store on your Xbox One and search for Minecraft
  • Select the game and click on Free Trial
  • Download and install the game
  • Launch the game and sign in with your Microsoft account
  • Enjoy playing Minecraft for 90 minutes

The free trial lets you play in survival mode or creative mode and you can join online multiplayer servers or create your own world. However you cannot save your progress or access any DLCs or mods. If you want to keep playing after the trial ends you will need to buy the game for $19.99.

Method 2: Using the Free Trial of Minecraft Java Edition on PC and then Redeeming a Code for Minecraft Bedrock Edition on Xbox One

VersionPlatformsCross-playMod SupportGraphics OptionsUpdates
Minecraft Bedrock EditionConsoles mobile devices Windows 10 PCsYes using Microsoft account and RealmsLimited using add-ons and marketplace itemsBasic using resource packs and slidersLess frequent and delayed
Minecraft Java EditionWindows Mac Linux PCsNo unless using third-party servers or mods that support cross-playExtensive using various mods created by the communityAdvanced using shaders and custom settingsMore frequent and sooner

Another way to get Minecraft for free on Xbox One is to use the free trial of Minecraft Java Edition on PC and then redeem a code for Minecraft Bedrock Edition on Xbox One. This method only works if you have a PC that can run Minecraft Java Edition and if you have not already redeemed a code for Minecraft Bedrock Edition before.

Minecraft Java Edition is the original version of the game that runs on Windows Mac and Linux PCs. It has more features and mod support than Minecraft Bedrock Edition but it is not compatible with other platforms. The free trial of Minecraft Java Edition lets you play the game for 100 minutes after which you will need to purchase the game to continue playing.

To use this method follow these steps:

  • Go to 2 in your browser and download the launcher for your PC
  • Install and run the launcher and sign in with your Mojang account
  • Click on Play Demo and enjoy playing Minecraft Java Edition for 100 minutes
  • If you like the game buy it for $26.95 from 3
  • After buying the game go to 4 in your browser and log in with your Mojang account
  • Find the section that says “Minecraft for Windows 10” and click on Claim your free copy
  • You will be redirected to the Microsoft Store and asked to sign in with your Microsoft account
  • Click on Redeem and you will get a code for Minecraft Bedrock Edition
  • Go to your Xbox One and open the Microsoft Store
  • Select Redeem a code and enter the code that you got from the Microsoft Store
  • Download and install Minecraft Bedrock Edition on your Xbox One
  • Launch the game and sign in with your Microsoft account
  • Enjoy playing Minecraft Bedrock Edition on your Xbox One

This method lets you play both versions of Minecraft on different platforms but you will need to pay for one of them. Also this method only works if you have not already redeemed a code for Minecraft Bedrock Edition before. If you have you will not be able to get another one.

Method 3: Playing Minecraft Classic Online for Free on Your Browser

A third way to get Minecraft for free on Xbox One is to play Minecraft Classic online for free on your browser. This is not exactly the same as playing Minecraft on Xbox One but it is still a fun way to experience the original version of the game.

Minecraft Classic is a browser-based version of the first release of Minecraft from 2009. It has only 32 blocks no enemies no crafting and no saving. It is very basic and buggy but it is also nostalgic and charming. You can play it solo or with up to nine friends online.

To play Minecraft Classic follow these steps:

  • Go to 5 in your browser
  • Click on Start
  • Wait for the game to load
  • Use your mouse and keyboard to control the game
  • Have fun playing Minecraft Classic

Minecraft Classic is a free and simple way to play Minecraft online but it is very limited and outdated. It does not have any of the features or updates that the modern versions of Minecraft have. If you want to play the full game you will need to buy it.

Can I Use the Free Minecraft Methods to Play Splitscreen on Xbox One?

Yes, you can use the free Minecraft methods to play splitscreen on Xbox One. To do so, simply follow these steps on how to play splitscreen on Minecraft: have two controllers connected, sign in with a second player profile, and start a game. Enjoy gaming with a friend on the same screen!

Method 4: Using an Xbox Game Pass Subscription to Access Minecraft Bedrock Edition on Xbox One

A fourth way to get Minecraft for free on Xbox One is to use an Xbox Game Pass subscription to access Minecraft Bedrock Edition on Xbox One. This method is not technically free but it is a good deal if you want to play other games as well.

Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service that gives you access to over 100 games on Xbox One and PC for a monthly fee. You can download and play any of the games in the catalog as long as you are subscribed. The catalog includes Minecraft Bedrock Edition as well as other popular games like Halo Forza Gears of War and more.

To use this method follow these steps:

  • Sign up for Xbox Game Pass from 6 or from your Xbox One
  • Choose the plan that suits you best (Xbox Game Pass for Console Xbox Game Pass for PC or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate)
  • Pay the monthly fee ($9.99 $9.99 or $14.99 respectively)
  • Go to your Xbox One and open the Xbox Game Pass app
  • Find Minecraft Bedrock Edition and click on Install
  • Wait for the game to download and install
  • Launch the game and sign in with your Microsoft account
  • Enjoy playing Minecraft Bedrock Edition on your Xbox One

This method lets you play Minecraft Bedrock Edition on your Xbox One without buying it but you will need to pay for the subscription service. Also you will lose access to the game if you cancel your subscription or if the game leaves the catalog.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about getting Minecraft for free on Xbox One:

Q: Can I get Minecraft for free on Xbox One without paying anything?

A: No there is no official way to get Minecraft for free on Xbox One without paying anything. The only legal and safe way to play Minecraft on Xbox One is to buy it from the Microsoft Store or use an Xbox Game Pass subscription.

Q: Can I transfer my progress from one version of Minecraft to another?

A: It depends on which versions of Minecraft you are using. If you are using Minecraft Bedrock Edition on different platforms (such as Xbox One Windows 10 Android iOS etc.) you can sync your progress using your Microsoft account and a free service called Realms. If you are using Minecraft Java Edition on PC and Minecraft Bedrock Edition on Xbox One you cannot transfer your progress directly but you can use some third-party tools or mods to convert your worlds.

Q: Can I play with my friends who have different versions of Minecraft?

A: It depends on which versions of Minecraft you and your friends have. If you all have Minecraft Bedrock Edition on different platforms (such as Xbox One Windows 10 Android iOS etc.) you can play together online using your Microsoft account and a free service called Realms. If some of you have Minecraft Java Edition on PC and some of you have Minecraft Bedrock Edition on Xbox One you cannot play together online directly but you can use some third-party servers or mods that support cross-play.

Q: What are the differences between Minecraft Bedrock Edition and Minecraft Java Edition?

A: Minecraft Bedrock Edition and Minecraft Java Edition are two different versions of the same game that run on different platforms and have some differences in features and performance. Some of the main differences are:

  • Minecraft Bedrock Edition runs on consoles mobile devices and Windows 10 PCs while Minecraft Java Edition runs only on Windows Mac and Linux PCs.
  • Minecraft Bedrock Edition has better cross-play support allowing players on different platforms to play together online using their Microsoft account and a free service called Realms.
  • Minecraft Java Edition has more mod support allowing players to customize their game with various add-ons and modifications created by the community.
  • Minecraft Java Edition has more advanced graphics options allowing players to tweak their game settings and use shaders or resource packs to enhance their visuals.
  • Minecraft Java Edition has more frequent updates and snapshots allowing players to access new features and bug fixes sooner than in Minecraft Bedrock Edition.

Q: What are some tips and tricks for playing Minecraft?

A: Here are some tips and tricks for playing Minecraft:

  • Always have a shelter a bed and a chest to store your items and sleep through the night
  • Always have a crafting table a furnace and a torch to craft and smelt items and light up your surroundings
  • Always have some food water and armor to replenish your hunger thirst and health
  • Always have some tools weapons and blocks to mine fight and build
  • Always explore new biomes structures and dimensions to find resources loot and secrets
  • Always be careful of mobs traps and environmental hazards that can harm you or destroy your items
  • Always backup your world and save your game before trying something risky or experimental

To conclude the only legal and safe way to play Minecraft on Xbox One is to buy it from the Microsoft Store or use an Xbox Game Pass subscription. There are some unofficial methods that may work for some people such as using the free trials of Minecraft Bedrock Edition or Minecraft Java Edition or playing Minecraft Classic online. However these methods are not guaranteed to work for everyone and they may have some limitations or risks.

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