Minecraft: Parental Controls

How Minecraft parental controls work

Minecraft uses Xbox / Microsoft Family Safety for managing multiplayer, chat, and purchases. You need a Microsoft account to play online, and children must have a child account linked to a parent's Microsoft Family group. Minecraft does not have its own built-in parental controls — everything is managed through Microsoft.

Setup

1. Create a Microsoft child account for your child at account.microsoft.com.
2. Download the Xbox Family Settings app on your device.
3. Add your child's account to your Microsoft Family group.
4. In Family Settings, go to Content Settings and adjust Minecraft permissions.
5. Configure multiplayer: off, friends only, or everyone.
6. Turn on "Ask a Parent" so your child requests permission for purchases and new features.

Essential settings checklist

• Microsoft child account created and linked to your Family group
• Multiplayer: Friends only or off
• Text chat: Off or friends only
• Voice chat: Off for younger children
• Purchases: Require parental approval (Ask to Buy enabled)
• Screen time: Configured in Xbox Family Settings
• Community content: Control if your child can see and upload community creations

What's new in 2025–2026

Microsoft expanded AI-powered proactive moderation covering 11 additional content categories. Spam complaints dropped 90% thanks to proactive moderation. Age verification is active in the UK and expanding to more regions in 2026. Minecraft launched "CyberSafe: Bad Connection?" in February 2026, a free educational experience about online safety that kids can play within Minecraft.

Warning signs to watch for

• Your child plays on public multiplayer servers with strangers
• Minecoins charges appear on your payment method without your approval
• They mention interactions with players you do not know