Before the 1.21.120 update, my family setup worked perfectly. My child was able to play on their own laptop using their child account, which is part of our Microsoft Family group and linked to my parent account.
After the game updated to version 1.21.120, the child account can no longer connect to any worlds or join any games. The main parent account on another device works fine. The issue is strictly limited to the child account that was previously fully functional.
Steps I have already taken with no effect:
Logged out and logged back in with the child account in the Minecraft Launcher, Xbox app, and Microsoft Store.
Verified and re-enabled all multiplayer and communication permissions for the child account on both account.xbox.com and the Microsoft Family Safety website.
Used the "Repair" and "Reset" functions for both Minecraft Launcher and the Microsoft Store app.
Completely uninstalled and reinstalled Minecraft.
Logged into the affected PC with the parent account (it works), then logged out and back in with the child account (still doesn't work).
It appears the update has broken authentication or permission handling for child accounts within a family group.
Linked issues
duplicates 1
Comments 2
I have had similar issues. I as a parent can login to my account, but my son can’t.
Tried a full format and OS refresh, still have the same issue. I did find a comment saying that if you physically disconnect the computer from the internet, (e.g. take out the LAN cable) then try the sign in from the main menu, and reconnect, then it you can at least get a bit further. This did work for me, but its not a full solution as we couldn’t get to the marketplace.
At least we could play on our locally hosted server.
Same here. I log into my (parent) account without problems after the update. But my son’s account can't log in.
The details other from all mentioned here are that my child’s computer has Win11 and LAN cable connection and mine has Win10 and is on WiFi.