Minecraft: Bedrock Edition previously supported offline LAN multiplayer, and the official documentation still states that it works without internet. However, in recent updates, the feature appears broken.
When launching the game without internet access, the Multiplayer Game setting is automatically disabled and becomes unchangeable (grayed out). The Visible to LAN Players option is also unavailable while inside a world. Because these settings cannot be enabled offline, other players connected to the same local hotspot/Wi-Fi network cannot see or join the world.
This issue persists even after reinstalling the game, logging in on Microsoft accounts, and testing across multiple devices.
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Steps to Reproduce
1. Turn off internet connection on all devices.
2. Start Minecraft: Bedrock Edition.
3. Create a new world or open an existing one.
4. Open Settings → Multiplayer from inside the world.
5. Observe that:
Multiplayer Game is locked (grayed out).
Visible to LAN Players is missing or cannot be changed.
6. Check another device on the same local network — the host’s game does not show up.
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Expected Behavior
Multiplayer settings should remain accessible offline.
The host world should appear to other devices on the same LAN or hotspot.
LAN multiplayer should function as described in the official help article.
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Observed Behavior
Multiplayer controls are disabled whenever the device is offline.
LAN worlds do not appear on other local devices.
Game repeatedly displays “No internet connection,” even though only offline LAN play is intended.
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Possible Reason
The game seems to require an active internet connection to validate or enable multiplayer options, even for offline LAN play, which should not rely on any online services.
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Suggested Solution
Allow Multiplayer Game and Visible to LAN Players to be enabled without internet.
Keep these options editable while inside a world.
Linked issues
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