How to download Minecraft on your MacBook (2024)

Minecraft has been one of the most popular games on any platform for a decade and has become a classic, spawning all kinds of merchandise and spin-offs. If you want to play it on your MacBook, the good news is that you can, though with some caveats. Microsoft does make a version available to download for Macs. In this article, we’ll show you how to download Minecraft on MacBook Pro or any other Mac.

Can I play Minecraft on my Mac?

Yes. However, there are two versions of Minecraft available from Microsoft: Java and Bedrock. There are a few differences between them, but the fundamental game is the same. However, worlds created in one version cannot be edited in the other. And resource and behavior packs designed for one version will not work in the other. Only the Java version will work on Mac, so when you download Minecraft, you need to make sure you download the Java version. That means, for example, you need to purchase the Basic version because while the Java version game included in the Deluxe version will work, the resources included with it only work in the Bedrock version.

How to download Minecraft on your MacBook (1)

How to download Minecraft on MacBook

The first thing you need to do to download Minecraft is create an account or sign into your Microsoft account if you have one.

  1. Go to https://www.minecraft.net/
  2. Click Sign In.
    How to download Minecraft on your MacBook (2)

  3. If you have a Microsoft account, type in your username and password.
  4. If not, follow the instructions on the screen to create one.
  5. At the top of the screen, click Get Minecraft.
  6. You should see a window appear at the bottom of the screen displaying the Minecraft Java and Bedrock edition, labeled ‘Windows/Mac/Linux’
  7. Click Buy Now.
  8. On the next screen, make sure you choose the Basic version. Although the Deluxe Edition will run on Mac because it includes the Java version, the content included with it only works in the Bedrock version, so there’s no point in paying for it on a Mac.
    How to download Minecraft on your MacBook (3)
  9. Click Checkout.
  10. Follow the instructions on the screen to choose how you want to pay for it and to enter your payment details.
  11. Once you’ve successfully completed the payment, click the link on the page to download the Minecraft launcher.
  12. Once the Launcher has downloaded, double-click it to install it and then launch it to start playing Minecraft on your Mac.

How to download the Minecraft trial version on your Mac

If you’re not sure whether you want to spend $29.99 buying Minecraft to play on your Mac, you can download a trial version first and give that a go. Here’s how to do that:

  1. Go to the trial downloads page on the Minecraft website here.
  2. Click the Apple icon in the middle of the screen.
  3. Click Download now.
  4. Follow the instructions on the screen to download the trial.
  5. When the trial version has downloaded, double-click it to install it.
How to download Minecraft on your MacBook (4)

If you have difficulty downloading either the full version or the trial version of Minecraft on your Mac, try the alternative download link here.

The fourth item from the top of the list on that page is a disk image download for macOS.

How to keep your Mac safe from online threats

The versions of Minecraft you download from the official website are completely safe. However, if you’ve previously tried to download it from elsewhere and are worried that you may have downloaded malware, it’s a good idea to scan your Mac with a tool designed for that purpose. Likewise, if you’ve clicked a link that you’re not sure was safe or legitimate, you should scan your Mac. One very easy way to do that is to use CleanMyMac X. Its Malware module scans your Mac, looking for malicious files, and compares what it finds with a database of known malware. If it finds anything, it will alert you and allow you to remove it easily. You can choose to run it manually by clicking a button or set it up to run automatically in the background. You can download CleanMyMac X for free here.

How to download Minecraft on your MacBook (5)

Minecraft is a hugely popular game and is available on most platforms that can play games, including Mac. There are a couple of caveats to keep in mind, though. Most importantly, you will need to make sure you download the Java version of Minecraft. You can download the trial version to see how it runs on your Mac and find out whether you want to pay for the full version. Follow the steps above to download the trial and full versions and start playing Minecraft on your MacBook.

How to download Minecraft on your MacBook (2024)

FAQs

How do I download Minecraft on my Mac? ›

Here's how to do that:
  1. Go to the trial downloads page on the Minecraft website here.
  2. Click the Apple icon in the middle of the screen.
  3. Click Download now.
  4. Follow the instructions on the screen to download the trial.
  5. When the trial version has downloaded, double-click it to install it.
Feb 13, 2024

How much is Minecraft on a MacBook? ›

Minecraft is also available on mobile devices for $6.99 on both iOS and Android.

Why is Minecraft so slow on Mac? ›

Change video settings. The graphics settings in Minecraft are highly customizable and offer many different options for you to change. If you're experiencing lag, it could be because your computer isn't powerful enough to run the game. Lowering the graphics settings can help solve the problem.

How to get Minecraft for free? ›

While there's no legal way to obtain a free copy of Minecraft Java Edition, you can still play Minecraft for free by downloading the demo version for Windows, macOS, or Linux.

How do I make Minecraft run faster on Mac? ›

About This Article
  1. Press Esc while playing the game.
  2. Go to Options and then Video Settings.
  3. Switch "Graphics" to Fast.
  4. Switch "Clouds" to Fast or Off.
  5. Switch "Particles" to Decreased or Minimal.
  6. Turn "Entity Shadows" to Off.
  7. Turn "Smooth Lighting" to Off or Minimum.

Can you play Java on a Mac? ›

Installing Java on a Mac is performed on a system wide basis, for all users, and administrator privileges are required. Java can not be installed on a per-user basis. Browser requirements: A 64-bit browser (Safari, for example) is required to run Oracle Java on Mac.

Is Minecraft OK for Macbook? ›

As long as you purchase the Minecraft Java Edition, it will work on your MacOS. Be sure to use the same Microsoft account to access the game on your MacOS so your game license will be detected in game. Rostom L.

Is Minecraft Java free? ›

You can buy Minecraft: Java Edition (through the Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition bundle) from minecraft.net. This is a one-time purchase. You can buy an account for yourself or buy a code to gift to someone else.

Is Minecraft free on Steam? ›

No, Minecraft is not available on Steam. Online, the Microsoft game can only be purchased directly from minecraft.net or the Microsoft store, and digital codes can only be redeemed via the Microsoft store. On PC, Minecraft is now launched through its own dedicated launcher, however you purchase the game.

Why are Macs so laggy? ›

File clutter can lead to unresponsive applications and reduced disk space, which can slow down your Mac significantly. Cleaning up your Mac — such as clearing temporary trash data or junk files — will help alleviate these issues and speed up your Mac.

Do games slow down Mac? ›

Yes, if the CPUs are cranked up a lot it will generate heat. It will probably be reading the drive a lot. It might slow down other use if you are trying to play the game and watch a HD video at the same time. Not running the games?

Is Minecraft Java laggy? ›

Minecraft: Java Edition runs on Java so optimizing these settings may help. Allocating more RAM to Minecraft may make for a smoother gaming experience. You should also ensure you're using the latest version of Java. Excessive Java notifications can also cause lag so you may want to disable them.

Is it legal to get Minecraft for free? ›

Legal Issues: Minecraft is a paid game developed and published by Mojang Studios. Downloading it for free from unofficial sources is illegal and constitutes piracy.

Is Minecraft free yes or no? ›

There is a free trial for Minecraft on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, and Vita: https://www.minecraft.net/free-trial However, you must pay for the full game, there is no way to get it for free.

How to get Minecraft for free on Mac? ›

Your free trial of Minecraft: Java Edition is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Before you start your free Minecraft game trial, download Minecraft by scrolling to the grey box in the middle of the page, selecting the icon that represents your device and following the download instructions.

How do you fly faster in Minecraft Mac? ›

The player can gain or lose altitude while flying by pressing the jump or sneak keys, respectively. Holding sprint allows the player to move faster while flying. In Creative mode, flying is automatically disabled if the player lowers onto a surface while in the air.

How do you run in Minecraft Mac? ›

Minecraft for PC or Mac

This is W by default. Press and hold after double-tapping to keep sprinting forward.

How to download and install Minecraft? ›

Microsoft Store
  1. Open the Microsoft Store application.
  2. Search for Minecraft Launcher.
  3. Click Get or Install. You can also visit the Minecraft Launcher store page through a browser.

Is Minecraft in Steam? ›

How to add Minecraft to your Steam account. Almost all games can be added to your Steam library with the Valve platform's 'non-Steam game' feature. The Minecraft Launcher is one of those games, but unfortunately isn't compatible with any Steam interactions.

Can Mac Minecraft play with PC? ›

Yes, Cross-Platform Play Is Possible!

Minecraft supports cross-platform play between Mac and Windows. This means you and your friends can build, mine, and battle mobs together no matter the computer you're using. This magical feature is possible thanks to Minecraft: Java Edition and Minecraft: Bedrock Edition.

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