Minecraft is one of the most popular games of all time, allowing players to explore, build, and create in a blocky, pixelated sandbox world. With its simple graphics and open-ended gameplay, Minecraft offers unlimited possibilities for fun and creativity. While the full version of Minecraft requires purchase on the App Store, there are actually a few legitimate ways to access and play Minecraft for free on your iPhone or iPad.
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Get a Free Trial of Minecraft
The easiest way to play Minecraft for free on iOS devices is to download the app and access the limited-time free trial.
Here is how to get the Minecraft free trial on iPhone or iPad:
- Open the App Store app.
- Search for “Minecraft” and select the Minecraft app by Mojang.
- Tap “Get” to download and install the app.
- Open Minecraft and tap “Start trial” then “Confirm” to begin your free trial.
With the free trial you get access to all Minecraft modes and features for a set number of days. As of writing, the free trial period is 90 minutes of gameplay time. This gives you time to try building structures, exploring the landscape, fighting monsters, and more without paying.
If you enjoy the free trial, you can choose to purchase the full game afterward to continue playing. A one-time purchase unlocks unlimited gameplay.
Use Minecraft Classic In Your Mobile Browser
If you don’t want to install the app or use up your trial timeframe, you can play Minecraft Classic for free directly in your mobile web browser.
To play browser-based Minecraft Classic on your iPhone or iPad:
- Open the Safari or Chrome app on your device
- Go to https://classic.minecraft.net
- Tap the “Play” button to start Classic Minecraft
Minecraft Classic offers gameplay similar to early versions of Minecraft. You can build with different block types and explore the procedurally generated world. Gameplay is simplified compared to the full Minecraft experience but it’s still fun and creative.
Since Minecraft Classic runs in the browser, you can play as long as you want without needing to download anything or pay. However, the graphics and gameplay options are limited compared to the full downloaded app.
Use a Server Emulator Like Ngrok
By using a tunneling service like ngrok, you can get access to customized Minecraft servers known as “Mineservers” right on your mobile device. Mineservers allow playing with mods as well as interacting with other players that are connected.
To use ngrok to set up a temporary Mineserver:
- Get the ngrok app for iOS. Sign up for free.
- Follow the instructions to connect ngrok and point it to a Mineserver like SpockBot.
- Copy the generated URL and paste it into the Minecraft app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap connect and you will join the Mineserver and can start playing!
The Mineserver will only be available while you have an active ngrok session up and running. So your gameplay time is limited before you have to reset up the connection.
Using ngrok and special Minecraft servers opens up more gameplay possibilities. But you’ll need to repeat the setup process each session.
Cross Platform Gameplay Options
There are also some ways to access free or demo versions of Minecraft on iOS by linking your device to other platforms. This allows you to get a taste of Minecraft gameplay using accounts you may already own.
Link to an Xbox Console
If you have an Xbox console, a free Xbox Live account allows remote gameplay of the Minecraft demo on iOS using game streaming over Wi-Fi. You can then play the Xbox edition of Minecraft for an hour at a time on your iPhone or iPad for free.
Cross-Play Using a Windows 10 Edition Demo
The Windows 10 edition of Minecraft offers a playable demo. If you own both the iOS and Windows 10 versions of Minecraft, you can enable cross-platform gameplay. Sign in with the same free Microsoft or Xbox Live account on both platforms to allow cross-play. You can then access the 1 hour demo gameplay from Windows 10 while playing on your iPhone or iPad.
Be Cautious of Unsupported Methods
There are various other techniques floating around blogs and YouTube that claim to unlock full free versions of Minecraft. This includes modified app files, third-party app stores, and game hacking tools.
However, most of these methods violate Minecraft and App Store terms of service. They can also introduce security risks, bugs, or even device damage. For guaranteed safety and legality, it’s best to only use the official methods described in this article to access free Minecraft gameplay on iOS.
In summary, here are the best legitimate ways to enjoy Minecraft for free in limited capacities on your iPhone or iPad:
- Get the free trial after downloading the Minecraft app from the App Store
- Play Minecraft Classic directly in your mobile browser
- Set up temporary custom Mineservers with ngrok tunneling
- Cross-play from an Xbox or Windows 10 edition that offers free demos
While you eventually need to purchase Minecraft to enjoy full unlimited gameplay access, these methods let you experience free and safe Minecraft gameplay on your iOS device. So download the app, start your trial, or set up one of the other options to enjoy playing Minecraft virtually for free!
Summary of Options for Free Minecraft Gameplay on iOS
| Method | What You Get | Limitations |
| App Store Free Trial | Full version for 90 minutes | Limited gameplay time |
| Minecraft Classic Browser Version | Basic early Minecraft modes/features | Limited feature set |
| Mineserver with ngrok | Custom modes/mods, multiplayer access | Need to resetup each time |
| Remote Xbox Demo Streaming | Xbox edition demo for 1 hour | Requires owning Xbox console |
| Cross-play from Windows 10 Demo | Transfer 1 hour Win10 demo gameplay | Need to own both editions |
Conclusion
While getting unlimited full access requires an App Store purchase, there are a few legitimate ways to sample Minecraft for free on your iPhone or iPad. Be cautious of unsupported methods that violate terms or introduce risks. For a fun, safe experience, download the free trial from the App Store or use one of the other official options highlighted here. With creativity and imagination, you can explore and build wonderful Minecraft worlds on iOS even without paying!