GuidesError FixesYou Cannot Play On Realms, Microsoft Account Is Set Up

You Cannot Play On Realms, Microsoft Account Is Set Up [Our Top Fixes]

This guide discuss how to resume Minecraft Realms functioning by modifying privacy settings, and resetting Xbox.

Expert Verified By

The error box, “You Cannot Play On Realms Because Of How Your Microsoft Account Is Set Up,” pops up in Minecraft Realms when the console does not have the required permissions for shared online gaming. Additionally, restricted controls or an expired Game Pass can lead to the error. When faced with the same issue, I tested a few solutions, such as modifying privacy controls.

Key Takeaways
  • Expired Game Pass, parental restrictions, and problems with the Xbox Live/Minecraft servers can cause the issue.
  • Renew Game Pass, get an Xbox Live Gold membership, and configure privacy to fix the trouble.
  • Accounts under 13 cannot access some features on Microsoft Realms without parental consent.

Method Difficulty Rating

Renew Game Pass
Rated: 3/10

Change Privacy
Rated: 2/10

Remove Age Restriction
Rated: 1/10


You Cannot Play On Realms Because of How Your Xbox Live Account is Set Up (Image By Tech4Gamers)

When faced with the error, you’ll see the following message on the screen:

Error Message: You cannot play on Realms because of how your Microsoft Account is set up. See instructions for reviewing and changing your privacy settings at aka.ms/MCMultiplayerHelp.

Tip: Check your Microsoft Account status, inspect Xbox Live/Minecraft server status, power cycle Xbox, clear Xbox cache, and subscribe to Xbox Live Gold membership before moving further.

Renew Game Pass

An expired Game Pass is a significant reason this error pops up in Minecraft Xbox, as mentioned in the Microsoft Community. To fix this, renew the Game Pass via the Microsoft Store on the console or your PC. Just verify you are logged in with the same account for which you want to get the Game Pass.


Adjust Privacy Settings

To access the online services smoothly on Xbox, verify that you have given the necessary permissions. Permissions like Broadcast Gameplay, Create And Join Clubs, Multiplayer Games, etc., are critical for playing games on Minecraft Realms. Hence, allow the permissions as stated below to eliminate the issue.

  1. Access Settings: Come to the Minecraft Homescreen > Settings.
    Minecraft Settings
    Minecraft Settings (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  2. Navigate To Privacy: Choose Profile on the left pane > Privacy And Online Safety.
  3. Log In: Sign in to your Microsoft Account with the credentials.
  4. Grant Permissions: Select the Privacy tab > Ensure the permissions are set to Allow and Everyone in the respective boxes.
  5. Modify Privacy: Go to Xbox One/Windows 10 Online Safety > Set these privacy settings to Allow > Submit.
    Allow Permissions
    Allow Permissions (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Check Age Restrictions

Minecraft Realms requires parental consent to make purchases, chat online, or change essential settings if the account has a restriction imposed for children under 13 years of age. Consequently, it prevents you from using certain features, like playing with friends and more, giving rise to the error message.

Use this simple technique to lift age restrictions on your Xbox profile to access a more comprehensive array of features.

  1. Choose Family Settings: Head to the Settings > Highlight Account > Family Settings.
    Move To Xbox Family Settings (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  2. Remove Age Restriction: Choose Manage Family Members > Select Unrestricted from the Access To Content drop-down.
    Unrestrict Age In Xbox
    Unrestrict Age In Xbox (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Wrap Up

The “You Cannot Play On Realms Because Of How Your Microsoft Account Is Set Up” issue has been widely faced by users across online forums, such as the Minecraft Forums. In addition, according to this Reddit user, the problem persisted despite having the correct settings.

Can't play Minecraft Realms because of Microsoft account?!?!!
byu/Adridezz inMinecraft

For me, the above solutions were effective in getting rid of the error. On the other hand, if you have verified the above configurations and are still facing trouble, check the Xbox Live server status or refer to Microsoft Support or Minecraft Help.

WARNING: Resetting Xbox is the last resort to remove the pop-up. However, remember to back up your data to the Cloud or an external storage device.

Fix Other Errors On Xbox:

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