When Do Items Despawn in Minecraft?

Last updated
Ever wonder when items you drop in Minecraft disappear for good? Let’s dive into the specifics of when items despawn in the blocky world of Minecraft.
In Minecraft, items you drop or that aren’t picked up can vanish. When does this happen, you ask? We’re about to break it down for you.
The Short Answer: After 5 Minutes
In Minecraft, any item you drop on the ground doesn’t stick around forever. Whether it’s a block of dirt or a diamond sword, if you don’t pick it up within 5 minutes, it goes *poof* and disappears. This helps keep the game running smoothly by not having too many items lying around.
This five-minute timer starts ticking the moment the item hits the ground. But, there’s a catch. The timer pauses if the item is in a chunk that isn’t currently loaded. So, if you walk away far enough and the chunk unloads, the despawn timer pauses until you return.
Turning Game Time Into Real Prizes with Playbite
Now that you know when items disappear in Minecraft, how about turning your gaming time into real-life rewards? With Playbite, playing casual mobile games can earn you awesome prizes, including official Minecraft Gift Cards! Imagine getting rewarded for having fun. Download the Playbite app and start playing to win today!

In case you’re wondering: Playbite simply makes money from (not super annoying) ads and (totally optional) in-app purchases. It then uses that money to reward players with really cool prizes!
Join Playbite today!
The brands referenced on this page are not sponsors of the rewards or otherwise affiliated with this company. The logos and other identifying marks attached are trademarks of and owned by each represented company and/or its affiliates. Please visit each company's website for additional terms and conditions.