How to Use a Tripwire Hook

This Minecraft tutorial explains how to use a tripwire hook with screenshots and step-by-step instructions.

In Minecraft, a tripwire hook is most commonly used with string to make a tripwire circuit that can be used to detect players or mobs. The tripwire circuit is activated when someone walks over it. When a tripwire circuit is activated, the tripwire hooks can power a redstone device such as a redstone lamp, TNT, piston, dispenser, etc.

Let's explore how to use a tripwire hook.

## Required Materials

In Minecraft, these are the required materials to use a tripwire hook:

**TIP:** The amount of string you need will vary depending on how far apart the tripwire hooks are placed.

## Steps to Use a Tripwire Hook

### 1. Place the Tripwire Hooks

We are going to show you how to build a tripwire circuit using 2 tripwire hooks and 3 string. In this example, the tripwire circuit will power 2 redstone lamps when activated. As you can see in the picture below, we have a redstone lamp on each side of the wall.

Next, select the tripwire hooks in the hotbar. We want to place 2 tripwire hooks on the sides of the blocks right below the redstone lamps. The game control to place each tripwire hook depends on the version of Minecraft:

* For Java Edition (PC/Mac), right click on the block.
* For Pocket Edition (PE), you tap on the block.
* For Xbox 360 and Xbox One, press the LT button on the Xbox controller.
* For PS3 and PS4, press the L2 button on the PS controller.
* For Wii U, press the ZL button on the gamepad.
* For Nintendo Switch, press the ZL button on the controller.
* For Windows 10 Edition, right click on the block.
* For Education Edition, right click on the block.

**TIP:** A tripwire hook should be placed on the side of a block in Minecraft. Do not try to place a tripwire hook on the top of a block!

### 2. Add the String

Now we need to complete the tripwire circuit by connecting the 2 tripwire hooks together with string. In this example, we need 3 string to complete the circuit.

First, select the string in your hotbar and highlight the block that is one block over from the tripwire hook. Place the string on the block. The game control to place the string depends on the version of Minecraft:

* For Java Edition (PC/Mac), right click on the block.
* For Pocket Edition (PE), you tap on the block.
* For Xbox 360 and Xbox One, press the LT button on the Xbox controller.
* For PS3 and PS4, press the L2 button on the PS controller.
* For Wii U, press the ZL button on the gamepad.
* For Nintendo Switch, press the ZL button on the controller.
* For Windows 10 Edition, right click on the block.
* For Education Edition, right click on the block.

Next, highlight the next block over and place the second string.

Finally, complete the circuit by placing the third string. When the tripwire circuit is completed, you will hear a click sound. You should now see the tripwire hooks pull tight and the strings will become connected and lay across the ground.

### 3. Activate the Tripwire Circuit

If a player or mob steps on the tripwire, you will hear a click sound and the tripwire circuit will activate. When the tripwire circuit is activated, it can power redstone devices that are within 1 block of the tripwire circuit.

In this example, we have redstone lamps that are one block away from the circuit. So whenever someone stands on the tripwire, the redstone lamps will light up. When the player or mob steps off of the tripwire, the redstone lamps will turn off.

Congratulations, you just learned how to use a tripwire hook in Minecraft.