How do I set up a login/authentication plugin for players? — Control Panel

Q: How do I run a cracked server safely?

Set online-mode=false in server.properties and add an authentication plugin so players' names are protected by a password.

Player login and authentication — the kind that asks players to register and log in — is a plugin feature, and it runs on plugin-capable software. It's especially important if you're running an offline/cracked server, where it stops username impersonation.

What you need

Authentication is provided by a plugin, which means you'll be on Paper, Spigot, or Purpur. You install the plugin, configure it, and restart.

Setting up authentication

Run Paper, Spigot, or Purpur.
Install an authentication plugin (for offline/cracked setups) into the plugins folder via Files or the Plugins tab.
Configure it and restart from the Console tab.

Tip: If you set online-mode=false to allow cracked clients, an auth plugin is strongly recommended to stop username impersonation. See the Minecraft KB for specifics.

Frequently asked questions

How do I run a cracked server safely? Set online-mode=false in server.properties and add an authentication plugin so players' names are protected by a password.