How do I let non-premium (cracked) players join?
To let non-premium ("cracked") players join, you switch your server into offline-mode. It's a one-line change — but it comes with real security implications you should plan for.
Making the change
- Open the Files tab and edit
server.properties. - Set
online-mode=false. - Save and restart.
What offline-mode means
With online-mode off, Minecraft no longer verifies accounts, so anyone can join using any username — including impersonating your admins. Player skins may also not display for cracked clients.
Warning: Offline-mode removes account verification. Protect your server with a whitelist and/or an authentication plugin (AuthMe), or someone could log in as one of your admins.
Recommended protections
- Add a whitelist to limit who can connect.
- Install AuthMe so players must register and log in with a password.
- Install SkinRestorer to fix missing skins for cracked clients.
Frequently asked questions
Will my admins be safe on a cracked server? Only if you add protection. Without AuthMe or a whitelist, anyone can use an admin's name. Set up AuthMe so names are password-protected.
Why do players show as Steve/Alex? Cracked clients don't fetch skins from Mojang. Install SkinRestorer to bring skins back.
Do I need to restart after changing online-mode? Yes — the change only takes effect after a restart.