Why aren't my plugins loading or working?

When a plugin doesn't show up in-game, there's almost always a clear reason waiting in the Console. This guide walks through the usual culprits in the order you should check them, so you can get back up and running quickly.

Common causes, in order

1. Wrong folder — plugins must sit directly in the plugins folder, not inside a subfolder.
2. Wrong software — plugins need the Bukkit family (Paper/Spigot/Purpur). If you're on Vanilla or Forge, they simply won't load.
3. Version mismatch — the plugin is built for a different Minecraft version; the Console will say "failed to load."
4. Missing dependency — some plugins require another plugin to work (for example, an economy plugin needs Vault).
5. The plugin disabled itself after an error — read its startup lines in the Console for the reason.

How to diagnose

1. Open the Console and restart the server.
2. Read the startup log line by line — each plugin reports whether it enabled, and problems print a clear error or warning.
3. Fix the specific issue it names (move the .jar, switch software, update the version, or add the missing dependency).
4. Restart again and confirm the plugin now enables.

Tip: After any change, do a full Restart rather than a /reload, and watch the Console. If you're stuck, use the Share logs via mclo.gs button in the Console and share the link when you ask for help.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know which software I'm on? Check the Versions tab or the first lines of the Console at startup — they name the software (Paper, Forge, Vanilla, etc.).

The plugin needs a dependency — how do I find it? The Console error usually names it (for example, "Vault not found"). Install the named dependency into plugins, then restart.

Still nothing after all this? Share your startup log via mclo.gs and open a ticket. Our team can read the log and point to the exact cause.