How do I install a plugin on my Minecraft server?

You install a plugin by putting its .jar file in your server's plugins folder and restarting the server. This works on Paper, Purpur, Spigot and Bukkit. Plugins do not work on Vanilla, Fabric or Forge.

What you need

• A server running Paper, Purpur or Spigot. The console shows which one at the top during startup. To switch, see How do I change the version of my Minecraft server?
• A plugin made for your Minecraft version. You can find plugins on Hangar, Modrinth and SpigotMC.

Install a plugin

1. Download the plugin. Mind the version: pick one that matches your Minecraft version.
2. Log in to the game panel and open your server.
3. Go to Files and open the plugins folder.
4. Click Upload and choose the .jar file. Several plugins at once is easier with SFTP.

   

5. Restart your server with Restart in the console.

Check

Type in the console:

plugins

It lists every loaded plugin. A green name means the plugin works; a red name means it did not load properly. Then look in the console for an error with the plugin's name.

Configure the plugin

After the first start, a plugin usually creates its own folder in plugins with a config.yml. You can open and edit it in Files. Restart your server afterwards.

Remove a plugin

Stop your server, delete the .jar file from plugins and start the server. You can also delete the plugin's settings folder if you no longer need it.

Related

• Why does my Minecraft server crash?
• How do I install mods on my Minecraft server?