How to Install Mods and Plugins on Your Minecraft Server

Adding plugins and mods to your Minecraft server lets you customize gameplay, add new features, and manage your community. The process depends on which server software you're running.

Plugins vs Mods — What's the Difference?

• Plugins run on server software like Paper, Spigot, or Purpur. They're server-side only — players connect with a vanilla Minecraft client. Most plugins come from Modrinth, Hangar, or SpigotMC.
• Mods run on Forge or Fabric server software. They modify the game itself — players usually need the same mods installed on their client. Mods are found on Modrinth or CurseForge.

Installing Plugins (Paper / Spigot)

1. Download the plugin .jar file from a trusted source
2. Open the File Manager in the control panel
3. Navigate to the plugins/ folder
4. Click Upload and select the .jar file
5. Restart your server (not just reload — some plugins require a full restart)

After the restart, the plugin will generate its config files inside plugins/<plugin-name>/.

Verifying a Plugin Loaded

Run the following command in the server console:

plugins

This lists all loaded plugins. Green names are active, red names failed to load.

Installing Mods (Forge / Fabric)

1. Make sure your server is running the correct mod loader (Forge or Fabric) — you can change this in the Startup tab of the panel
2. Download the mod .jar file compatible with your server's Minecraft version and mod loader
3. Open the File Manager and navigate to the mods/ folder
4. Upload the .jar file
5. Restart the server

Important: Players connecting to a modded server need the same mods installed in their own Minecraft client. Share your mod list with your players.

Checking for Mod Conflicts

If the server crashes after adding a mod:

1. Check the console output for error messages — it usually names the problematic mod
2. Open logs/latest.log in the file manager for the full crash report
3. Try removing the most recently added mod and restarting

Java Version Compatibility

Different Minecraft versions require different Java versions. If your server fails to start after a version change, this is often the cause.

You can change the Java version in the Startup tab of the control panel by selecting a different Docker image.

Modpacks may have their own Java requirements — check the modpack's documentation if the default doesn't work.

Common Issues

Plugin says "unsupported version" Download a version that matches your server's Minecraft version. Check the plugin page for supported versions.

Server crashes on startup after adding a mod The mod likely conflicts with another mod or is for the wrong Minecraft/loader version. Check logs/latest.log for the specific error.

Plugin commands don't work Most plugins require permissions to be set. Use a permissions plugin like LuckPerms to grant access to plugin commands.

Recommended Starter Plugins