Game Panel

How to Install Plugins on Your Server

5 min read Updated Feb 15, 2026

Plugins are server-side add-ons that extend your Minecraft server with new features, commands, and gameplay mechanics. This guide covers how to install, verify, and configure plugins on your server.

Supported Server Types

Plugins only work on server software that supports the Bukkit/Spigot plugin API. If your server runs Vanilla, Forge, or Fabric, you will need to switch to a compatible server type first.

Server Type Supports Plugins
Paper Yes (recommended)
Purpur Yes
Spigot Yes
CraftBukkit Yes (legacy, not recommended)
Vanilla No
Forge No (uses mods instead)
Fabric No (uses mods instead)

Note: Plugins built for Bukkit or Spigot will also work on Paper and Purpur. Paper is recommended for the best performance and broadest plugin compatibility.

If you need to switch your server type, see Uploading a Custom Server Jar

Installing Plugins with the Plugin Browser

The easiest way to install plugins is through the built-in Plugin Browser in the Game Panel. It lets you search, install, and update plugins directly from your browser without downloading any files.

Step-by-Step

  1. Log in to the Game Panel
  2. Select your server
  3. In the left menu, click Game
  4. Select Plugins
  5. Use the search bar to find a plugin, or browse by category
  6. Select your plugin loader (e.g., Paper, Spigot, Bukkit) and provider
  7. Click the plugin you want, then click Install
  8. Restart your server for the plugin to take effect

The Plugin Browser supports plugins from CurseForge, Modrinth, Hangar, SpigotMC, Craftaro, and Polymart.

Checking for Updates

  1. Go to Game > Plugins
  2. Switch to the Installed tab to see all your installed plugins
  3. If an update is available, you can update with one click
  4. Restart your server after updating

Installing Plugins Manually

If a plugin is not available in the Plugin Browser (for example, a premium plugin or a private plugin), you can upload it manually.

Where to Download Plugins Safely

Only download plugins from trusted sources:

Warning: Avoid downloading plugins from unofficial websites, Discord servers, or file-sharing sites. These can contain malware that compromises your server.

Uploading via the File Manager

  1. Download the plugin .jar file to your computer from one of the trusted sources above
  2. Log in to the Game Panel
  3. Select your server
  4. Go to Core > Files
  5. Navigate to the plugins folder
  6. Click Upload and select the plugin JAR file, or drag and drop it into the browser
  7. Restart your server

Uploading via SFTP

For larger plugins or bulk uploads, SFTP can be more reliable:

  1. Connect to your server via SFTP (your credentials are in Settings > Settings)
  2. Navigate to the plugins folder
  3. Upload the plugin .jar file
  4. Restart your server

For full SFTP setup instructions, see How to Access and Manage Server Files.

Verifying Plugins are Working

After restarting your server, there are two ways to confirm a plugin loaded correctly.

Check the Console

During startup, your server logs each plugin as it loads. Look for messages like:

[Server thread/INFO]: [PluginName] Enabling PluginName v1.0
[Server thread/INFO]: [PluginName] Plugin has been enabled!

If a plugin fails to load, you will see an error message with details about what went wrong.

Use the /plugins Command

Type /plugins in the server console or in-game chat. This displays a list of all plugins:

  • Green names are loaded and working
  • Red names failed to load

Configuring Plugins

Most plugins generate configuration files the first time they run. These files let you customise the plugin's behaviour.

Locating Config Files

Plugin configs are stored in plugins/PluginName/. The most common config file is config.yml, but some plugins create additional files.

  1. Go to Core > Files
  2. Navigate to plugins/PluginName/
  3. Click on config.yml to open it in the built-in editor

Editing and Saving

  1. Make your changes in the editor
  2. Click Save or press Ctrl + S (Windows/Linux) or ⌘ + S (Mac)
  3. Most changes require a server restart to take effect. Some plugins support /pluginname reload, but a restart is more reliable.

Tip: YAML files are sensitive to indentation. Use spaces (not tabs) and keep the existing formatting structure when editing.

Troubleshooting

Plugin Not Loading

If a plugin does not appear in /plugins:

  1. Check your server type - Plugins only work on Paper, Spigot, Purpur, or CraftBukkit. If you are running Vanilla, Forge, or Fabric, plugins will not load
  2. Check the file location - The .jar file must be directly inside the plugins folder, not in a subfolder
  3. Check the file extension - Make sure the file ends in .jar and was not renamed to .jar.zip during download

Plugin Not Compatible with Your Minecraft Version

If the console shows version errors when a plugin loads:

  1. Check the plugin's page for supported Minecraft versions
  2. Download the correct version of the plugin for your server
  3. Remove the old .jar file from the plugins folder before uploading the new one

Missing Dependencies

Some plugins require other plugins to work. If you see errors mentioning a missing dependency:

  1. Check the plugin's page for a list of required dependencies
  2. Install the missing plugins using the same methods above
  3. Restart your server

Plugin Conflicts

If your server becomes unstable after installing a new plugin:

  1. Stop your server
  2. Remove the most recently added plugin .jar from the plugins folder
  3. Start your server to confirm the issue is resolved
  4. Check the plugin's page for known incompatibilities

Server Will Not Start After Installing a Plugin

If your server crashes on startup:

  1. Check the console for the error message - it usually names the plugin causing the issue
  2. Connect via SFTP or the File Manager and remove the plugin .jar from the plugins folder
  3. Start your server again
  4. If you need the plugin, check for an updated version or open a support ticket for help

Need Help?

If you are having trouble installing or configuring a plugin:

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