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How to allow cracked versions on a Minecraft server

Want to open your Minecraft server to players who are using a cracked version of the game? Whether it's to play with friends, grow your community, or simply test things out, this complete guide walks you through every step.

We'll explain how to enable crack mode, which plugins to install to keep everything secure, and we'll also cover the risks and legal alternatives so you can make an informed decision.

A quick note before we start

This guide is provided for informational purposes. At LordHosting, we always recommend buying Minecraft from the official Mojang website. That said, we know reality is more nuanced, and we'd rather help you properly than leave you without guidance.

Table of contents​

What is a cracked Minecraft server?​

How Minecraft authentication works​

When you launch Minecraft and join a server, here's what happens behind the scenes:

  1. Your Minecraft client sends your username to the server
  2. The server contacts Mojang/Microsoft authentication servers to verify your account is legitimate
  3. If Mojang confirms, you're connected. Otherwise, you're denied.

This is called online mode — the default behavior of every Minecraft server.

What crack mode changes (online-mode=false)​

A cracked server, also called a non-premium server or offline server, simply disables this verification at step 2. The result: anyone can connect, whether they've purchased the game or not.

In plain terms, the server no longer asks "does this player have a real Minecraft account?". It accepts everyone, no questions asked.

Why do some administrators make this choice?​

The reasons are varied and often legitimate:

  • Playing with friends: one of your friends hasn't bought the game yet and you want them to try it
  • Accessibility: in some countries, Minecraft's price represents a significant expense
  • Test server: you're developing plugins or maps and need test accounts
  • Larger community: you want to reach as many players as possible, including those without a premium account

How to configure your server in crack mode​

The process is simple and quick. It takes about 2 minutes.

Step 1: Edit the server.properties file​

  1. Log into your LordHosting management panel

  2. Go to the File Manager tab

  3. Open the server.properties file — this is your server's main configuration file

  4. Find the following line:

    online-mode=true

  5. Replace true with false:

    online-mode=false

  6. Click Save

It's as simple as that! But don't stop here.

Step 2: Restart the server​

Go back to your panel's home page and click Restart. The server will apply the change on reboot.

Important: don't skip the next step!

As soon as online-mode is set to false, anyone can connect with any username. A malicious player could use an administrator's username and gain full permissions. Installing an authentication plugin is absolutely mandatory.

Step 3: Install an authentication plugin​

This is the most important step. Without this plugin, your server is wide open.

Option 1: AuthMe Reloaded — the trusted classic​

AuthMe Reloaded is the most widely used authentication plugin for Minecraft servers worldwide. It's free, reliable, and regularly updated.

How to install it on LordHosting:

  1. On your panel, go to 1-click Plugins
  2. Type AuthMe in the search bar
  3. Click Install
  4. Restart your server

How it works for players:

  • First connection: the player types /register password password to create their account
  • Subsequent connections: they type /login password to authenticate
  • Before authentication: the player is frozen — they can't move, chat, or break blocks

It's seamless and efficient. Your players get used to it in seconds.

Option 2: LibreLogin — the modern alternative​

If you're using a proxy like Velocity or BungeeCord (for example to link multiple servers together), LibreLogin is an excellent alternative.

Its advantages:

  • Built natively for Velocity and BungeeCord
  • Automatic session management (players don't need to re-login every time)
  • More modern interface and simplified configuration
  • Compatible with the latest Minecraft versions (1.20+, 1.21+)

Option 3: FastLogin — hybrid mode​

FastLogin is a complementary plugin that creates a hybrid server:

  • Premium players (who bought the game) are authenticated automatically via Mojang — no /login needed
  • Cracked players go through classic authentication with AuthMe

It's the best solution if you want to offer an optimal experience to both types of players.

Securing your cracked server: the complete guide​

A cracked server naturally attracts more risks than a premium one. Here are the essential protections, ranked by priority.

Protection #1: Authentication (mandatory)​

We can't stress this enough: AuthMe or LibreLogin is non-negotiable. Without it, anyone can impersonate your players and administrators.

Protection #2: Anti-bot​

Cracked servers are prime targets for bot attacks (hundreds of fake players connecting simultaneously to crash your server).

PluginPriceDescription
EpicGuardFreeLightweight and very effective, blocks suspicious connections
BotSentryPremiumMore comprehensive, with advanced checks (captcha, etc.)

Protection #3: Permission management​

Install LuckPerms (free) to precisely control what each player can do:

# New players don't have access to dangerous commands
default:
  permissions:
    - -minecraft.command.op
    - -minecraft.command.gamemode
    - -minecraft.command.give
    - -minecraft.command.teleport

Protection #4: Block actions before authentication​

In the AuthMe configuration (config.yml), make sure unauthenticated players can't do anything:

settings:
  restrictions:
    allowMovement: false
    allowChat: false
    allowCommands: []
    allowInteraction: false
    allowFlight: false

Protection #5: Anti-cheat​

Cracked players tend to use modified clients (hacks) more often. An anti-cheat is highly recommended:

  • Vulcan (premium) — the most complete and reliable
  • Grim (free) — good open-source alternative

Protection #6: Anti-DDoS​

Good news if you're with LordHosting: Anti-DDoS protection is included in all our plans. You don't need to configure anything, it's active by default.

Risks of a cracked Minecraft server​

Security risks​

RiskSeverityWhat can happenHow to protect yourself
Identity theftCriticalA player connects with an admin's usernameAuthMe / LibreLogin
Bot attacksHighHundreds of bots crash the serverEpicGuard / BotSentry
CheatingMediumModified clients (fly, speed, x-ray...)Vulcan / Grim
DDoS attacksHighServer becomes unreachableAnti-DDoS (included at LordHosting)
Spam / FloodMediumRepetitive messages in chatAnti-spam plugin + moderation

This is the question everyone asks. Let's be clear:

Hosting a server in online-mode=false is not illegal. You're not distributing the game, you're not providing a crack — you're simply disabling a server-side verification.

That said, there are nuances to be aware of:

What Mojang's terms of service say​

The Mojang EULA states that players must own a legitimate copy of the game. By disabling online-mode, you technically allow non-legitimate players to play.

What has actually happened​

In practice, Mojang has never sued a server administrator for enabling crack mode. Mojang/Microsoft's legal actions focus on:

  • Download websites that distribute pirated versions of the game
  • Commercial servers that violate monetization rules (pay-to-win advantages)
  • Game copies redistributed under another name

The case of large cracked servers​

Servers like Funcraft, Ascentia, and Rinaorc have operated for years in crack mode with thousands of players, without ever receiving a cease-and-desist from Mojang. This shows that in practice, Mojang tolerates this practice as long as it's not accompanied by illegal distribution of the game.

In summary

The legal risk is very low for a community server. Mojang targets distributors of pirated copies, not server administrators. However, their terms of service don't officially authorize it — it's a gray area.

Before enabling crack mode, know that there are several legal and affordable ways to play Minecraft:

AlternativePriceDescriptionWho is it for?
Minecraft DemoFreeOfficial trial version from the launcherThose who want to try before buying
Xbox Game Pass~$9.99/monthMinecraft Java + Bedrock includedRegular gamers who also want other games
Xbox Game Pass PC~$1 first monthTrial offer for new subscribersCheapest way to get the game legally
Minecraft EducationFreeEducational version for schools and universitiesStudents and teachers
Buy on sale~$15-20The game sometimes goes on sale on the Microsoft StorePermanent solution
LordHosting free trialFreeTest a Minecraft server for 24 hours with no commitmentAdmins who want to test our services
The smart move

With Xbox Game Pass at $1 for the first month, you get both Minecraft Java AND Bedrock legally. It's often cheaper than a coffee and saves you all the headaches associated with crack mode.

Managing a community with cracked players​

Establish clear rules from the start​

Good rules are the foundation of any server, but even more so on a cracked one. Here are the essential points to include:

  • Strictly forbidden to impersonate another player
  • Mandatory registration with /register on first connection
  • Clear penalties: warning, mute, kick, temporary ban, permanent ban
  • Zero tolerance for cheating and modified clients
  • Respect between premium and non-premium players

Encourage game purchase (without forcing)​

Rather than stigmatizing cracked players, motivate them positively to buy the game:

  • Create a "Premium" rank with cosmetic perks (particles, name color, emotes)
  • Grant access to certain VIP areas or exclusive mini-games to verified accounts
  • Use FastLogin to automatically detect premium accounts and assign benefits
  • Regularly share Minecraft promotions on your Discord

Build a solid moderation team​

A cracked server statistically attracts more problematic behavior. Be prepared:

  • Recruit active moderators and train them
  • Install LiteBans or AdvancedBan to manage penalties efficiently
  • Set up a reporting system (ReportSystem plugin or via Discord)
  • Keep logs of everything (CoreProtect is excellent for this)

Community and Discord​

Create a Discord server for your community. It's essential for:

  • Communicating rules and updates
  • Allowing players to report issues
  • Building connections between your players
  • Managing moderator applications

Here's the complete plugin kit for a secure and well-managed cracked Minecraft server:

PluginRolePricePriority
AuthMe ReloadedPassword authenticationFreeMandatory
FastLoginHybrid premium/crack modeFreeHighly recommended
EpicGuardAnti-bot protectionFreeMandatory
LuckPermsPermission managementFreeMandatory
SkinsRestorerSkins for cracked playersFreeRecommended
VulcanAnti-cheatPremium (~$15)Highly recommended
LiteBansModeration and penaltiesPremium (~$8)Recommended
CoreProtectLogs and rollbackFreeRecommended

All these plugins can be installed in 1 click from the LordHosting panel.

Frequently asked questions​

Can Mojang shut down my cracked server?​

In theory, Mojang's terms of service don't authorize it. In practice, no server has ever been shut down solely for enabling online-mode=false. Mojang focuses its efforts on websites distributing pirated versions of the game, not on community servers.

Can premium players join a cracked server?​

Yes, absolutely. A player with an official Minecraft account can join a server in online-mode=false. The only difference: their username is no longer protected by Mojang. With FastLogin, you can automatically verify premium accounts and offer them a connection without /login.

Do skins work on a cracked server?​

By default, no. Skins are loaded from Mojang's servers and require authentication. Install the SkinsRestorer plugin (free) to allow all players to display skins, even without a premium account.

Does crack mode affect server performance?​

Not at all. The online-mode setting only concerns identity verification at login. Your server's performance depends on RAM, processor, number of players, and installed plugins — not the authentication mode.

Is it compatible with all Minecraft versions?​

Yes. The online-mode=false setting works on all Minecraft Java versions, from 1.8 to 1.21+. The AuthMe and FastLogin plugins are also compatible with the vast majority of versions.

Can I switch from a cracked server to a premium server (and vice versa)?​

Yes, simply change the online-mode value in server.properties and restart. Be careful though: if you switch to premium mode, cracked players will no longer be able to connect. Make sure to warn your community in advance.

Should my BungeeCord/Velocity server be in online-mode false?​

With a proxy (BungeeCord or Velocity), the setup is slightly different:

  • The proxy handles authentication → online_mode: true (in the proxy config)
  • The backend servers → online-mode: false (in server.properties)

This is the normal and recommended setup. The proxy verifies identity, the servers behind it trust the proxy.

Key takeaways​

Summary

To enable crack mode:

  1. Set online-mode=false in server.properties
  2. Install AuthMe (mandatory) and FastLogin (recommended)
  3. Add EpicGuard against bots and LuckPerms for permissions

Main risks:

  • Identity theft → solved by AuthMe
  • Bot attacks → solved by EpicGuard
  • Cheating → solved by an anti-cheat (Vulcan)

Legal side:

  • Not illegal, but not authorized by Mojang's terms of service
  • No server has ever been shut down for this reason
  • Mojang targets distributors of pirated copies, not servers

Ready to launch your Minecraft server?​

At LordHosting, all our Minecraft servers are compatible with online-mode=false. With our 1-click plugin installation system, you can set up AuthMe, FastLogin, and all security plugins in minutes.

And if you're not sure, take advantage of our free 24-hour trial to test without commitment.

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