Which Via plugin do you need?
Example: your server runs 1.21.11 and a friend has 26.1. Install ViaVersion. If the server runs 26.1 and a friend is still on 1.21.11, install ViaVersion and ViaBackwards.
Players on a different version only get the features your server version has. A newer client can’t use blocks or items that don’t exist on an older server.
How to install ViaVersion
1
Make a backup
Click Backups, then Create backup.
2
Install ViaVersion
Click Plugins, search for ViaVersion and click Install next to the version for your server. See install plugins.
3
Add ViaBackwards or ViaRewind (if needed)
For older clients, also install ViaBackwards. For 1.7 and 1.8 clients, install ViaRewind as well.
4
Restart
Restart the server. The console shows ViaVersion loading.
Where should ViaVersion go on a proxy network?
ViaVersion runs on Velocity as well as on Paper, so on a network you can install it on the proxy or on the backends. Check the ViaVersion documentation for the setup that suits your network. Velocity plugins are separate builds: on the proxy server, filter the Plugins page by the Velocity loader. See Velocity proxy setup.Can I use ViaVersion on Fabric?
Not as a plugin. On mod loaders the Via projects run through ViaFabric, a separate mod. The simplest way to let other versions join is still a Paper server with ViaVersion.How to check which versions can join
After installing, players on other versions see your server in their multiplayer list and can join. To check:- Ask a player on another version to refresh the server list. The version shouldn’t show in red any more.
- Watch the console while they join. ViaVersion errors name the plugin, so you can see if an update is needed.
- Type
viaversion listin the console to see which game versions online players use.
What doesn’t work across versions?
Via plugins translate between versions, but they can’t add what the server doesn’t have.
If most players use one version, the simplest fix is to run that version with Version Changer.
Frequently asked questions
Why does a player still get “Incompatible client”?
The player’s version is outside what the installed Via plugins support, or the plugins are out of date. Check for updates on Plugins > Installed, and add ViaBackwards for older clients. See outdated client or server.Is it better to change the server version instead?
If everyone can update, yes: run the version most players use with Version Changer. Via plugins are best when players can’t all be on the same version.Do I need ViaVersion for GeyserMC?
Geyser supports the newest Java version. If your server runs an older version, Geyser needs ViaVersion. See GeyserMC.Can Java 1.8 players join a 26.1 server?
Yes, with all three plugins: ViaVersion, ViaBackwards and ViaRewind. ViaRewind adds 1.7 and 1.8 clients on servers running 1.9 or newer. Expect some differences in combat and newer blocks.Does ViaVersion cause lag?
It adds a little work per player, which most servers don’t notice. If you suspect it, profile with spark.Related guides
Minecraft server guide
Every Minecraft guide in one place.
Outdated client or server
Fix version mismatch errors.
Change your server version
Move everyone to one version.
GeyserMC
Let Bedrock players join.
Checked against the official ViaVersion, ViaBackwards and ViaRewind documentation on 29 October 2026, and the plugin install tested on our Game Panel (Minecraft 26.1, Paper and Fabric). Steps may differ slightly if the plugins change.
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Last Updated: October 2026