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To let cracked (non-premium) players join your FREAKHOSTING Minecraft server, open Server Properties in the Game Panel, switch on Allow cracked players and click Save and restart. This sets online-mode=false, so the server no longer checks accounts with Mojang. Anyone can then join with any name, so turn on the whitelist and install a login plugin to protect your server.

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What is offline mode (a cracked server)?

By default a Minecraft server runs in online mode: it asks Mojang whether each player owns a paid Java Edition account. A cracked or non-premium player uses a copy of Minecraft without such an account and can’t pass that check. Offline mode (online-mode=false) switches the check off, so these players can join.

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Before you start

In offline mode the server can’t tell who anyone really is. A player can join with your name, or an operator’s name, and get their rights. Only use offline mode with the protections below.
  • Make a backup: Backups > Create backup.
  • Decide early. Switching mode changes every player’s UUID (see below). It’s easiest before your world has a lot of player progress.

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How to allow cracked players

1

Open Server Properties

Open your server in the Game Panel and click Server Properties.
2

Switch on Allow cracked players

In the Server group, switch on Allow cracked players. This turns online-mode off.
Minecraft Server Properties page with the Allow cracked players toggle in the Server group above the MOTD editor

Allow cracked players on the Server Properties page

3

Turn on the whitelist

Under Who can join, switch on Whitelist, and add your players on Players > Whitelisted. See how to set up a whitelist.
4

Save and restart

Click Save and restart.
5

Add a login plugin

On a plugin server such as Paper, install a login plugin, for example AuthMe Reloaded or nLogin, from the Plugins page. Players then register a password the first time they join and log in each time after. See how to install plugins.

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What happens to player data when I switch?

Minecraft stores inventories, ender chests, statistics and advancements by UUID (a unique player ID). In online mode the UUID comes from the player’s Mojang account. In offline mode the server makes a different UUID from the player’s name. After switching:
  • Players start with an empty inventory, because the server sees them as new players.
  • Plugin data tied to UUIDs, such as land claims, ranks and economy balances, no longer matches.
  • Operators and whitelist entries must be added again.
The same happens in reverse if you switch back to online mode later. Plugins that migrate UUIDs exist, but take a backup before you try one.

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Frequently asked questions

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Can premium players still join a cracked server?

Yes. Players with a paid account can join an offline-mode server too. Their skin may not show without a skin plugin.

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Is running a cracked server allowed?

Read the Minecraft EULA and decide for yourself. Running the server is your responsibility.

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How do I turn offline mode off again?

Switch off Allow cracked players in Server Properties and click Save and restart. Player UUIDs change back, so the same data problem applies.

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Why do I get “Failed to verify username”?

That error appears in online mode when Mojang can’t confirm an account. See how to fix Failed to verify username.

Minecraft server guide

Every Minecraft guide in one place.

Set up a whitelist

Required on a cracked server.

Install plugins

Add a login plugin.

Failed to verify username

Fix account check errors.

Give and remove op

Re-add your operators.
Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team on our Game Panel on 29 October 2026 (Minecraft 26.1, Paper and Fabric). Steps may differ slightly if the game or its plugins change.

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Need Extra Help?

If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:

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Last Updated: October 2026