> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # How to Install Mods on a Minecraft Server > How to install mods on a Minecraft server: run Fabric, Forge, NeoForge or Quilt, open the Mods page, pick a matching mod version, click Install and restart. To install mods on a FREAKHOSTING Minecraft server, switch the server to a mod loader (Fabric, Forge, NeoForge or Quilt) in **Version Changer**, then click **Mods** in the Game Panel, find a mod, click **Install** next to a matching version and restart the server. Required dependencies such as Fabric API are installed with the mod. Players need content mods on their own game too. | Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel page | | - | - | - | - | | Beginner | 2 minutes per mod | Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt servers | Mods | ## Before you start * **Run a mod loader.** The **Mods** page only appears when your server runs Fabric, Forge, NeoForge or Quilt. On Paper you see **Plugins** instead. Change it in [Version Changer](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/changing-your-minecraft-server-version.md). * **Want a whole pack?** Use [Modpacks](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/how-to-install-a-minecraft-modpack.md). It installs the loader and every mod for you. * **Make a backup**: **Backups** > **Create backup**. ## Rules to know before you install mods Open **Before you install mods** at the top of the **Mods** page for the full rules. In short: ![Minecraft Mods page header saying Showing mods for Fabric 26.3, with the Before you install mods section open listing the rules for restarts, server mods, loaders, Fabric API, dependencies and players](https://mintcdn.com/freakhostingltd/oRNjFa_9Ix118Tkc/images/games/minecraft/mc-mods-before-you-install.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=oRNjFa_9Ix118Tkc\&q=85\&s=c2cb2aa3f58e46736d3c0514c9e6b309) Before you install mods | Rule | What it means | | - | - | | Restart required | Mods go in the `mods/` folder and load when the server starts. | | Only mods that run on a server | Modrinth results are limited to mods that run on a server. CurseForge may also list client-only mods, which don't work on a server. | | Loader and version must match | A Fabric mod doesn't load on Forge, and a mod for 1.21.11 doesn't load on 26.1. The page only installs matching versions. | | Fabric API | Most Fabric mods need it. It's installed with the mod when the mod lists it under **Requires**, unless you turn that off. It's never installed twice. | | Dependencies | Required mods are installed with the mod. Optional ones aren't. Mods marked incompatible are refused. | | Players | Content mods (new blocks, items, mobs) must be on every player's game too. Server-only mods don't. | | Downloaded elsewhere | Files marked **Download externally** must be downloaded by you and uploaded to `mods/`. | ## How to install a mod **1. Open Mods** Open your server in the [Game Panel](https://games.freakhosting.com) and click **Mods** in the sidebar. The header shows the loader and version, for example **Showing mods for Fabric 26.3**. **2. Search** Choose a **Source**, type in the search box and adjust the Minecraft version, loader and sort filters if needed. **3. Install a version** Click a mod and click **Install** next to a version. Dependencies are added for you. **4. Restart the server** Click **Restart**. Check the **Console** for errors while the server starts. ## How to disable, update or remove mods Click the **Installed** tab. It shows how many mods you have and how many updates are available. ![Mods Installed tab showing 32 mods and 0 updates available, a Check for updates button and rows with jar file name, a Not installed here badge, file size, enable toggle and delete icon](https://mintcdn.com/freakhostingltd/oRNjFa_9Ix118Tkc/images/games/minecraft/mc-mods-installed-tab.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=oRNjFa_9Ix118Tkc\&q=85\&s=408708df0f31cdbce045ff2225f270f3) Installed mods * **Check for updates** looks for newer versions. * The toggle disables a mod without deleting it. The file is renamed to `name.jar.disabled`. * The bin icon deletes the mod. Mods that weren't installed through this page, such as mods from a modpack or uploaded by hand, show **Not installed here**. You can still disable or delete them. Restart the server after every change. ## Client mods vs server mods: what's the difference? | Type | Examples | Install on | | - | - | - | | Content mods | New blocks, items, mobs, dimensions | Server **and** every player | | Server-only mods | Performance or admin mods | Server only | | Client-only mods | Minimaps, shaders, HUD and zoom mods | Players only, never the server | A client-only mod on the server usually stops it from starting. Remove it from `mods/` if the console names it in a crash. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I use mods and plugins together? Not on Paper or Fabric. Hybrid server types such as Arclight, Mohist, Youer and Magma run both, but compatibility problems are more common. Choose one if you can. ### Why isn't a mod on the Mods page? The page only shows versions for your loader and Minecraft version. Try another **Source**, or check the mod exists for your loader and version. ### Do I need Fabric API on the server? Yes, if your Fabric mods need it, which most do. The Mods page adds it for you when a mod requires it. ### How do players get the same mods? Share your mod list, or turn it into a modpack with the CurseForge app, the Modrinth App or Prism Launcher. ## Related guides > **[Minecraft server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/minecraft-server-hosting-guide.md)** > > Every Minecraft guide in one place. > **[Install a modpack](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/how-to-install-a-minecraft-modpack.md)** > > One-click modpacks. > **[Paper vs Fabric vs Forge](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/paper-vs-purpur-vs-fabric-vs-forge.md)** > > Choose a mod loader. > **[RAM for modded servers](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/how-much-ram-do-i-need-for-my-modded-minecraft-server.md)** > > How much memory mods need. > **[Server crashing](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/minecraft-server-crashing-or-out-of-memory.md)** > > Fix a crash after adding a mod. > [!NOTE] > > **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. *** > [!NOTE] > > ### Need Extra Help? > > If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist: > > * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website. > * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) > * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting) > * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com) > [!TIP] > > ### Save on Your Hosting > > Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order! *** **Last Updated:** October 2026 This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.