Skip to main content
To install plugins on a FREAKHOSTING Minecraft server, open your server in the Game Panel, click Plugins, search Modrinth, Hangar, SpigotMC or CurseForge, open a plugin and click Install next to a version. Then restart the server: plugins only load when the server starts. The Installed tab lets you update, disable or remove plugins.

Before you start

  • Your server must run a plugin server, such as Paper. The Plugins page doesn’t appear on Fabric, Forge, NeoForge or Quilt (those show Mods). To switch, see how to install Paper.
  • Make a backup before adding several plugins at once: Backups > Create backup.

How to install a plugin

1

Open Plugins

Open your server in the Game Panel and click Plugins in the sidebar. The Browse tab opens.
2

Search and filter

Type in Search plugins. Change the filters if you need to:
Minecraft Plugins page on the Browse tab with a restart info banner, Source, Minecraft version, Loaders and Sort filters, a Search plugins box and plugin cards

Browsing plugins

3

Choose a version

Click a plugin. Versions for this server lists versions that match your server. Switch on Show all versions to see the rest. Click Install next to the version you want.
Plugin dialog with author, summary, a View on Modrinth link and a Versions for this server list showing version number, Release tag, Minecraft versions, loaders, age, downloads, size and Install button

Choosing a plugin version

4

Restart the server

You see a message such as Installed — Chunky 1.5.3 (Chunky-Bukkit-1.5.3.jar) — Restart the server to load it. Click Restart at the top of the page.
Green Installed message with the plugin name, version and jar file and the note Restart the server to load it, and an Installed badge on the version row

Plugin installed

5

Check it loaded

In the Console, type plugins. Loaded plugins are listed in green.
Read the description before you install. A few projects in the results are client mods rather than server plugins, and do nothing on your server.

How to update, disable or remove a plugin

Click the Installed tab. It shows how many plugins you have and how many updates are available.
Plugins Installed tab showing 1 plugin and 0 updates available, a Check for updates button and a plugin row with version, jar file, size, enable toggle and delete icon

Installed plugins

Restart the server after every change. Avoid /reload: the panel warns that a reload can break plugins, so a restart is the safe way. A removed plugin’s settings stay in its folder inside plugins/. Delete that folder in the file manager if you don’t need them.

What if a plugin isn’t listed?

Some authors don’t allow downloads through other sites, and some plugins are only sold on their own page. Download the .jar file from the official page, then upload it to the plugins folder in Files or over SFTP and restart.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to restart after installing a plugin?

Yes. Plugins load when the server starts, so restart after you install, update, enable, disable or remove one.

Can I install plugins on a Fabric or Forge server?

No. Fabric, Forge and NeoForge use mods, not plugins. Use the Mods page, or switch to Paper in Version Changer.

Why does a plugin show an error in the console?

It may not support your Minecraft version, or it needs another plugin (a dependency) such as Vault. Check the plugin’s page for its requirements.

Which plugins should I start with?

See our list of recommended plugins.

Minecraft server guide

Every Minecraft guide in one place.

Recommended plugins

Free plugins worth installing.

MySQL for plugins

Give a plugin its own database.

Install Paper

Switch to a plugin server.

Server crashing

Fix crashes after adding a plugin.
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.

Need Extra Help?

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

Save on Your Hosting

Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code KB20 at checkout for 20% off your first order!

Last Updated: October 2026