> ## 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.

# Minecraft Server Keeps Crashing or Out of Memory: How to Fix

> Minecraft server keeps crashing? Find the error on the Logs page, disable the last plugin or mod, fix OutOfMemoryError and restore a backup if needed.

If your Minecraft server keeps crashing, open **Logs** in the Game Panel and click **First error**: the error usually names the plugin or mod at fault. Switch that plugin or mod off on **Plugins** or **Mods** > **Installed** and restart. If the logs show `java.lang.OutOfMemoryError`, lower **View distance** and remove heavy mods, or upgrade your plan. A backup from before the problem undoes everything.

| Difficulty | Time | Panel pages |
| - | - | - |
| Beginner | 10 minutes | **Logs**, **Plugins** or **Mods**, **Backups** |

***

## Step 1: Find the error in Logs

**1. Open Logs**

Click **Logs** in the sidebar. It reads the files in the main folder, `logs` and `crash-reports`.

**2. Pick the right file**

Use the file picker to open `logs/latest.log`, or the newest file in `crash-reports` after a crash.

**3. Jump to the error**

Click **First error**, or filter by **Error** and **Fatal**. The lines around the error usually name the plugin, mod or cause.

**4. Copy it for support**

**Copy for support** copies the error with passwords, keys and addresses removed. See [read server logs](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-read-server-logs.md).

***

## Step 2: Match the error to a fix

| You see | Likely cause | Fix |
| - | - | - |
| A plugin or mod name in the error | That plugin or mod | Switch it off on **Installed**, restart, then update or replace it. |
| `java.lang.OutOfMemoryError` | Not enough memory | See [out of memory](#how-to-fix-out-of-memory) below. |
| `UnsupportedClassVersionError` | Wrong Java version | See [UnsupportedClassVersionError](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/unsupportedclassversionerror-java-version.md). |
| `You need to agree to the EULA` | EULA not accepted | See [accept the EULA](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/how-to-accept-the-minecraft-eula.md). |
| `Mod … requires …` or missing dependency | A mod needs another mod | Install the missing mod on **Mods**, or remove the one that needs it. |
| A watchdog message about a single tick taking too long | The server froze on one task | Profile with [spark](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/profiling-server-lag-with-spark.md) and look at the stack trace for a plugin or mod name. |

***

## Step 3: Disable the last thing you changed

If the error isn't clear, undo your most recent change:

1. Open **Plugins** or **Mods** > **Installed**.
2. Switch off the plugin or mod you added most recently. A disabled mod is renamed to `name.jar.disabled`.
3. Restart. If the server runs, that was the cause.
4. Repeat with the next most recent one if needed.

Check every plugin or mod supports your exact Minecraft version and loader, and that its dependencies are installed.

***

## How to fix out of memory

Signs: `java.lang.OutOfMemoryError` in the logs, the server stops on its own, or **Memory** sits at your plan's limit on the **Console** or **Statistics** page.

1. Lower **View distance** to 6–8 in **Server Properties** and click **Save and restart**.
2. Pre-generate the world with [Chunky](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/pre-generating-your-world-to-prevent-lag-chunky.md) instead of letting players explore new land.
3. Remove plugins or mods you don't use.
4. Run `spark heapsummary` to see what fills memory.
5. If the server simply needs more, compare with [how much RAM you need](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/how-much-ram-do-i-need-for-my-modded-minecraft-server.md) and upgrade in the [client area](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea).

> [!TIP]
>
> Turn on [server alerts](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-set-up-server-alerts.md) to get a message when the server goes offline unexpectedly or memory stays at the limit.

***

## Step 4: Restore a backup

If you can't find the cause, go back to a working state. Click **Backups**, pick a backup from before the problem and click **Restore**. Installing a modpack creates a backup named "Before modpack …" automatically. See [create and restore backups](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md).

***

## Frequently asked questions

### Where are Minecraft crash reports?

In the `crash-reports` folder in your server's main folder. The **Logs** page shows them in its file picker.

### Why does my server crash after installing a mod?

The mod doesn't match your Minecraft version or loader, a dependency is missing, or it clashes with another mod. Client-only mods also crash some servers. Remove it and install a version listed for your server.

### Why does my server crash when players explore?

Generating new chunks uses a lot of memory and CPU. Pre-generate the world and lower view distance.

### Can you look at my crash for me?

Yes. Click **Share log** on the **Console** page, or use **Copy for support** on **Logs**, and paste it into a [ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php).

***

## Related guides

> **[Minecraft server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/minecraft-server-hosting-guide.md)**
>
> Every Minecraft guide in one place.

> **[Read server logs](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-read-server-logs.md)**
>
> Every feature of the Logs page.

> **[Fix server lag](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/optimizing-minecraft-server-performance-lag-fixes.md)**
>
> Keep the server healthy.

> **[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 you need.

> **[Install mods](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/how-to-install-mods-on-a-minecraft-server.md)**
>
> Install mods that match your server.

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Reviewed by the FREAKHOSTING team** on 29 October 2026. Game Panel steps were checked on our panel (Minecraft 26.1, Paper and Fabric); game and plugin details follow their official documentation. 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


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