By default, Minecraft servers operate in online mode, verifying each player's account with Mojang to prevent unauthorized access. However, to resolve a "Can't verify username" error or to allow friends with non-premium (cracked) accounts to join, you can easily switch your server to offline mode.
This guide explains how to enable it and the critical security steps you must take to keep your world safe.
How to Enable Offline Mode
Enabling offline mode is done by changing a single setting in your server's properties.
- Log into your MintServers Dashboard and navigate to the Game Panel for your server.
- Select Server Properties from the left-hand menu.
- Locate the Online Mode option and change its value to false (turn off).
- Locate the Enforce Secure Profile option and change its value to false (turn off).
- Save the file and restart your server for the changes to take effect!
Required Security for Offline Mode
🛡️ Protecting Your Server
Because offline mode allows players to join with any username, installing an authentication plugin is not optional, it is essential for your server's security. These plugins force players to register and log in with a password, protecting your operator accounts and preventing unauthorized access.
We strongly recommend checking out our full guide on How to Secure an Offline-Mode Server to get AuthMe Reloaded or EasyAuth installed properly.
How to Revert to Online Mode
To switch back to the default, secure mode, simply reverse the steps.
- Navigate back to your Server Properties tab on the panel.
- Change the Online Mode option back to true.
- Save the file and restart your server.
While enabling offline mode can make your server more accessible, it comes with serious security trade-offs. If you choose to run an offline server, you must install an authentication plugin to protect your server and community from bad actors. If you are having any trouble getting the authentication plugins working or your players are still facing verification errors, no worries! Just open a support ticket and our team will gladly jump in and secure it for you.