By default, a player's Minecraft client version must exactly match the server's version to connect.
However, by using special protocol-translation plugins and mods, you can allow a wider range of client versions to join, making your server much more accessible for players who haven't updated yet. This guide covers solutions for standalone servers, modded servers, and proxy networks.
For Standalone Servers (Paper, Spigot, Purpur)
This method is for a single, non-proxied server running Bukkit-based software. The solution is highly stable using the popular ViaVersion suite of plugins.
- ViaVersion: The core plugin. It allows newer client versions to connect to an older server version. (e.g., a 1.21 client joining a 1.20.4 server).
- ViaBackwards: An add-on for ViaVersion that allows older client versions to connect to a newer server version. (e.g., a 1.19 client joining a 1.20.4 server).
- ViaRewind: An add-on for ViaBackwards that extends compatibility even further back to extremely old legacy versions.
- Log into your game panel and ensure the server is Stopped.
- Go to the Plugins tab on the left sidebar.
- Search for ViaVersion and click Install.
- For backwards compatibility (highly recommended), also search for and install ViaBackwards.
- (Optional) For support for very old versions, search for and install ViaRewind.
- Start your server! No manual configuration is needed; it works automatically.
For Proxy Servers (BungeeCord & Velocity)
When using a proxy network, you must install these plugins only on the proxy server itself, not on your backend Spigot/Paper servers! The proxy will handle all version translations before forwarding the player to a backend server.
- Connect to your BungeeCord or Velocity proxy server's files via FTP or the File Manager.
- Download the BungeeCord/Velocity versions of ViaVersion (and ViaBackwards/ViaRewind) from their official pages (e.g., on SpigotMC).
- Place the downloaded
.jarfiles into the/pluginsfolder of your proxy server. - Crucially, ensure these plugins are NOT installed on any of your backend servers to prevent nasty connection conflicts.
- Restart your proxy server.
For Modded Servers (Forge & Fabric)
Fabric Servers
The best solution for Fabric servers is the ViaFabricPlus mod, which bundles ViaVersion and its add-ons into a single, easy-to-install package.
- Stop your server.
- In your game panel, go to the Mods tab.
- Search for and install ViaFabricPlus.
- Start your server!
Forge Servers
A mod called ViaForge does exist, but it has major limitations and cannot translate modded content effectively. For Forge servers, it is almost always recommended that all players use the exact same modpack and Minecraft version as the server for stability.
Please be aware that while we provide the platform for you to run these plugins, MintServers support cannot provide assistance for issues related to the inner workings of third-party plugins like ViaVersion. If you encounter errors, visual glitches, or connection problems specifically caused by these plugins, you will need to seek help from the plugin developers directly through their official SpigotMC page, GitHub, or Discord server!
Allowing multiple versions to join your server is a fantastic way to improve accessibility and grow your community. For the best results, use ViaVersion on your standalone Paper server or directly on your proxy. If you need help getting the plugin files transferred or restarting your network, just open a support ticket and we will gladly assist you!