Offline-mode servers and sign-in plugins
What it means when a server's names are not verified, how a sign-in plugin protects players, and what does not work in offline mode.
Updated October 28, 2026
Every Minecraft server has a setting called online mode. On Play Strawberry, each server owner chooses it.
Online mode on | Online mode off (offline mode) | |
|---|---|---|
Who can join | Only players who own Minecraft: Java Edition | Anyone, under any name |
Names | Minecraft checks each name | Names are not verified |
What "names are not verified" means
On an offline-mode server, Minecraft does not check who you are. Anyone can join with any name, including yours or a staff member's. So on such a server:
- a player with your name may not be you;
- someone could join with your name before you do;
- what belongs to a name (items, ranks, homes) is only as safe as the server's protection.
How a sign-in plugin protects you
Most offline-mode servers use a sign-in plugin (also called a login plugin). The first time you join, it asks you to choose a password for your name. After that, every time you join, you type that password before you can play. Each sign-in plugin has its own commands: the steps below are the usual ones, so always follow the messages the plugin shows.
- Join the server.
- The plugin asks you to register. Follow its message in the chat. A common form is
/register <password> <password>. - Next time, sign in with the command the plugin shows, often
/login <password>.
For server owners
- Turning online mode off lets anyone join under any name. Protect your staff and players with a whitelist or a sign-in plugin.
- You are responsible for making sure that only people who own Minecraft play on your server, as the Minecraft Usage Guidelines require.
- Switching online mode separates players from their inventories until you switch back. The change takes effect after a restart.
- The setting Skins for offline-mode players gives players the skin of the Minecraft account with their name.
What does not work in offline mode
- Paid entry: entry sales close while online mode is off, and everyone joins free. Players who bought entry keep it. It works again when online mode is back on.
- Cosmetics, the Marketplace and achievements work only on servers with online mode on.
- Server store purchases go to the Minecraft name the buyer sends them to.
- Play on an offline-mode server is not counted for voting.
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