How to Install Plugins on Your Minecraft Server

Installing plugins on your Minecraft server allows you to add custom features, commands, and gameplay mechanics. This guide will show you how to easily install plugins using Loafhosts' integrated Plugin Manager.

What Are Plugins?

Plugins are server-side modifications that add new features to your Minecraft server without requiring players to install anything on their clients. Popular plugins include:

• LuckPerms - Advanced permission management system
• EssentialsX - Core server commands and features
• WorldEdit - Powerful world editing tool
• Vault - Economy and permission API
• SkinsRestorer - Restore and change player skins

Requirements

Before installing plugins, ensure your server is running a plugin-compatible version:

• Paper (Recommended for best performance)
• PurPur (Our recommended fork - optimized Paper fork)
• Spigot
• Fabric (with Fabric API)
• Bukkit

Method 1: Using Loafhosts Plugin Manager (Recommended)

Loafhosts provides a built-in Plugin Manager that makes installing plugins incredibly easy with just one click.

Step 1: Access the Plugin Manager

1. Log into your Loafhosts panel
2. Select your Minecraft server
3. Click Plugins in the left sidebar

The Plugin Manager displays plugins from multiple trusted sources with one-click installation.

Step 2: Browse Available Plugins

The Plugin Manager displays plugins from multiple trusted sources:

Available Providers:

• SpigotMC - Largest plugin repository
• Hangar - Paper's official plugin repository
• Modrinth - Modern plugin hosting platform
• Polymart - Premium and free plugins
• CurseForge - Modded plugin support

Search & Filter Options:

• Search for specific plugins by name
• Sort by Downloads or other criteria
• Filter by Provider using the dropdown menu
• Adjust Page Size to view 24, 50, or more plugins at once

Popular Plugins Available:

Step 3: Install a Plugin

Installing a plugin is as simple as clicking a button:

1. Find the plugin you want to install
2. Click the blue Install button next to the plugin name
3. The plugin will automatically download and install to your server
4. Restart your server to activate the plugin

Step 4: Select Plugin Version (Optional)

Some plugins offer multiple versions for different Minecraft versions:

1. Click Versions next to the plugin name
2. Browse available versions (e.g., "latest", "latest-release", specific version numbers)
3. Select the version compatible with your server
4. Click Download for your chosen version

Example - SkinsRestorer Versions:

• latest - 26,656 downloads
• latest-release - 88,440 downloads
• 15.6.3 - 29,422 downloads
• 15.6.2 - 42,741 downloads
• And many more versions available

Method 2: Manual Plugin Installation

If you need to install a custom plugin not available in the Plugin Manager:

Step 1: Download the Plugin

1. Download the plugin .jar file from a trusted source
2. Ensure the plugin is compatible with your server version

Step 2: Upload via File Manager

1. Go to Files in your Loafhosts panel
2. Navigate to the plugins folder
3. Click Upload and select your plugin .jar file
4. Wait for the upload to complete

Step 3: Restart Your Server

1. Return to the main server page
2. Click Restart to load the new plugin

Popular Plugin Recommendations

Here are some essential plugins we recommend for most servers:

Administration & Management:

• LuckPerms - Permission management (7.8M+ downloads)
• EssentialsX - Core server commands (5.6M+ downloads)
• WorldEdit - World editing tool

Protection & Security:

• CoreProtect - Block logging and rollback
• GriefPrevention - Land claim protection
• LoginSecurity - Secure player authentication

Economy & Shops:

• Vault - Economy API (required for most economy plugins)
• ChestShop - Player shops
• EconomyShopGUI - Admin shop interface

Quality of Life:

• SkinsRestorer - Player skin management (18.5M+ downloads)
• ViaVersion - Allow multiple Minecraft versions to connect
• ViaBackwards - Allow older versions to connect
• Simple Tpa - Teleport request system
• Set Home - Player home teleportation

Plugin Configuration

After installing a plugin:

1. Go to Configs in your Loafhosts panel
2. Find your plugin's configuration file in the dropdown menu
3. Edit settings as needed using the visual editor
4. Click Save to apply changes
5. Restart your server if required

Common Plugin Config Files:

• plugins/PluginName/config.yml
• plugins/LuckPerms/config.yml
• plugins/EssentialsX/config.yml

Troubleshooting

Plugin Not Working After Install:

• Ensure your server is running a plugin-compatible version (Paper, Spigot, etc.)
• Check that the plugin version matches your Minecraft version
• Review server logs in the Terminal for error messages
• Verify plugin dependencies are installed

Server Won't Start After Installing Plugin:

• Check the Terminal for error messages
• Remove the problematic plugin from the plugins folder
• Ensure the plugin is compatible with your server version
• Check for plugin conflicts with other installed plugins

Plugin Command Not Working:

• Verify you have the correct permissions (use LuckPerms)
• Check the plugin's documentation for correct command syntax
• Ensure the plugin is enabled - use /plugins command in-game
• Confirm the plugin loaded successfully in server logs

"Could Not Load Plugin" Error:

• Plugin requires a newer Java version
• Plugin needs dependencies (check plugin page)
• Plugin is for wrong Minecraft version
• Plugin file is corrupted - try re-downloading

Best Practices

1. Always backup before installing new plugins
2. Test plugins on a staging server first if running production
3. Read plugin documentation before installation
4. Check plugin compatibility with your Minecraft version
5. Update plugins regularly for bug fixes and new features
6. Use LuckPerms for permission management instead of default permissions
7. Monitor server performance after adding plugins
8. Remove unused plugins to improve performance

Need Help?

If you need assistance installing plugins:

• Live Chat: Available on Loafhosts.com
• Discord: Join us at discord.gg/loafhosts
• Support Center: Visit our Help Center for additional guides

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Updated on: 10/11/2025