---
title: "AdvancedBan Not Working? Permissions, MySQL and… | ZCS"
description: "Fix AdvancedBan problems: no permission errors, MySQL connection failures, commands that do nothing, messages not updating and UUID issues."
url: "https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/advancedban-not-working-fixes"
updated: "2026-11-04T03:54:52.505345+00:00"
source: "ZCraft Studios"
---

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# AdvancedBan Not Working? Permissions, MySQL and Command Fixes

ZCraft StudiosNov 4, 2026

Fix AdvancedBan problems: no permission errors, MySQL connection failures, commands that do nothing, messages not updating and UUID issues.

## In this guide

- [Start with these checks](#start-with-these-checks)
- [Common problems and fixes](#common-problems-and-fixes)
- [Permissions](#permissions)
- [Command conflicts](#command-conflicts)
- [MySQL problems](#mysql-problems)
- [UUID and name lookups](#uuid-and-name-lookups)
- [Messages and layouts](#messages-and-layouts)
- [Mute commands still work](#mute-commands-still-work)
- [When to switch](#when-to-switch)
- [Frequently asked questions](#frequently-asked-questions)
- [Related reading](#related-reading)

## AdvancedBan Not Working? Permissions, MySQL and Command Fixes

**Quick answer:** most AdvancedBan problems are one of four things: **missing `ab.*` permissions** (especially on BungeeCord), a **MySQL connection problem**, **another plugin handling the same command**, or a **config or message file that was not reloaded**. Read the console first, then match your symptom to the table below.

_Notes come from the plugin and fork documentation, last checked November 2026\. For setup, see the [AdvancedBan Setup Guide](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/advancedban-setup-guide)._

## Start with these checks

1. Run `/advancedban` to confirm it loaded.
2. Read the startup console for errors. See [Plugin Not Loading?](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-plugin-not-loading-fix).
3. Check which build you use: original AdvancedBan, AdvancedBanX or another fork. Support is separate for each.
4. Test with a normal staff account, not an operator.

## Common problems and fixes

| Symptom                                     | Likely cause                               | Fix                                                                                        |
| ------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| "You do not have permission"                | Missing ab.\* node                         | Grant the nodes. See the [Cheat Sheet](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/advancedban-commands-permissions-cheat-sheet) |
| Permissions work on Paper, not on the proxy | Proxy permission setup                     | Define nodes where the proxy reads them                                                    |
| /ban runs another plugin's command          | Command clash, such as EssentialsX         | Disable the other plugin's version or use the namespaced command                           |
| MySQL will not connect                      | Wrong credentials, host rules or version   | Check details, grants and the MySQL version note                                           |
| History is empty                            | Storage mode or database errors            | Check UseMySQL and the console                                                             |
| Messages unchanged                          | Not reloaded or YAML error                 | Run /advancedban reload and validate YAML                                                  |
| Banned player still joins                   | Banned on one server only, or backend open | Use the proxy and firewall backends                                                        |
| Wrong duration shown                        | Server time or timezone                    | Check TimeDiff                                                                             |
| Plugin red                                  | Wrong platform or version                  | Use the right build for your Minecraft version                                             |

## Permissions

Nodes follow `ab.<punishment>.<type>`, such as `ab.ban.temp`, plus `ab.check`, `ab.history`, `ab.banlist` and `ab.reload`. On BungeeCord, define them in the proxy's permission system, and check wildcard behavior. Use `/lp verbose` if you use LuckPerms. See [LuckPerms Config, Placeholders and Verbose](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/luckperms-config-placeholders-verbose-guide).

## Command conflicts

Other plugins, notably EssentialsX, also register commands such as `/ban`, `/mute` and `/kick`. Decide which plugin owns each command, then disable or alias the other. Check your server's command settings, and test with `/help ban`. See [EssentialsX Config Guide](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/essentialsx-config-guide-messages-chat).

## MySQL problems

1. Confirm the host, port, database, user and password.
2. Check the user's privileges on that database.
3. Check the firewall between the server and the database.
4. If you cannot connect, the fork's documentation suggests trying a MySQL 5.x compatible setup.
5. Keep the database on a private network. See [SQLite vs MySQL](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-plugin-database-sqlite-vs-mysql).

## UUID and name lookups

AdvancedBan looks up UUIDs, and its config has a dynamic fetcher that picks a method automatically, with a Mojang API address and a backup option. Keep the dynamic option on unless you have a specific problem. On offline-mode servers, UUIDs differ from online ones, which can cause bans to miss. See [Authentication Models](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-authentication-methods).

## Messages and layouts

If you edit the message and layout files, run `/advancedban reload` and watch for YAML errors. Keep a copy of the defaults so you can compare. See [Plugin Config Review](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-plugin-config-review-checklist). If you use the ZCraft message pack, follow its README to install it.

## Mute commands still work

Muted players should not be able to use messaging commands. The `MuteCommands` list in the config blocks commands such as `me`, `say` and `msg`, and the config notes that blocking includes namespaced forms. Add any custom chat command from other plugins to the list. See [Warn Actions and Punishment Ladder](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/advancedban-warn-actions-mutecommands-ladder).

## When to switch

If you need Velocity support or a web panel, or the plugin does not support your version, see [AdvancedBan Alternatives](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/advancedban-alternatives-advancedbanx-libertybans-litebans).

## Frequently asked questions

**Why does AdvancedBan say I have no permission?** The `ab.*` node is missing for your group, or the proxy cannot read your permissions.

**Why is AdvancedBan not saving to MySQL?** Check the connection details, the user's privileges and the MySQL version.

**Why does /ban use EssentialsX?** Both plugins register the command, so one must be disabled.

**How do I reload AdvancedBan?** `/advancedban reload` reloads messages and some settings. Restart for others.

**Where do I get help?** The page of the exact build you use. Forks have their own issue trackers.

## Related reading

- [AdvancedBan on a Network](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/advancedban-network-mysql-bungeecord-velocity-setup)
- [Minecraft Server Won't Start: Errors and Fixes](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-wont-start-errors-fixes)
- [Dealing With Cheaters](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-cheaters)

## Continue reading

- [Minecraft Whitelist Not Working? Fixes for Access Errors](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-whitelist-not-working)
- [AdvancedBan Commands and Permissions: Cheat Sheet](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/advancedban-commands-permissions-cheat-sheet)
- [AdvancedBan on a Network: MySQL, BungeeCord and Velocity](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/advancedban-network-mysql-bungeecord-velocity-setup)
- [Minecraft Port 25565 Not Working: Router and Firewall](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-port-25565-not-working)

[ Previous guide AdvancedBan Alternatives: AdvancedBanX, LibertyBans, LiteBans](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/advancedban-alternatives-advancedbanx-libertybans-litebans)[ Next guide How to OP Someone on a Minecraft Server (and Remove OP)](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/how-to-op-someone-minecraft-server)

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