---
title: "How to OP Someone on a Minecraft Server (and Remove OP)"
description: "How to OP and deop a player on a Minecraft server: console and in-game commands, operator levels, ops.json, LuckPerms alternatives and fixes."
url: "https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/how-to-op-someone-minecraft-server"
updated: "2026-11-04T09:00:58.735547+00:00"
source: "ZCraft Studios"
---
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# How to OP Someone on a Minecraft Server (and Remove OP)
ZCraft StudiosNov 4, 2026
How to OP and deop a player on a Minecraft server: console and in-game commands, operator levels, ops.json, LuckPerms alternatives and fixes.
## In this guide
- [How to OP a player](#how-to-op-a-player)
- [What operator levels mean](#what-operator-levels-mean)
- [Where OP is stored](#where-op-is-stored)
- [A safer way to make admins: permissions](#a-safer-way-to-make-admins-permissions)
- [OP fixes](#op-fixes)
- [Safety rules for operators](#safety-rules-for-operators)
- [Frequently asked questions](#frequently-asked-questions)
- [Related reading](#related-reading)
## How to OP Someone on a Minecraft Server (and Remove OP)
**Quick answer:** to make someone an operator, type `op PlayerName` in the **server console**, or `/op PlayerName` in game if you are already an operator. To remove it, use `deop PlayerName`. Operators get powerful commands, so for staff ranks use a permissions plugin like LuckPerms instead of giving everyone OP.
## How to OP a player
### From the server console
1. Open the console on your host panel, terminal or server window.
2. Type the command without a slash:
```
op PlayerName
```
1. The player is now an operator. They may need to rejoin for every command to appear.
### In game
If you are already an operator, open chat and type:
```
/op PlayerName
```
### Remove OP
```
deop PlayerName
```
Both commands are covered with others in [Minecraft Server Commands: Operator and Admin List](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-commands-list-operators-admins) and the [console commands guide](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-commands-list).
## What operator levels mean
Operators have a permission level from 1 to 4\. The level new operators get is set by `op-permission-level` in `server.properties`, with 4 as the default.
| Level | Typical access |
| ----- | ------------------------------------------ |
| 1 | Bypass spawn protection |
| 2 | Most gameplay commands and command blocks |
| 3 | Player management such as ban, kick and op |
| 4 | Server control such as stop and save-all |
See [server.properties Explained](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/server-properties-explained-every-setting) and [Best server.properties Settings](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-properties-explained). Lowering the level gives operators fewer powers, but a permissions plugin is more flexible.
## Where OP is stored
Operators are saved in `ops.json` in the server folder, together with each player's UUID and level. You can edit it while the server is stopped, but using the commands is safer. If you switch between online and offline mode, UUIDs change and operator entries can stop matching. See [Authentication Models](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-authentication-methods).
## A safer way to make admins: permissions
Operator status is all or nothing. For staff, create groups and give only the commands they need. With LuckPerms:
```
/lp creategroup admin
/lp group admin permission set essentials.* true
/lp user PlayerName parent add admin
```
Use narrower nodes for moderators. See [LuckPerms Setup Guide](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/luckperms-ranks-setup-guide), [Staff Training Checklist](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-staff-onboarding) and [EssentialsX Permissions](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/essentialsx-permissions-guide-luckperms).
## OP fixes
| Problem | Fix |
| ------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| "Could not op, nothing changed" | The player is already an operator |
| /op says unknown command | You are not an operator or you used the wrong place. Use the console |
| Player is OP but commands fail | A plugin overrides permissions, or the player must rejoin |
| Wrong player became OP | Name spelling or a different account. Use deop and try again |
| OP lost after switching modes | UUID changed between online and offline mode |
| Console is not available | Ask your host for console access, or use RCON securely. See [RCON Security](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-rcon-security-guide) |
## Safety rules for operators
1. Give OP only to people you trust completely.
2. Do not give OP to friends for convenience. Use permissions.
3. Log what staff do. See [CoreProtect Rollback Guide](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/coreprotect-rollback-commands-guide).
4. Remove OP when someone leaves the team.
5. Protect accounts with strong passwords and 2FA where possible.
## Frequently asked questions
**How do I OP myself on a server?** Type `op YourName` in the server console.
**How do I make someone admin on a Minecraft server?** Use OP for full control, or a permissions plugin for specific staff ranks.
**How do I remove OP?** `deop PlayerName`.
**Can I OP on a hosting panel?** Yes, in the panel's console.
**Does OP work in offline mode?** Yes, but the UUID differs from online mode.
**Can a player OP themselves?** Not without console access or another operator.
## Related reading
- [How to Whitelist Players on a Minecraft Server](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/how-to-whitelist-players-minecraft-server)
- [How to Start a Minecraft Server](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/start-minecraft-server)
- [Minecraft Server Mistakes](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-mistakes)
[ Previous guide AdvancedBan Not Working? Permissions, MySQL and Command Fixes](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/advancedban-not-working-fixes)[ Next guide RealisticNode vs Shockbyte: Which Minecraft Host Is Better?](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/realisticnode-vs-shockbyte-minecraft-hosting)