---
title: "How to Whitelist Players on a Minecraft Server (Java) | ZCS"
description: "How to whitelist players on a Minecraft server: turn it on, add and remove names, edit whitelist.json, use enforce-whitelist and fix common problems."
url: "https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/how-to-whitelist-players-minecraft-server"
updated: "2026-11-04T09:00:58.735547+00:00"
source: "ZCraft Studios"
---

> Site index for AI agents: https://www.zcraftstudios.com/llms.txt (full reference: https://www.zcraftstudios.com/llms-full.txt). Every page is available as Markdown by adding `.md` to its URL or sending `Accept: text/markdown`.

1. [Home](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/)
2. [Blog](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog)
3. How to Whitelist Players on a Minecraft Server (Java)

[ All posts](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog)

# How to Whitelist Players on a Minecraft Server (Java)

ZCraft StudiosNov 4, 2026

How to whitelist players on a Minecraft server: turn it on, add and remove names, edit whitelist.json, use enforce-whitelist and fix common problems.

## In this guide

- [Turn the whitelist on](#turn-the-whitelist-on)
- [Whitelist commands](#whitelist-commands)
- [enforce-whitelist](#enforce-whitelist)
- [The whitelist.json file](#the-whitelistjson-file)
- [Whitelist Bedrock players](#whitelist-bedrock-players)
- [Whitelist on a hosting panel](#whitelist-on-a-hosting-panel)
- [Whitelist and offline mode](#whitelist-and-offline-mode)
- [Whitelist applications for a community server](#whitelist-applications-for-a-community-server)
- [When to use a whitelist](#when-to-use-a-whitelist)
- [Frequently asked questions](#frequently-asked-questions)
- [Related reading](#related-reading)

## How to Whitelist Players on a Minecraft Server (Java)

**Quick answer:** run `whitelist on` in the server console, add players with `whitelist add PlayerName`, and remove them with `whitelist remove PlayerName`. Only listed players can join while the whitelist is on. Set `white-list=true` in `server.properties` to keep it on after restarts.

## Turn the whitelist on

In the console (no slash) or in game as an operator (with a slash):

```
whitelist on
whitelist add PlayerName
```

To make it permanent, set this in `server.properties` and restart:

```
white-list=true
```

## Whitelist commands

| Command                      | What it does                           |
| ---------------------------- | -------------------------------------- |
| whitelist on / whitelist off | Turn it on or off                      |
| whitelist add <player>       | Add a player                           |
| whitelist remove <player>    | Remove a player                        |
| whitelist list               | Show the whitelisted players           |
| whitelist reload             | Reload whitelist.json after editing it |

More commands: [Minecraft Server Commands List](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-commands-list-operators-admins).

## enforce-whitelist

`enforce-whitelist=true` in `server.properties` kicks players who are not on the list when the whitelist reloads, including players already online. Without it, someone already connected can stay until they leave. See [server.properties Explained](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/server-properties-explained-every-setting).

## The whitelist.json file

Whitelisted players are saved in `whitelist.json` with each player's name and UUID. You can edit it while the server is stopped, then run `whitelist reload` or restart. Adding players with the command is safer, because it fills in the UUID for you.

## Whitelist Bedrock players

Bedrock players who join through Geyser and Floodgate have a different identity, often with a name prefix. Add them using the method Floodgate documents, or by their prefixed name. See [Bedrock Crossplay Setup](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/geyser-floodgate-bedrock-crossplay-setup).

## Whitelist on a hosting panel

Most panels have a console where you can type the same commands. Some also offer a whitelist editor. If the whitelist does not seem to work, check you are using the right server in a network. See [Whitelist Not Working?](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-whitelist-not-working).

## Whitelist and offline mode

The whitelist stores UUIDs. Online-mode servers use Mojang UUIDs, and offline-mode servers generate different ones, so entries can stop matching if you change mode. See [Authentication Models](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-authentication-methods).

## Whitelist applications for a community server

For private communities, add a simple application process:

1. A form or Discord ticket with the Minecraft name and a few questions.
2. Staff review and add approved names.
3. Message the applicant with the server address and rules.

See [Discord Ticket Systems](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-discord-ticket-workflow) and [Roleplay SMP Setup](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/roleplay-smp-setup-lore-whitelist-voice-chat).

## When to use a whitelist

| Situation                | Whitelist?                                                                         |
| ------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Private SMP with friends | Yes                                                                                |
| Testing or events        | Yes                                                                                |
| During a bot attack      | Helpful. See [Join Spam Defense](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-antibot-join-spam-defense) |
| Public server            | Usually no                                                                         |

## Frequently asked questions

**How do I whitelist someone on my Minecraft server?** `whitelist add PlayerName`.

**How do I turn off the whitelist?** `whitelist off`, and set `white-list=false` in `server.properties`.

**Can operators join without being whitelisted?** Test with a non-operator account, because behavior depends on your software and settings.

**Why is the whitelist not working?** See [Whitelist Not Working?](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-whitelist-not-working).

**Can I whitelist by UUID?** The command takes names and fills in UUIDs. `whitelist.json` stores them.

## Related reading

- [How to OP Someone on a Minecraft Server](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/how-to-op-someone-minecraft-server)
- [How to Start a Minecraft Server](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/start-minecraft-server)
- [Minecraft Server Rules Template](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-rules-template-examples)

## Continue reading

- [Minecraft Server Won't Start: Errors and Fixes (Java, EULA)](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-wont-start-errors-fixes)
- [Bots for Minecraft Servers: Test Players, NPCs and Defense](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/bots-for-minecraft-servers-test-players-npcs-defense)
- [Roleplay SMP Setup: Lore, Whitelist, Voice Chat and Builds](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/roleplay-smp-setup-lore-whitelist-voice-chat)
- [Update a Minecraft Server to 26.1+: Java 25, Paper, Plugins](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-26-1-server-update-guide)

[ Previous guide RealisticNode vs Apex Hosting: Which Minecraft Host to Pick](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/realisticnode-vs-apex-hosting-minecraft)

<script type="application/ld+json">{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.zcraftstudios.com/#organization","name":"ZCraft Studios","alternateName":["ZCS","ZCraft","ZCraftStudios"],"logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://www.zcraftstudios.com/favicon-192.png","width":192,"height":192},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://www.zcraftstudios.com/favicon-192.png","width":192,"height":192},"url":"https://www.zcraftstudios.com","description":"ZCraft Studios (ZCS) creates Minecraft plugins, server configs and tools. Browse resources, compatibility details and setup guides.","email":"Support@zcraftstudios.com","slogan":"Minecraft resources, configurations and custom server development.","knowsAbout":["Minecraft plugins","Minecraft server configuration","Java plugin development","Minecraft server optimization"],"sameAs":["https://dsc.gg/zcraftstudios","https://x.com/ZCraftNetwork","https://www.youtube.com/@zcraft_studios","https://www.instagram.com/ZCraftStudios"],"contactPoint":[{"@type":"ContactPoint","contactType":"customer support","email":"Support@zcraftstudios.com","availableLanguage":["English"],"areaServed":"Worldwide"}]}</script>
<script type="application/ld+json">{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://www.zcraftstudios.com/#website","url":"https://www.zcraftstudios.com","name":"ZCraft Studios","alternateName":["ZCS","ZCraft"],"description":"ZCraft Studios (ZCS) creates Minecraft plugins, server configs and tools. Browse resources, compatibility details and setup guides.","inLanguage":"en","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.zcraftstudios.com/#organization","name":"ZCraft Studios","url":"https://www.zcraftstudios.com"}}</script>
<script type="application/ld+json">{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/how-to-whitelist-players-minecraft-server#article","headline":"How to Whitelist Players on a Minecraft Server (Java)","url":"https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/how-to-whitelist-players-minecraft-server","mainEntityOfPage":"https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/how-to-whitelist-players-minecraft-server","isPartOf":{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://www.zcraftstudios.com/#website","name":"ZCraft Studios","url":"https://www.zcraftstudios.com"},"speakable":{"@type":"SpeakableSpecification","cssSelector":["h1","main"]},"description":"How to whitelist players on a Minecraft server: turn it on, add and remove names, edit whitelist.json, use enforce-whitelist and fix common problems.","datePublished":"2026-11-04T09:00:58.735547+00:00","dateModified":"2026-11-04T09:00:58.735547+00:00","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.zcraftstudios.com/#organization","name":"ZCraft Studios","url":"https://www.zcraftstudios.com/about"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.zcraftstudios.com/#organization","name":"ZCraft Studios","url":"https://www.zcraftstudios.com","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://www.zcraftstudios.com/favicon-192.png","width":192,"height":192}},"inLanguage":"en","image":"https://www.zcraftstudios.com/api/og/blog/how-to-whitelist-players-minecraft-server?v=15sqp7i"}</script>
<script type="application/ld+json">{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.zcraftstudios.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Blog","item":"https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"How to Whitelist Players on a Minecraft Server (Java)","item":"https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/how-to-whitelist-players-minecraft-server"}]}</script>