---
title: "Minecraft Server Commands: Console, OP and Admin List | ZCS"
description: "The Minecraft server commands every admin needs: op, whitelist, ban, kick, stop, save-all, gamerule, time, tp and more, with permission levels explained."
url: "https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-commands-list"
updated: "2026-10-29T01:53:09.929688+00:00"
source: "ZCraft Studios"
---

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# Minecraft Server Commands: Console, OP and Admin List

ZCraft StudiosOct 29, 2026

The Minecraft server commands every admin needs: op, whitelist, ban, kick, stop, save-all, gamerule, time, tp and more, with permission levels explained.

## In this guide

- [Console vs in-game commands](#console-vs-in-game-commands)
- [Operator and player management](#operator-and-player-management)
- [Server control](#server-control)
- [World and gameplay commands](#world-and-gameplay-commands)
- [Command permission levels](#command-permission-levels)
- [Useful Paper and plugin commands](#useful-paper-and-plugin-commands)
- [Safe command habits](#safe-command-habits)
- [Frequently asked questions](#frequently-asked-questions)
- [Related reading](#related-reading)

## Minecraft Server Commands: Console, OP and Admin List

**Quick answer:** you can run server commands from the server console without a leading slash, or in game with a slash if you are an operator. The most used ones are `op`, `deop`, `whitelist`, `ban`, `kick`, `list`, `stop` and `save-all`. Give permissions with a permissions plugin and not by making everyone an operator.

_Commands depend on your Minecraft version and server software. Run `help` in the console to see what your server supports._

## Console vs in-game commands

| Console        | In game                    |                                       |
| -------------- | -------------------------- | ------------------------------------- |
| Slash needed   | No                         | Yes                                   |
| Who can use it | Anyone with console access | Operators and players with permission |
| Example        | stop                       | /stop                                 |

Protect console and RCON access, since they bypass permissions. See [RCON Security](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-rcon-security-guide).

## Operator and player management

| Command                         | What it does                   |
| ------------------------------- | ------------------------------ |
| op <player>                     | Makes a player an operator     |
| deop <player>                   | Removes operator status        |
| list                            | Lists online players           |
| whitelist on, whitelist off     | Turns the whitelist on or off  |
| whitelist add <player>          | Adds a player to the whitelist |
| whitelist remove <player>       | Removes a player               |
| whitelist list                  | Lists whitelisted players      |
| whitelist reload                | Reloads whitelist.json         |
| kick <player> \[reason\]        | Kicks a player                 |
| ban <player> \[reason\]         | Bans a player                  |
| ban-ip <ip or player>           | Bans an IP address             |
| pardon <player>, pardon-ip <ip> | Unbans a player or IP          |
| banlist                         | Lists bans                     |

If the whitelist fails, see [Whitelist Not Working?](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-whitelist-not-working). For richer punishments with history and temporary bans, use a plugin. See [LiteBans vs AdvancedBan vs Essentials Punishments](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/litebans-vs-advancedban-vs-essentials-punishments).

## Server control

| Command           | What it does                                                        |
| ----------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| stop              | Saves and stops the server                                          |
| save-all          | Saves the world now                                                 |
| save-off, save-on | Pauses and resumes automatic saving, used for backups               |
| say <message>     | Broadcasts a message                                                |
| reload            | Reloads data packs and some files. Not a safe way to reload plugins |
| seed              | Shows the world seed                                                |

For backups, run `save-all`, then `save-off`, copy the world, then `save-on`. See [Backup Script Guide](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-backup-script-guide).

## World and gameplay commands

| Command                        | What it does                                                                  |
| ------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| gamemode <mode> \[player\]     | Changes game mode                                                             |
| difficulty <level>             | Sets difficulty                                                               |
| time set <value>               | Sets the time, such as day or night                                           |
| weather <clear\|rain|thunder>  | Changes the weather                                                           |
| gamerule <rule> <value>        | Changes a game rule, such as keepInventory                                    |
| setworldspawn                  | Sets the world spawn                                                          |
| spawnpoint <player>            | Sets a player's spawn                                                         |
| worldborder set <size>         | Sets the world border. See [WorldBorder Setup](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/worldborder-setup-guide) |
| tp <player> <target>           | Teleports a player                                                            |
| give <player> <item> \[count\] | Gives items                                                                   |
| effect, enchant, xp, clear     | Effects, enchantments, experience and clearing inventories                    |
| fill, setblock, summon         | Building and spawning                                                         |
| kill <target>                  | Kills entities                                                                |

## Command permission levels

Operators have a permission level set by `op-permission-level` in `server.properties`. In vanilla:

| Level | General access                                   |
| ----- | ------------------------------------------------ |
| 1     | Bypass spawn protection                          |
| 2     | Most gameplay commands, including 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/minecraft-server-properties-explained).

## Useful Paper and plugin commands

| Command               | What it does                                                                             |
| --------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| /tps, /mspt           | Server performance on Paper                                                              |
| /spark profiler start | Starts a profiler. See [Read a spark Report](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/how-to-read-spark-profiler-minecraft) |
| /plugins              | Lists plugins                                                                            |
| /lp                   | LuckPerms. See [LuckPerms Setup Guide](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/luckperms-ranks-setup-guide)                |
| /co                   | CoreProtect. See [CoreProtect Rollback Guide](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/coreprotect-rollback-commands-guide) |
| /ess and many others  | EssentialsX. See [EssentialsX Commands](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/essentialsx-commands-cheat-sheet)          |

## Safe command habits

1. Give staff the lowest permissions that let them do their job. See [Staff Training Checklist](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-staff-onboarding).
2. Do not make everyone an operator.
3. Log command use. See [CoreProtect Rollback Guide](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/coreprotect-rollback-commands-guide).
4. Test destructive commands like `fill` on a copy first. See [Staging Environment Guide](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-staging-environment-guide).

## Frequently asked questions

**How do I make someone an admin?** Use `op <player>` for full operator access, or better, give permissions with a permissions plugin.

**How do I stop the server from the console?** Type `stop`.

**What is the difference between /ban and /ban-ip?** `ban` bans the account, and `ban-ip` bans the IP address, which can affect other players on the same network.

**How do I run commands without being in game?** Use the server console or a secured RCON connection.

## Related reading

- [How to Start a Minecraft Server](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/start-minecraft-server)
- [server.properties Explained](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-properties-explained)
- [How to Add Plugins to a Minecraft Server](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/how-to-add-plugins-to-minecraft-server)

## Continue reading

- [Minecraft Server Commands: Operator and Admin Command List](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-commands-list-operators-admins)
- [EssentialsX Commands Every Admin Should Know](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/essentialsx-commands-cheat-sheet)
- [EliteSpawner Plugin Setup: Install, Config and Commands](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/elitespawner-plugin-setup-guide)
- [CoreProtect Rollback Guide: Commands and Safe Restores](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/coreprotect-rollback-commands-guide)

[ Previous guide How to Make a Modded Minecraft Server: Fabric and NeoForge](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/how-to-make-a-modded-minecraft-server)[ Next guide How to Add Plugins to a Minecraft Server: Step by Step](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/how-to-add-plugins-to-minecraft-server)

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