---
title: "Minecraft Server Commands: Operator and Admin Command List"
description: "Every Minecraft server command admins need: op, whitelist, ban, gamemode, time, gamerule and worldborder, with console tips and permission levels."
url: "https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-commands-list-operators-admins"
updated: "2026-10-28T19:14:09.625845+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. Minecraft Server Commands: Operator and Admin Command List

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

# Minecraft Server Commands: Operator and Admin Command List

ZCraft StudiosOct 28, 2026

Every Minecraft server command admins need: op, whitelist, ban, gamemode, time, gamerule and worldborder, with console tips and permission levels.

## In this guide

- [How to run commands](#how-to-run-commands)
- [Operator and player management](#operator-and-player-management)
- [Operator permission levels](#operator-permission-levels)
- [Game and player commands](#game-and-player-commands)
- [World commands](#world-commands)
- [Gamerules](#gamerules)
- [Server maintenance commands](#server-maintenance-commands)
- [Commands from plugins](#commands-from-plugins)
- [Troubleshooting commands](#troubleshooting-commands)
- [Frequently asked questions](#frequently-asked-questions)
- [Related reading](#related-reading)

## Minecraft Server Commands: Operator and Admin Command List

**Quick answer:** run server commands from the **console** (no slash) or in game as an operator (with a slash). The ones you will use most are `op`, `whitelist`, `ban`, `kick`, `gamemode`, `tp`, `time`, `weather`, `gamerule` and `stop`. Make yourself an operator by typing `op YourName` in the server console.

_These are vanilla Java Edition commands. Paper, plugins like EssentialsX and LuckPerms add more. Gamerule names changed in recent versions, so use tab completion to see the exact names on your server._

## How to run commands

| Where          | How                                                                                                                                                   |
| -------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Server console | Type the command without a slash, for example op Steve                                                                                                |
| In game        | Open chat and type the command with a slash, for example /gamemode creative. You must be an operator                                                  |
| Command blocks | Run with the block's permissions. Needs enable-command-block=true. See [server.properties Explained](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/server-properties-explained-every-setting) |
| Remote console | RCON. See [RCON Security](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-rcon-security-guide)                                                                                 |

## Operator and player management

| Command                            | What it does                     |
| ---------------------------------- | -------------------------------- |
| /op <player>                       | Make a player an operator        |
| /deop <player>                     | Remove operator status           |
| /whitelist on, /whitelist off      | Turn the whitelist on or off     |
| /whitelist add <player>            | Add a player                     |
| /whitelist remove <player>         | Remove a player                  |
| /whitelist list, /whitelist reload | List players, or reload the file |
| /kick <player> \[reason\]          | Remove a player from the server  |
| /ban <player> \[reason\]           | Ban an account                   |
| /ban-ip <ip or player> \[reason\]  | Ban an IP address                |
| /pardon <player>, /pardon-ip <ip>  | Unban                            |
| /banlist \[players\|ips\]          | Show bans                        |
| /list                              | Show online players              |

If the whitelist fails, see [Whitelist Not Working?](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-whitelist-not-working).

## Operator permission levels

Operators have a level from 1 to 4\. The default in `server.properties` is `op-permission-level=4`, which allows everything including `/stop`. Give fewer permissions to helpers by using a permissions plugin instead of operator status. See [LuckPerms Setup Guide](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/luckperms-ranks-setup-guide).

## Game and player commands

| Command                                                       | What it does                     |
| ------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------- |
| /gamemode <survival\|creative|adventure|spectator> \[player\] | Change game mode                 |
| /tp <target> <destination>                                    | Teleport (also /teleport)        |
| /give <player> <item> \[count\]                               | Give items                       |
| /clear <player> \[item\]                                      | Clear inventory                  |
| /effect give <player> <effect> \[seconds\] \[level\]          | Apply a status effect            |
| /xp add <player> <amount> \[points\|levels\]                  | Give experience                  |
| /kill <target>                                                | Kill entities or players         |
| /spawnpoint <player> \[position\]                             | Set a player's spawn             |
| /msg <player> <message>                                       | Private message (also /tell, /w) |

## World commands

| Command                                    | What it does                        |
| ------------------------------------------ | ----------------------------------- |
| /time set day\|night|noon|midnight|<ticks> | Set the time                        |
| /time add <ticks>                          | Advance time                        |
| /weather clear\|rain|thunder \[seconds\]   | Set the weather                     |
| /difficulty peaceful\|easy|normal|hard     | Set difficulty                      |
| /setworldspawn \[position\]                | Set the world spawn                 |
| /seed                                      | Show the world seed                 |
| /worldborder set <size>                    | Set the border size                 |
| /worldborder center <x> <z>                | Set the border center               |
| /worldborder add <size> \[seconds\]        | Grow or shrink the border over time |
| /worldborder damage amount\|buffer ...     | Set border damage                   |
| /forceload add <x> <z>                     | Keep a chunk loaded                 |
| /summon <entity> \[position\]              | Spawn an entity                     |
| /fill, /setblock, /clone                   | Build and edit blocks               |

For better world tools see [WorldEdit and WorldGuard basics](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/worldguard-worldedit-basics-setup) and [WorldBorder Setup](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/worldborder-setup-guide).

## Gamerules

`/gamerule <rule> <value>` changes world behavior. Common ones:

| Purpose                         | Example idea                         |
| ------------------------------- | ------------------------------------ |
| Keep inventory on death         | The keep inventory rule              |
| Stop day and night cycle        | The daylight cycle rule              |
| Stop mob griefing               | The mob griefing rule                |
| Control mob spawning            | The mob spawning rule                |
| Set how many players must sleep | The players sleeping percentage rule |

Rule names changed in recent Minecraft versions, so type `/gamerule ` and use tab completion to see the exact names on your version.

## Server maintenance commands

| Command                                 | What it does                                                                                                                                  |
| --------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| /save-all                               | Save the world now                                                                                                                            |
| /save-off, /save-on                     | Pause or resume autosave, useful during backups                                                                                               |
| /stop                                   | Save and stop the server                                                                                                                      |
| /datapack list, /datapack enable <pack> | Manage datapacks                                                                                                                              |
| /reload                                 | Reload datapacks and some data. It does not reload plugins safely. See [Paper Reload vs Restart](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/paper-reload-versus-restart-explained) |

Before you run a backup, use `/save-off` and `/save-all`, then `/save-on` after. See [Backup Strategy](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-backup-strategy) and [Backup Script Guide](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-backup-script-guide).

## Commands from plugins

Vanilla commands cover the basics. Most servers add:

- **EssentialsX** for homes, warps, kits and teleport requests. See [EssentialsX Commands Every Admin Should Know](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/essentialsx-commands-cheat-sheet).
- **LuckPerms** for ranks. See [LuckPerms ranks setup guide](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/luckperms-ranks-setup-guide).
- **CoreProtect** for rollback. See [CoreProtect Rollback Guide](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/coreprotect-rollback-commands-guide).
- **WorldEdit** for building. See [WorldEdit and WorldGuard basics](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/worldguard-worldedit-basics-setup).

## Troubleshooting commands

| Problem                                  | Fix                                                                          |
| ---------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| "Unknown or incomplete command"          | Typo, wrong version, or a plugin command that is not installed               |
| "You do not have permission"             | You are not an operator, or your plugin permissions block it                 |
| Command works in console but not in chat | You are not an operator                                                      |
| /op does nothing                         | Check you typed the exact username, and the server is online-mode consistent |
| Command blocks do nothing                | enable-command-block is false                                                |

## Frequently asked questions

**How do I make myself an operator?** Type `op YourName` in the server console.

**How do I use commands in the server console?** Type them without a slash.

**How do I stop a Minecraft server?** `stop` in the console or `/stop` as an operator.

**How do I ban a player?** `/ban <player> [reason]`. For history and appeals, use a punishment plugin. See [AdvancedBan](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/advancedban-setup-guide) or [LiteBans](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/litebans-setup-guide).

**What commands can I run without operator?** Messaging and a few utility commands. Everything else needs operator status or plugin permissions.

## Related reading

- [How to Start a Minecraft Server](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/start-minecraft-server)
- [Minecraft Server Files Explained](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-files-folders-explained)
- [Best Minecraft Server Plugins by Category](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/best-minecraft-plugins-by-category)

## Continue reading

- [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)
- [AdvancedBan Setup Guide: Commands, Config and Permissions](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/advancedban-setup-guide)

[ Previous guide Minecraft Server Rules: Template, Examples and Punishments](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-rules-template-examples)[ Next guide server.properties Explained: Every Setting and What It Does](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/server-properties-explained-every-setting)

<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/minecraft-server-commands-list-operators-admins#article","headline":"Minecraft Server Commands: Operator and Admin Command List","url":"https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-commands-list-operators-admins","mainEntityOfPage":"https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-commands-list-operators-admins","isPartOf":{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://www.zcraftstudios.com/#website","name":"ZCraft Studios","url":"https://www.zcraftstudios.com"},"speakable":{"@type":"SpeakableSpecification","cssSelector":["h1","main"]},"description":"Every Minecraft server command admins need: op, whitelist, ban, gamemode, time, gamerule and worldborder, with console tips and permission levels.","datePublished":"2026-10-28T18:44:48.151659+00:00","dateModified":"2026-10-28T19:14:09.625845+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/minecraft-server-commands-list-operators-admins?v=t8epwk"}</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":"Minecraft Server Commands: Operator and Admin Command List","item":"https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-commands-list-operators-admins"}]}</script>