Want to play Minecraft with friends, but not everyone owns a purchased (premium) account? Then you need a cracked server – a server in offline mode that also allows non-premium Java clients. At mcfreehost you set this up with one click, and your server stays free.
What is a cracked / offline Minecraft server?
By default, Minecraft checks every join against Mojang's servers to confirm the player owns a real, purchased account (online-mode=true). A cracked server turns that check off (online-mode=false) and therefore lets non-premium players in too.
The catch with plain offline mode: without protection, anyone could log in under any name – including yours. That's why mcfreehost automatically enables a login plugin alongside offline mode. Players set a password on first join and log in with it afterwards, so your name stays yours.
How to enable cracked mode
- Create (or open) your free Java Minecraft server at mcfreehost.
- In the server panel open the Minecraft settings and switch to the "Allow cracked / non-premium players" tab.
- Type your server name to confirm and click Enable.
- Done: the server installs the login plugin, secures itself and restarts – all on its own.
Who gets in, and how?
The login plugin automatically distinguishes who needs a password and who doesn't:
| Player type | Login |
|---|---|
| Bedrock (mobile, console, Windows) | Automatic – no password |
| Premium Java (purchased account) | Automatic – no password |
| Cracked / non-premium Java | Once /register <password> <password>, then /login |
So Bedrock and premium players never notice the login – only genuine cracked Java players set a password on their first visit.
Security
Offline mode on its own would be a security risk, because anyone could impersonate anyone. The login plugin prevents exactly that: without the right password, nobody reaches a registered name. Using non-purchased Minecraft clients is the responsibility of the individual players – the hosting itself is unaffected.
Which Minecraft versions are supported?
An honest note here:
- Paper (default): Cracked mode runs on Minecraft 1.21.1 and older. Older versions are common in cracked communities anyway, so this is not an issue for most.
- Newer versions: If your server runs a newer version, the panel shows a notice with a link to switch versions before you enable it.
- Modern (up to 26.2): If you need a very recent version, use a Fabric server – cracked mode works on modern versions there.
Fabric tip: With /register on Fabric, passwords may only use the characters 0-9 A-Z a-z _ . + -. Any other special characters are rejected by the chat command.
Get started for free
Sign up at mcfreehost for free and create your server – cracked mode is always just one click away. Want Java and Bedrock friends to play together too? That's set up out of the box; more in the Minecraft server with friends guide.
FAQ
What is a cracked Minecraft server?
A server in offline mode (online-mode=false) that non-premium Java players can also join. At mcfreehost it is automatically secured with a login plugin so nobody can abuse someone else's name.
Is this free at mcfreehost?
Yes. Cracked mode is a feature of your free server – there are no extra costs.
Can my friends join without a premium account?
That's exactly what it's for. Non-premium Java players set a password with /register on first join and then play normally.
Do Bedrock and premium players still join without a password?
Yes. The login plugin recognises Bedrock (via Floodgate) and premium Java players and logs them in automatically – only genuine cracked Java players need a password.
Which Minecraft versions work?
On Paper up to Minecraft 1.21.1. For modern versions (up to 26.2) use a Fabric server. The panel tells you before enabling if your version is too new.
Is this allowed?
Offering an offline-mode server is common in the industry and legitimate for the host. Whether a player uses a non-purchased client is their own responsibility.