The Jump blog
Step-by-step help for running a Minecraft server: mods, plugins, datapacks, modpacks, crossplay, and how free hosts compare.
A free Aternos alternative
Looking for an Aternos alternative? Jump is free Minecraft hosting with no start queue to sit in: the server wakes when a friend joins. Java and Bedrock, plugins and mods.
ComparisonA free Minehut alternative
A Minehut alternative with 2 GB free, Java and Bedrock, and plugins or mods. No card; paid plans in dollars, from $4.99 a month.
ComparisonA Minecraft Realms alternative
Looking for a Realms alternative? Jump is a free Minecraft server with plugins and mods, more than 10 players, and Java and Bedrock in one world.
ComparisonAn exaroton alternative
An exaroton alternative with a free plan and flat prices: 2 GB free that wakes when you join, or always-on servers from $4.99 a month. Plugins, mods, Java and Bedrock.
ComparisonA Shockbyte alternative
A Shockbyte alternative you can try for free: 2 GB with no card, then always-on plans from $4.99 a month with backups. Plugins, mods, modpacks, Java and Bedrock.
ComparisonAn Apex Hosting alternative
An Apex Hosting alternative with a free plan: 2 GB with no card, then always-on servers from $4.99 a month with backups, modpacks, plugins and crossplay.
ComparisonA FalixNodes alternative
A FalixNodes alternative: free 2 GB Minecraft servers with no ads, that wake when a friend joins. Plugins, mods, Java and Bedrock, no card.
How toHow to add mods to your Minecraft server
Add mods to a Minecraft server step by step: pick a mod loader, match versions, install server and client mods, and fix the common crashes.
How toHow to install plugins on your Minecraft server
Install Minecraft server plugins step by step: the right server software, where to get plugins safely, installing, configuring and the must-have plugins.
How toHow to add datapacks to your Minecraft server
Add datapacks to a Minecraft server: where the datapacks folder is, uploading zips, enabling them with /datapack, and datapacks that need a new world.
How toHow to install a modpack on your Minecraft server
Put a CurseForge or Modrinth modpack on a Minecraft server: server packs, memory, one-click installs, and getting players on the same pack.
How toHow to make a free Minecraft server
Make a free Minecraft server in a minute: Java or Bedrock, no card, no port forwarding. Then invite friends, add a whitelist and install plugins.
How toHow to let Bedrock players join your Java server
Let Bedrock players on phones, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch and Windows join a Java server with Geyser and Floodgate: setup, ports and console tips.
How toHow to whitelist your Minecraft server
Turn on a Minecraft server whitelist, add and remove players, op yourself and ban griefers, from the console, in game or from a panel.
How toHow to put your single-player world on a server
Move your single-player Minecraft world to a server: find the save, zip it, upload it, and fix the common problems with Nether, End and versions.
How toHow to make a 24/7 Minecraft server
How to keep a Minecraft server online 24/7: why free servers sleep, a free server that wakes when you join, and always-on hosting from $4.99 a month.
How toPort forwarding a Minecraft server, or skipping it
Port forwarding a Minecraft server step by step: the ports (25565 TCP, 19132 UDP), router settings and firewall, plus how to host without port forwarding at all.
How toHow much RAM does a Minecraft server need?
How much RAM a Minecraft server needs for vanilla, plugins and modpacks, by player count, and the signs you're running out.
How toHow to reduce lag on your Minecraft server
Fix Minecraft server lag: tell server lag from ping, find the cause with spark, and the settings, plugins and habits that keep TPS at 20.
How toHow to change your Minecraft server's version
Update or downgrade a Minecraft server safely: back up, switch the version, update plugins and mods, and why going back to an older version needs care.
How toHow to back up your Minecraft server
Back up a Minecraft server: what to copy, doing it safely while it runs, automatic backups, and restoring a world after griefing or a bad update.
How toHow to play Minecraft with your friends
All the ways to play Minecraft with friends: LAN, Realms, joining a server, or making your own free server, for Java, Bedrock and crossplay.
How toHow to change your server's settings (server.properties)
Change your Minecraft server's game mode, difficulty, max players, seed, PvP and MOTD in server.properties, and which changes need a restart or a new world.