How to change your Minecraft server's version
New Minecraft versions bring new blocks and fixes, but plugins and mods take time to catch up. Here's how to switch versions without breaking your world.
Before you update
- Back up the world. Updating converts it to the new version's format, and that can't be undone.
- Check your plugins or mods. Each one needs a release for the new version. Big updates often take a few days to a few weeks.
- Tell players. Everyone has to join with the new version (Java) or the matching Bedrock release.
Change it on Jump
- Open Settings → Software & version.
- Pick the version you want.
- Confirm. Jump backs up first, switches the server and restarts it.
- Update plugins or mods to releases for the new version. The Plugins & mods catalog only shows releases that fit your server's version.
Free servers have no backups, so download the world from Files before switching. The version guide has more detail.
Going back to an older version
Minecraft can't open a world in an older version than it was last played in: blocks and items it doesn't know about disappear, and the world can be damaged. To go back, restore the backup taken before the update instead of switching the version on the same world.
Letting players on other versions join
On a Paper server, the ViaVersion plugin lets newer clients join an older server, and ViaBackwards lets older clients join a newer one. It's handy while everyone updates. Mods can't do this: modded servers need everyone on the exact version.
Questions
Why can't I join after updating?
Your game is on a different version from the server. Pick the same version in the launcher, or add ViaVersion on a Paper server.
Will updating reset my world?
No. The world is kept and upgraded; only chunks generated after the update get new terrain.