Crafting justice: a Minecraft admin’s guide to bans and unbans

As in any multiplayer game, there are times when it’s necessary to restrict access to a server for certain players. This may be due to rule violations, toxic behavior, or other reasons. In this article, we will explain how to ban and unban users on a Minecraft server.

Why it's sometimes important to ban a player?

Image: Ensigame

Banning is an extreme measure used to maintain order and security on the server. Sometimes players may break the rules, engage in cheating, or behave aggressively toward others. In such cases, the server administrator needs to respond quickly and take action to ensure that such behavior doesn’t recur, as it can ruin the experience for everyone and deter others from playing.

Instructions on how to ban a player

Image: Ensigame

To take this drastic action, you’ll need to follow a few steps. Below is a guide on how to block a user.

Through the console

First, open the server control console (located in the SMpicnic Control Panel). This is usually done through the hosting control panel or directly on the server if it is running on a PC.

Image: serverminer.com

Next, enter the following command:

Here, replace the word "player" with the username of the player being sanctioned. You can also specify the reason for the ban. It will look something like this:

Image: Ensigame

And that’s it — you've relieved yourself and other participants of headaches and toxicity.

Through a command block

Here’s another method, which doesn’t differ significantly from the first one.

First, ensure that you have all the necessary admin rights. Only then should you enter the command:

Again, replace "player" with the username and specify the reason. It would look like this:

Using plugins

If your server runs on Spigot, Bukkit, or other platforms, the command for blocking will look different:

Here, we have immediately inserted the in-game name of the offending player (of course, these names are fictional). This method may offer additional options, such as a temporary ban or automatic notification to the administrator.

Image: Ensigame

It’s crucial to ensure that the ban is justified. Always specify the reason so the player understands why the sanctions were applied.

How to unban a player

Image: Ensigame

Now, let’s talk about the more pleasant side. If a player has recognized their behavior, the administrator can lift the ban. How do you do this? Let’s break it down.

Through the console

Consider the first option. The operator must also enter a command:

The second word is the in-game name.

Through a command block

Again, the user must ensure they have admin rights. Only after that should they enter the following command:

Using plugins

If you’re using plugins like EssentialsX, the command might look like this:

Depending on the plugin settings, the player may be notified of the unban.

Banning or unbanning a player using SMpicnic

Image: Ensigame

Here, you need to follow a few important yet simple steps.

First, the user needs to log in to the SMpicnic Control Panel and open the server manager page.

The second step is to click on the "Manage" tab.

Image: serverminer.com

Then, choose one of two actions: either the administrator punishes the player by banning them, or rewards them by unbanning.

Image: serverminer.com

And with that, we’re done.

IP banning and unbanning

You can also block a player using their IP address. The command for this action is:

To unban, use the familiar command:

Banning and unbanning players in Minecraft are essential tools for server management. They help maintain order and ensure fair gameplay for all participants. It’s important for administrators to always act objectively and fairly, as well as to explain to players the reasons behind their actions.

Main image by DALL-E