Start your server for the first time

I just bought a server. How do I get it running?

Open the server from your dashboard, press Start in the Console tab and wait for "Done"; the EULA is accepted and the world is generated automatically.

Before you start: Your server on the dashboard.

Step by step

1. Go to the dashboard and click your server. The panel opens on the Console tab.
2. Optional: choose the software and Minecraft version first in Versions (Paper is a good default for plugins; Fabric or Forge for mods).
3. Press Start. The console shows the server loading.
4. Wait for a line like "Done (12.345s)! For help, type "help"". The first start is slower because the world is generated.
5. Copy the address shown at the top of the panel (host and port).
6. In Minecraft: Multiplayer > Add Server, paste the address, Done, then join.
7. Make yourself operator by typing op YourName in the console (no slash).

Check it worked: You can join the world and /op commands work for you.

Why it happens: A new server has no world until its first start.

More guides on Control panel and server setup:

• Power buttons, and a server stuck starting
• Change the server software or Minecraft version
• Change the MOTD, max players, difficulty, gamemode or PvP
• Generate a new world or set a seed
• Edit server.properties and other configs
• Startup settings, Java flags and memory