Securing Your Server: The Best Authentication Plugins for Minecraft

Running a public Minecraft server means protecting your players’ accounts from theft and ensuring only legitimate users can join. An authentication (auth) plugin is essential for this, especially for “cracked” servers where players don’t need a premium Minecraft account to connect. This guide covers the top authentication plugins available, focusing on security, features, and ease of use.

Why You Need an Auth Plugin

In official Minecraft servers, Mojang handles user authentication. However, many servers allow players without official accounts, or simply want an extra layer of security. An auth plugin forces players to register a password the first time they join and then log in every subsequent time. This prevents unauthorized access to player inventories, builds, and progress.

Running an authentication plugin is also a trust signal to your players. When users see a proper login system instead of being dropped straight into the world, it reassures them that the server is maintained and that their progress won’t disappear overnight. Even casual players are more likely to stick around when they feel their account is protected.

It’s worth noting that authentication plugins aren’t just about cracked servers. Some premium servers still use them as an extra security layer, especially on networks with shared accounts, public PCs, or younger player bases. A second login step dramatically reduces damage from compromised accounts.

Performance impact is another common concern. Modern auth plugins are lightweight and only active during login and registration. Once a player is authenticated, the overhead is minimal. In practice, a well-configured auth plugin will not be your bottleneck, even on busy servers.

Customization also plays a bigger role than many owners expect. Clear, friendly login messages reduce confusion for new players and cut down on support questions. Most plugins let you fully customize these messages, making it easy to match your server’s tone or branding.

If you run multiple servers behind a proxy, authentication becomes even more important. A properly configured auth plugin ensures players remain securely identified across hubs, game servers, and lobbies. Without this, it’s easy to end up with desynced accounts or repeated login prompts.

Choosing the Right Authentication Plugin

Here are some of the best auth plugins, selected for their reliability, features, and active development.

1. AuthMe Reloaded

AuthMe Reloaded is by far the most popular and feature-rich authentication plugin. It is highly configurable and offers robust protection for player accounts.

Key Features:
- Password Encryption: Stores passwords securely using strong encryption methods, preventing them from being easily read even if your database is compromised.
- Session Management: Allows players to remain logged in for a set period, so they don’t have to re-enter their password every time they reconnect within a short timeframe.
- Captcha System: Can enable a captcha challenge for new registrations to prevent bot accounts.
- Customizable Messages: All messages displayed to players (e.g., “Please register,” “Logged in!”) can be fully customized to match your server’s style.
- Login Location Protection: Prevents players from moving or interacting with the world until they are logged in.
- SQL/YAML Storage: Supports both flat-file (YAML) and database (MySQL) storage for player data, making it suitable for both small and large servers.
Why it’s recommended: Its extensive feature set, active development, and strong security practices make it the go-to choice for most server owners.
Download: AuthMe Reloaded Spigot Page

2. nLogin

nLogin is another excellent modern authentication solution known for its simplicity and performance. It’s often praised for its clean code and ease of configuration.

Key Features:
- Modern Encryption: Uses modern hashing algorithms to protect passwords.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): A significant security feature that allows players to link their account with an authenticator app (like Google Authenticator) for an extra layer of protection.
- Fast & Lightweight: Designed to be efficient and not burden your server resources.
- Skin Protection: Prevents “skin stealing” by ensuring only the authenticated user can display a specific skin.
- Customizable UI: Offers options for custom inventory-based menus for registration and login.
Why it’s recommended: If you prioritize modern security features like 2FA and a lightweight design, nLogin is an outstanding option.
Download: nLogin Spigot Page

3. CMI (CrackedAuth Module)

CMI is an all-in-one plugin that includes many features, and among them is a reliable authentication module for cracked servers. If you are already using CMI for other features (like EssentialsX replacements), its built-in auth can simplify your plugin setup.

Key Features (Auth Specific):
- Integrated Solution: No need for a separate plugin if you’re already using CMI.
- Standard Protection: Offers essential password protection for logins and registrations.
- Performance Focused: Like the rest of CMI, the auth module is designed for efficiency.
Why it’s recommended: Ideal for servers that are already heavily invested in the CMI ecosystem and want to reduce their plugin count.
Download: CMI Spigot Page

Important Considerations for Auth Plugins

Password Security: Always use a plugin that encrypts passwords. Never use one that stores them in plain text. All the recommended plugins do this correctly.
Database vs. Flat File: For larger servers, using a MySQL database for player data is more efficient and reliable than flat-file (YAML) storage.
Compatibility: Ensure the plugin is compatible with your server software (Paper, Spigot, etc.) and Minecraft version.
Backup: Regularly back up your plugin’s data files or database, as this contains all your players’ registered accounts.

Getting Started

Choose your plugin: Select the authentication plugin that best fits your server’s needs.
Download and install: Place the .jar file into your plugins folder.
Restart your server: This will generate the plugin’s configuration files.
Configure (optional): Adjust settings like message customization, session length, or database connection in the plugin’s config.yml file.
Test: Join your server to ensure the registration and login process works smoothly.

Where to find plugins

The best way to learn how to find security oriented plugins is to check out our blog post About Finding Plugins.