How to set up a Whitelist for Your Minecraft Server (Simple & Short)

A whitelist is a feature that allows the server owner to control which players can join. Setting up a whitelist on your Minecraft server is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your community private, secure, and enjoyable.

When you turn on the whitelist, only players you add are allowed to connect. This keeps your server safe from random players, troublemakers, or hackers.

How to Enable the Whitelist

1.Go to your DatHost control panel & Edit your Minecraft server.

    DatHost Control Panel for Minecraft Server Hosting

    2.On the left side, click the Console tab.

    Console Tab for Minecraft Server Hosting

    3.Type whitelist on to turn on the whitelist.

    activating whitelist on on the console for minecraft server hosting

    4.To let someone join, type: whitelist add playerName (Replace playerName with their Minecraft username.)

    adding players through whitelist add player command

    5.Once the Minecraft whitelist is on, only the players you’ve added will be able to join. This makes your server safer, more fun, and just for the people you trust.

    Most Popular Minecraft Whitelist Commands

    Command Description
    whitelist on Enables whitelist mode — only listed players can join.
    whitelist off Disables whitelist mode — anyone can join the server.
    whitelist reload Refreshes the whitelist if you’ve made changes.
    whitelist list Displays all players currently on the whitelist.
    whitelist add <playerName> Adds a player to the whitelist.
    whitelist remove <playerName> Removes a player from the whitelist.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: What’s the best hosting provider for a reliable Minecraft server?
    A: Reliable server hosts offer DDoS protection, whitelist control, and automated backups. Our Minecraft server hosting includes all of that to help keep your server safe and easy to manage.

    Q: Is it possible to hide my Minecraft server from public server lists?
    A: Yes. If you’re running a private server and want to stay off public lists, make sure you don’t advertise your IP and configure the server.properties file to reduce visibility.

    Q: What’s the difference between a whitelist and a ban list in Minecraft?
    A: A whitelist allows only specified players to join, while a ban list blocks certain players. Whitelisting is proactive control, while banning is reactive.

    Q: Why can’t my friend join my Minecraft server even after being whitelisted?
    A: Double check the spelling of their username, ensure the whitelist is enabled, and have them restart their game. You might also need to reload the whitelist using whitelist reload

    Q: How do I make a Minecraft server for friends only?
    A: To create a server for friends only, enable the whitelist, add only your friends’ usernames, and avoid sharing your server IP publicly or posting it on forums or server lists.