Operators (OPs) are players with administrative privileges on your Minecraft server. This guide explains how to add operators and manage different permission levels for your admin team.
Adding Operators
Grant operator status using the op command from the server console or in-game.
op <player>From server console: Add a player as operator (most reliable method)
Example: op Steve
/op <player>From in-game: Add a player as operator (requires existing op status)
Example: /op Steve
/deop <player>Remove operator status from a player
Example: /deop Steve
Tip
- Use the server console to add the first operator when setting up a new server
- Players need to reconnect to get their operator permissions if already online
Understanding Permission Levels
Minecraft has 4 operator permission levels, each with different capabilities.
- 1Level 1: Can bypass spawn protection
- 2Level 2: Can use /give, /tp, /gamemode, and other cheat commands
- 3Level 3: Can use /kick, /ban, and other player management commands
- 4Level 4: Can use /stop, /op, /deop, and all server management commands
Tip
- By default, /op grants level 4 (full access)
- Edit ops.json manually to set specific permission levels
- Consider using LuckPerms for more granular permission control
Editing ops.json Manually
For more control over operator permissions, you can edit the ops.json file directly.
- 1Stop your server before editing
- 2Open ops.json in a text editor
- 3Each entry has: uuid, name, level (1-4), and bypassesPlayerLimit
- 4Set the level field to your desired permission level
- 5Save and start your server
Using Permission Plugins Instead
For complex admin hierarchies, consider using a permission plugin like LuckPerms.
Tip
- LuckPerms offers granular control over individual permissions
- Create custom groups like Admin, Moderator, Helper with specific permissions
- Use a web editor for easy permission management
- Permissions persist through name changes and work with most plugins
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