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Server Moderation

How to Ban and Kick Players in Minecraft

Kicking warns, banning removes. This is how to use /kick/ban and /pardon with clear reasons, read the ban list, and reach for EssentialsX when you need timed or IP bans.

server console, moderation
Griefer99 joined the game
[Console] Griefer99 broke 41 blocks in spawn (claim violation)
> /kick Griefer99 griefing spawn
Kicked Griefer99 from the game: griefing spawn
Griefer99 left the game
[Console] Griefer99 rejoined, same behaviour, escalating
> /ban Griefer99 repeat griefing
Banned Griefer99: repeat griefing
> /banlist
There are 1 ban(s):
Griefer99 was banned by Server: repeat griefing
> type a command  
Kick first, ban second
  1. 1
    Confirm the offence
    Check claims, logs or chat first. Banning the wrong name is the fastest way to lose a player you wanted to keep.
  2. 2
    Kick to interrupt
    Run /kick <player> <reason> to drop someone instantly. They can rejoin, use it for warnings and breaking up trouble.
  3. 3
    Ban with a reason
    Run /ban <player> <reason>. The reason is shown on their disconnect screen and stored in the ban list for other staff.
  4. 4
    Check the ban list
    Run /banlist to see who is banned, who banned them and why. /banlist ips shows banned IP addresses (vanilla).
  5. 5
    Pardon when needed
    Run /pardon <player> to lift a ban. Use /pardon-ip <address> to clear an IP ban after an appeal.

What you need

/kick <player> <reason>
/ban <player> <reason>
/banlist
/pardon <player>

Quick answers

?
What is the difference between kick and ban?
Kick disconnects a player once and they can rejoin immediately. Ban blocks them until you pardon them. Kick is a warning, ban is removal.
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How do I add a reason to a ban?
Type the reason after the name: /ban Griefer99 repeat griefing. The text shows on their kick screen and is saved in banned-players.json.
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How do I unban someone?
Use /pardon <player> for a name ban, or /pardon-ip <address> for an IP ban. With EssentialsX, /unban <player> works the same way.
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Can I ban by IP address?
Yes. Vanilla /ban-ip <player|address> blocks the IP so they cannot rejoin on a new account. /pardon-ip <address> removes it.
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How do I temp-ban for a set time?
Vanilla has no timed bans. Install EssentialsX and run /tempban <player> 7d spamming for a seven-day ban that lifts itself.
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Where are bans stored?
Vanilla writes banned-players.json and banned-ips.json in the server root. Edit them while the server is stopped if a command fails.
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