Server Admin

How to OP a Player

Operator status is the master key to a Minecraft server. Here is how to grant it with /op, set the right power level, and take it back with /deop the moment you need to.

server console, server.jar
[12:04:11] [Server thread/INFO]: Done (4.812s)! For help, type "help"
[12:04:33] Steve joined the game
> /op Steve
[Server] Made Steve a server operatorOP ✓
[12:04:40] [INFO]: Steve was made a server operator (level 4)
> /deop Steve
[Server] Made Steve no longer a server operator
> 

Op safely, deop fast

Opping a player writes their name and UUID to ops.json and grants level-4 access by default, which includes stopping the server and banning other players. Treat it like handing over root.

Only op people you fully trust as admins. For staff ranks, moderators, or per-permission access, use a permissions plugin such as LuckPerms with EssentialsX instead, and keep the op list as short as possible.

Quick answers

Do I type a slash in the server console?

No. In the console you type op Steve without the leading slash. In-game, an existing operator types /op Steve. Both write the same entry to ops.json.

What is the difference between op levels 1 and 4?

op-permission-level sets the cap: level 1 only bypasses spawn protection, level 2 unlocks most cheat commands and command blocks, level 3 adds kick/ban, and level 4 adds /op, /deop and /stop. The default is 4.

How do I op someone before they ever join?

Stop the server and add their name and UUID to ops.json manually, then start it. Or op them from the console the first time they connect. You cannot op an unknown offline name reliably without the UUID.

Why does /op say no player was found?

The name is misspelled, the player is offline on an offline-mode setup, or you used a nickname. Use the exact case-sensitive username. On Bukkit/Paper you can op offline players by name once their profile is cached.

Can I remove my own operator status by accident?

Yes. deop on your own name strips you immediately. If you lose console access too, edit ops.json to add your entry back and restart, since the console itself never needs to be opped.

Should I op everyone or use a permissions plugin?

Op grants all-or-nothing level 4 power, which is risky for staff. For ranks and granular control, use LuckPerms with EssentialsX instead of opping people, and keep op for true server admins only.