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How to host a Mineflayer (Minecraft) bot 24/7

1 min readUpdated Nov 4, 2026Copy link

Mineflayer is a Node.js library that joins a Minecraft Java server as a player. Hosted on a bot server, it stays online even when your PC is off.

Check the server's rules first #

Many servers don't allow AFK or automation bots, and some will ban the account. Only run a bot on your own server or one whose rules allow it.

1. A bot that reconnects #

In a new folder run npm init -y and npm install mineflayer, then create index.js:

const mineflayer = require('mineflayer');

function start() {
  const bot = mineflayer.createBot({
    host: 'play.example.com',   // your server address
    port: 25565,
    username: 'you@example.com', // Microsoft account email
    auth: 'microsoft'
  });
  bot.once('spawn', () => console.log('Bot joined the server'));
  bot.on('kicked', reason => console.log('Kicked:', reason));
  bot.on('error', err => console.log('Error:', err.message));
  bot.on('end', () => {
    console.log('Disconnected, reconnecting in 30 s');
    setTimeout(start, 30000);
  });
}
start();

For an offline-mode (cracked) test server you own, use auth: 'offline' and any username instead.

2. Run it on ESN #

1. Create a server with the Node.js Discord Bot type on any bot plans (from $0.50/month). It runs any Node.js start file, Mineflayer included.
2. Upload index.js, package.json and package-lock.json in Files (not node_modules).
3. Check Main JavaScript File in Startup is index.js, then press Start.

3. Sign in with Microsoft from the console #

The first time it starts with auth: 'microsoft', the bot prints a short code and a Microsoft link in the Console. Open the link on your phone or PC, enter the code and sign in with the bot's account. The login is then cached in the server's files, so later restarts don't ask again.

Use a separate Minecraft account for the bot, not your main one.

RAM and plans #

A simple Mineflayer bot is light. Plugins like pathfinding, or several bots in one process, use more RAM; if the console shows out-of-memory errors, move to a bigger plan. Want your own server for it to join? See Minecraft server for friends.

FAQ #

Is it allowed to run an AFK bot on a Minecraft server?

It depends on the server. Many servers ban AFK or automation bots, so only run one on your own server or where the rules allow it.

Does Mineflayer work with Bedrock servers?

Mineflayer joins Java Edition servers. A Java server running Geyser still accepts Java clients, so the bot can join it the Java way.

Still stuck? Use the live chat on the panel or ask in the ESN Systems Discord. Last updated November 4, 2026.