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How to make a Minecraft server to play with friends

2 min readUpdated Oct 31, 2026

Set up a private Minecraft server for you and your friends: pick a size, start it, share the address, lock it with a whitelist and let Bedrock friends in.

A server of your own means the world is always there, even when the person who "hosts" isn't playing. This guide sets one up for a group of friends and keeps strangers out.

1. Pick a size #

For a few friends on Paper or Vanilla, 1–2 GB of RAM is a good start; plugins and mods need more. The full table is in how much RAM a Minecraft server needs, and the server types are compared in Paper vs Purpur vs Fabric vs Forge. ESN's Minecraft plans start at 1 GB; see the plans page.

2. Set it up #

  1. Sign in at panel.esnoffical.com, open the plans page, choose Minecraft and a type (Paper is the usual choice), then pay on Stripe. The server is set up automatically.
  2. Open the server and press Start. Accept the Minecraft EULA when the panel asks.
  3. Wait for the Done message in the Console. Your server is up.
  4. Copy the address (IP and port) from the top of the Console page and send it to your friends.
  5. Make yourself an operator: type op YourName in the Console (no slash).
  6. Turn on the whitelist: type whitelist on, then whitelist add FriendName for each friend.

More detail on each step: set up a Minecraft server.

Keep it private #

  • With the whitelist on, only names on the list can join, even if the address leaks.
  • Give op only to people you trust; ops can change the world and the whitelist.
  • Share access to the panel with a co-owner using subusers instead of sharing your password: see share access.

Friends on Bedrock (phone, Windows, console)? #

Add Geyser and Floodgate so Bedrock players can join your Java server: see let Bedrock players join your Java server. That guide also covers how Bedrock names work with the whitelist.

Make it yours #

  • Change the MOTD, difficulty and max players in server.properties, then restart. Don't change server-port.
  • Add plugins or mods: plugins and mods.
  • Bring an existing world: upload it in Files (see the setup guide).
  • Restart it on a timer with schedules.

FAQ #

How much RAM do I need for a Minecraft server with friends? #

For a few friends on Paper or Vanilla, 1–2 GB. Add more for plugins, mods or a bigger group.

How do I stop strangers from joining? #

Turn on the whitelist with whitelist on and add each friend with whitelist add Name in the Console.

Can friends on Bedrock join a Java server? #

Yes, with Geyser and Floodgate installed. See the Bedrock crossplay guide.

Does the server stay on when I log off? #

Yes. It keeps running on the host until you stop it, so friends can play any time.

Where do I find the server address? #

At the top of your server's Console page in the panel, as IP:port. Share the whole thing, including the port.

Still stuck? Use the live chat on the panel or ask in the ESN Systems Discord. Last updated October 31, 2026.