# How to Allow Multiple Minecraft Versions to Connect (ViaVersion) (/docs/minecraft/allow-any-version)



ViaVersion lets players on newer client versions join older servers, and with ViaBackwards, older clients can join newer servers. This is perfect for public servers where you can't control what version players use.

Installing ViaVersion [#installing-viaversion]

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  <div className="fd-step">
    Download ViaVersion [#1-download-viaversion]

    Download from [SpigotMC](https://www.spigotmc.org/resources/viaversion.19254/) or [Modrinth](https://modrinth.com/).
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Upload to your server [#2-upload-to-your-server]

    Access the [XGamingServer panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com), go to `Files`, navigate to `/plugins/`, and upload the `.jar`.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Restart your server [#3-restart-your-server]

    ViaVersion works out of the box with no configuration.
  </div>
</div>

Optional: ViaBackwards and ViaRewind [#optional-viabackwards-and-viarewind]

| Plugin           | What It Does                              |
| ---------------- | ----------------------------------------- |
| **ViaVersion**   | Newer clients → older server              |
| **ViaBackwards** | Older clients → newer server              |
| **ViaRewind**    | Very old clients (1.7-1.8) → newer server |

Install ViaBackwards the same way if you want to support older client versions connecting to your server.

> 📝 **Note:** Players on older versions won't see new blocks, items, or features from newer Minecraft versions. They'll appear as substitutes or be invisible.

> 💡 **Tip:** ViaVersion is especially useful during Minecraft updates when not all players have updated their clients yet.

See also: [Changing Versions](/docs/minecraft/switch-version) | [Installing Plugins](/docs/minecraft/plugin-setup)

If you need help, join our [Discord](https://discord.xgamingserver.com/).