# Online Mode & Offline Mode on Your Minecraft Server (/docs/minecraft/offline-mode)



The `online-mode` setting controls whether the server verifies player accounts with Mojang.

Setting [#setting]

In `server.properties`:

```
online-mode=true
```

| Value   | Effect                                                      |
| ------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- |
| `true`  | **Default** — only legitimate Minecraft accounts can join   |
| `false` | Anyone can join with any username (no account verification) |

Risks of Offline Mode [#risks-of-offline-mode]

> ⚠️ **Warning:** Disabling online mode has serious security implications:
>
> * Anyone can impersonate any player (including admins)
> * Skin data doesn't load
> * UUID-based permissions and data may break
> * Violates Minecraft EULA
> * Server won't appear in official server lists

When You Might Need Offline Mode [#when-you-might-need-offline-mode]

* Behind a **BungeeCord/Velocity proxy** — the proxy handles authentication, so backend servers use `online-mode=false`
* Testing/development only

> 📝 **Note:** If using a proxy, also install **BungeeGuard** or configure IP forwarding to prevent unauthorized direct connections.

Related Guides [#related-guides]

* [Server Configuration](/docs/minecraft/server-properties)
* [BungeeCord Guide](/docs/minecraft/bungeecord-guide)