How to Install Plugins on Your Minecraft Server
Plugins are one of the easiest ways to add new features and quality-of-life improvements to your Minecraft server, like teleport commands, economy systems, minigames, or moderation tools. If you’re running a server with a plugin-compatible setup (like Paper, Spigot, or Purpur), installing plugins is quick and painless. You don’t need to write any code or restart your world, just install with Nexus and go.
Plugins run server-side only. As long as players are using the correct game version (e.g., 1.20.4), they don’t need to download or install anything to benefit from the plugin features.
Plugins don’t work on the default Vanilla Minecraft server or on modded Forge/Fabric servers. You’ll need to be running a plugin-compatible jar type, such as:
Spigot
Paper (recommended for better performance and plugin compatibility)
Purpur (a fork of Paper with extra features)
Check your server files to confirm the server jar. If you’re using Vanilla, switch to Paper or Spigot before continuing.
Log in to your __Nexus Hosting Account__.
Once on the dashboard, find and select your intended Minecraft server.
Click the More option (three ellipses) from the sidebar. In the pop-up menu, select Plugins Installer.
Use the search bar to find the plugin by name or keyword, then narrow down the results using the Server Software and Version filters. This helps you find plugins that are actually compatible with your server’s jar type (like Paper or Spigot).
You can also browse across different plugin sources. If a plugin isn’t listed under one provider, it might be available through another.
Once you find a plugin you like, click the Install button. You can also visit the plugins website or look through (and install) older Versions of the plugin.
That's it! The plugin will automatically be installed.
Plugins run server-side only. As long as players are using the correct game version (e.g., 1.20.4), they don’t need to download or install anything to benefit from the plugin features.
**Step 1: Make Sure You’re Using a Compatible Server Type**
Plugins don’t work on the default Vanilla Minecraft server or on modded Forge/Fabric servers. You’ll need to be running a plugin-compatible jar type, such as:
Spigot
Paper (recommended for better performance and plugin compatibility)
Purpur (a fork of Paper with extra features)
Check your server files to confirm the server jar. If you’re using Vanilla, switch to Paper or Spigot before continuing.
**Step 2:** Log In
Log in to your __Nexus Hosting Account__.
**Step 3:** Select Server
Once on the dashboard, find and select your intended Minecraft server.
**Step 4: Navigate to the Plugins Installer Page**
Click the More option (three ellipses) from the sidebar. In the pop-up menu, select Plugins Installer.
**Step 5:** Search for Plugin
Use the search bar to find the plugin by name or keyword, then narrow down the results using the Server Software and Version filters. This helps you find plugins that are actually compatible with your server’s jar type (like Paper or Spigot).
You can also browse across different plugin sources. If a plugin isn’t listed under one provider, it might be available through another.
**Step 6:** Install Plugin
Once you find a plugin you like, click the Install button. You can also visit the plugins website or look through (and install) older Versions of the plugin.
That's it! The plugin will automatically be installed.
Updated on: 27/05/2025
Thank you!