IP Whitelist
Running a private Minecraft server comes with the constant challenge of keeping unwanted players out. While the vanilla whitelist feature works for many, it has a critical flaw: usernames can be changed, and accounts can be compromised. The IP Whitelist mod solves this problem by shifting the security check from a player's name to their network address, providing a far more reliable layer of defense for your offline or semi-private server.
Why You Need IP-Based Protection
Traditional Minecraft whitelists rely on a player's UUID or username. This is easily bypassed, especially on offline-mode servers where authentication is disabled. A griefer can simply change their username to match a whitelisted player and gain full access. The IP Whitelist for Minecraft mod eliminates this vulnerability entirely. By checking the connecting IP address against a configurable list, it ensures that only devices from trusted networks can join, regardless of the username they present.
How the Mod Works
This is a purely server-side mod, meaning you only need to install it on your server. Clients connecting to the server require no additional modifications. Once installed, the mod reads a simple text file containing a list of allowed IP addresses or patterns. When a player attempts to connect, their IP is checked against this list. If there is no match, the connection is refused with a clear message: "Your IP is not whitelisted." The entire process is lightweight and adds no noticeable overhead to your server's performance.
Key Features at a Glance
- IP Pattern Matching: Supports wildcards for flexible rules, such as
127.*.*.*or192.168.1.*. - Connection Logging: All attempts, successful or not, are recorded in a dedicated log file for auditing.
- Simple Configuration: Just edit a single text file and restart the server to apply changes.
- Server-Side Only: No client mods required, keeping the barrier to entry low for your players.
How to Install IP Whitelist
Installing the mod is straightforward. First, ensure your server is running a compatible mod loader. The IP Whitelist mod is built for Forge and works seamlessly with Minecraft versions 1.16.5 through 1.20.4. If you are using a launcher like foxygame.net, you can often find the IP Whitelist add-on in its curated catalog and install it with a single click, automatically matching the correct version to your server setup. For manual installation, follow these steps:
- Download the IP Whitelist mod JAR file from a trusted source like CurseForge or Modrinth.
- Place the JAR file into your server's
modsfolder. - Start the server once to generate the default configuration files, then stop it.
- Navigate to the
configfolder and openipwhitelist.txt. - Add the IP addresses or patterns you want to allow, one per line.
- Restart the server for the changes to take effect.
Configuring Your IP Whitelist
The heart of the mod is the ipwhitelist.txt file located in your server's config directory. Here you can list specific IPs like 192.168.1.100 or use wildcards to allow entire subnets. For example, 10.0.0.* will permit any device on the 10.0.0.x network. You can even mix patterns, such as 172.16.*.50, to allow only devices ending in .50 across multiple subnets. After editing, a server restart is required to reload the list. The mod also generates a ipwhitelist-server.toml file in the world folder for advanced settings, and an ip_attempts.log file in the logs directory to track every connection attempt.
Supported Minecraft Versions and Loaders
This mod is designed for the Java Edition of Minecraft and is compatible with the Forge mod loader. It has been tested and works reliably on versions from 1.16.5 up to the latest 1.20.4 releases. Because it is a server-side only mod, you do not need to worry about client compatibility or installing anything extra on player machines. Whether you are running a small private server for friends or a large community, the mod integrates smoothly without conflicts with other common server-side utilities.
Verifying the Mod is Working
After installation, you can quickly confirm that the IP Whitelist is active. If you attempt to connect from an IP address not listed in the configuration file, you will be disconnected with the message "Your IP is not whitelisted." The server console will also print status information during startup, indicating how many IP patterns were loaded. For example, if you added two entries, you will see: Loaded 2 IP patterns into the whitelist. If the file is empty, the console will warn that no IPs are loaded, and all connections will be refused.
Why Choose IP Whitelist Over Vanilla Whitelisting?
Vanilla whitelisting is tied to player accounts, which can be spoofed or shared. The IP Whitelist for Minecraft mod adds a second, much harder-to-forge layer of security. It is particularly useful for offline-mode servers, private SMPs, or any scenario where you want to restrict access to a known set of networks. Combined with a VPN or a static IP setup, you can create a virtually impenetrable barrier against random griefers. The mod also logs every connection attempt, giving you visibility into who is trying to access your server and from where.
Getting the Most Out of IP Whitelist
To maximize security, consider pairing this mod with a firewall rule that only allows connections on your server port from the same IP ranges you have whitelisted. This creates a defense-in-depth strategy. Additionally, regularly review the ip_attempts.log file to spot any suspicious activity. If you need to temporarily grant access to a new player, simply add their IP to the text file and run the /reload command if your server supports it, or perform a quick restart. The mod is lightweight and restarting takes only moments.
When you are ready to enhance your server's security, you can download IP Whitelist from popular mod repositories. The installation is quick, and the peace of mind it brings is invaluable. Whether you are protecting a small survival world or a large creative build, this mod ensures that only the right people get through the door.