SimpleJail
Running a Minecraft server means dealing with rule-breakers, and sometimes a simple warning isn't enough. You need a lightweight, reliable way to temporarily remove disruptive players without permanently banning them. That's where SimpleJail comes in. This plugin provides bare-bones jail functionality that integrates seamlessly with your existing permission system, letting you teleport offenders to a designated jail area and demote their rank until they've served their time. It's the no-fuss solution for server moderation that keeps your community in check without overcomplicating your admin workflow.
Key Features of SimpleJail
SimpleJail lives up to its name by focusing on core jail mechanics without unnecessary bloat. Here's what you can expect when you add it to your server:
- Set two teleport points with /setjail and /setunjail to define the jail cell and the release location.
- Automatically demote jailed players to a configurable permission group, then restore their original rank upon unjailing.
- Full Vault support ensures smooth integration with any permissions plugin, from LuckPerms to PermissionsEx.
- Jailed players respawn inside the jail, preventing escape through death.
- Tempjail feature lets you specify a jail duration, after which the player is automatically released.
- Manage players even when they're offline — jail or unjail them at any time.
- Complete rewrite in version 3 for a maintainable codebase, ensuring future updates are easier to roll out.
How to Install SimpleJail on Your Server
Getting SimpleJail up and running is straightforward, even for admins new to plugin management. First, make sure your server runs a compatible platform like Spigot, Paper, or any Bukkit-based fork. You'll also need Vault installed to handle permission group changes. Then follow these steps:
- Download SimpleJail from the official SpigotMC resource page. The latest version is 3.0.1, a complete rewrite that shares no code with older 2.x releases.
- Place the downloaded JAR file into your server's plugins folder.
- Restart your server or run a reload command to generate the configuration files.
- Open the config.yml inside the SimpleJail data folder and set the permission group for jailed players (e.g., "jailed").
- Use /setjail and /setunjail in-game to mark the teleport locations.
If you're upgrading from SimpleJail 2.x, remember that version 3 is not backwards-compatible. You must delete the old SimpleJail data folder before running the new plugin to avoid conflicts. For those who prefer a more automated approach, the foxygame.net launcher includes SimpleJail in its add-on catalog, offering one-click installation and automatic version compatibility checks so you never have to manually match the plugin to your server software.
Commands and Permissions
SimpleJail keeps the command set minimal and intuitive. Here's a quick reference for your staff team:
- /jail [player] [time] — Sends a player to jail. Add a time parameter (e.g., 10m, 1h) for a temporary jailing.
- /unjail [player] — Releases a player from jail and teleports them to the unjail point.
- /setjail — Marks your current location as the jail spawn point.
- /setunjail — Marks your current location as the release point.
- /jailtime [player] — Checks the remaining jail time for a tempjailed player.
Permissions are equally straightforward. Assign these nodes to your staff groups:
- simplejail.jail — Access to /jail.
- simplejail.unjail — Access to /unjail.
- simplejail.setjail — Access to /setjail and /setunjail.
- simplejail.jailtime — Access to /jailtime.
- simplejail.* — Wildcard for all SimpleJail commands.
Why SimpleJail is a Must-Have for Server Admins
What sets SimpleJail apart is its commitment to doing one thing well. Unlike bloated punishment suites, this plugin doesn't try to handle mutes, bans, or warnings. It focuses entirely on jailing, which means fewer conflicts, lower resource usage, and a simpler configuration. The version 3 rewrite makes the codebase maintainable again, so you can expect more consistent updates without the plugin becoming abandonware. It works flawlessly with Vault, so your existing permission setup remains untouched — jailed players are demoted to a group you define, and their original rank is saved and restored automatically. This even works for players with multiple ranks or donor tiers.
SimpleJail for Minecraft supports a broad range of server versions, from legacy 1.8 builds all the way to the latest 1.20+ releases, on platforms like Spigot, Paper, and Purpur. The tempjail feature is a standout, letting you hand out timed sentences that expire without admin intervention. And because you can jail offline players, troublemakers can't escape consequences by simply logging out. The plugin is also open-source, with the code available on GitHub for those who want to audit or contribute.
Conclusion
SimpleJail delivers exactly what its name promises: a simple, effective jail system for Minecraft servers. Whether you're running a small survival world or a large network, this plugin gives you the tools to moderate players fairly without overwhelming your staff. The clean rewrite in version 3 ensures long-term reliability, and the straightforward command set means even junior moderators can use it confidently. To get started, download SimpleJail today and take control of your server's rule enforcement with a plugin that respects your time and your server's performance.