Installing mods and plugins is one of the best ways to customize your Minecraft server. With the right setup, you can add new blocks, items, dimensions, and even whole gameplay systems for your players.

In this guide, you will learn how to install mods on your Minecraft server step by step, from downloading them on CurseForge or Modrinth to uploading them via SFTP and checking that everything loads correctly. If you follow each step carefully, your modded server will be up and running in just a few minutes.

Prerequisites for installing mods

Before you start installing mods on your Minecraft server, you need a few things ready. This avoids most errors and saves you a lot of troubleshooting time later.

First, you should know how to use an SFTP client such as WinSCP or FileZilla to access your server files. If you are not comfortable with that yet, follow our tutorial on managing your server with WinSCP or FileZilla before continuing.

Your server must also run a modded loader such as Forge, Fabric, or another compatible platform. A simple way to check this is to start your server once and see if a mods folder is automatically created in the server files.

📝 Note: If the mods folder does not appear after the first start, your server is probably not using Forge or Fabric yet and will not be able to load mods.

Step 1: Download your Minecraft mods

To install mods on your Minecraft server, you first need to download the correct files. Always use trusted sources to avoid corrupted or malicious mods.

The two main platforms for Minecraft mods are:

• CurseForge Minecraft mods section

• Modrinth mod repository

Most mods are distributed as a .jar file. Sometimes, the download comes as a .zip archive instead. In that case, extract the archive on your computer and retrieve the .jar files inside, as those are the actual mods you will upload.

💡 Tip: If you only see documentation or text files after extracting, double-check the archive structure. The mod file is almost always a .jar.

Let’s take a concrete example. Imagine your server is running Forge 1.12.2 and you want to install the mod Iron Chests. You can find it on CurseForge at the Iron Chests page on CurseForge. In the Files tab, select the file that matches your Minecraft server version.

Since the server is on 1.12.2, you would download the file named ironchest-1.12.2-7.0.72.847.jar. Always make sure the mod version is compatible with both your Minecraft version and your mod loader (Forge or Fabric).

🚨 Important: Some mods require additional “library” or “core” mods to work. Always read the mod description to check for required dependencies before installing.

Step 2: Upload mods to your server

Once your mods are downloaded, it is time to upload them to your Minecraft server so that Forge or Fabric can load them at startup.

Connect to your server using your preferred SFTP client (for example WinSCP or FileZilla). After connecting, navigate to the root folder of your Minecraft server. You should see a mods folder there if the server is correctly set up for mods and has been started at least once.

If the mods folder exists, simply upload your .jar mod files into this folder using drag-and-drop or copy/paste in your SFTP client.

⚠️ Warning: If there is no mods folder, do not create it manually without checking your setup. First confirm that your server is really running Forge or Fabric and that it has fully started at least once.

After all your mods are in the mods folder, restart your Minecraft server from your panel. The mods will be loaded during the startup process.

Step 3: Check that your mods are loaded

Once the server has restarted, you should verify that your Minecraft mods are correctly installed and active. There are two simple ways to do this.

First, join your server in-game and look for new items, blocks, or menus that the mods are supposed to add. If you can craft or see the new content in creative mode, the mod is likely working correctly.

Second, check the server log in your panel or via SFTP. During startup, Forge or Fabric will list the mods it is loading. You should see messages mentioning your mod names. For example, a line like this indicates that the ironchest mod is detected:

[Server thread/INFO] [FML]: Attempting connection with missing mods [minecraft, mcp, FML, forge, ironchest] at SERVER

💬 Good to know: If the server crashes or a mod is missing, the log usually explains which mod or dependency is causing the issue. Always read the last lines of the log carefully.

Video tutorial: install mods step by step

If you prefer a visual walkthrough, you can follow the video version of this Minecraft mod installation tutorial. It shows each step on screen, from downloading the mod to checking the server logs.

Watch the video here: video tutorial on installing mods on your server

Frequently asked questions

Do I need Forge or Fabric to install mods?

Yes. To install mods on a Minecraft server, you must use a modded loader such as Forge or Fabric. A vanilla or purely plugin-based server (like Spigot or Paper without a hybrid loader) cannot load standard Forge or Fabric mods.

Can I mix mods and plugins on the same server?

By default, Forge and Fabric servers are designed for mods only. To use both mods and plugins together, you need a hybrid solution such as Mohist or Magma. If you are interested in that setup, keep an eye on our blog for upcoming guides on mixed mod and plugin servers.

Why does my server crash after adding a mod?

Most crashes after installing a mod come from version mismatches or missing dependencies. Check that the mod supports your exact Minecraft version and mod loader, and read the mod description to see if it requires other mods. The server log will usually indicate which mod is causing the problem.

Can I add or remove mods without resetting the world?

You can usually add new mods without resetting your world, but removing mods can cause issues, especially if players have already used items or blocks from those mods. In all cases, always make a full backup of your world before changing your mod list.

Conclusion

You now know how to install mods on your Minecraft server: check your Forge or Fabric setup, download the right mod versions, upload them to the mods folder via SFTP, and verify that everything loads correctly in the logs and in-game. With a bit of practice, adding new content to your server becomes a quick and easy routine.

If you need help with your modded Minecraft server, you can join the MineStrator Discord and talk directly with our team and community. And if you do not have a server yet, discover our MineStrator hosting plans and launch your modded world in just a few minutes.