PocketMine-MP Wiki › FAQ
PocketMine-MP FAQ
10 questions players actually ask, answered.
How do I start my server for the first time?
Follow the setup guide for your operating system (Windows, Linux, or macOS) to download the PHP binary and PocketMine-MP.phar file, then run start.cmd (Windows) or ./start.sh (Linux/macOS). The server will generate a world and configuration files on first launch, then you can connect to it from your Bedrock Edition client.
Can Java Edition players join my server?
Yes, by installing the Geyser plugin alongside PocketMine-MP, which translates Java Edition connections to Bedrock protocol. Java players will connect to your server's IP address on a separate port (default 19132), and will appear as normal players to Bedrock clients.
What's the difference between PM4 and PM5 binaries?
PM4 binaries are for PocketMine-MP version 4.x and PM5 binaries are for version 5.x; using the wrong binary will prevent your server from starting. Always match your PHP binary suffix to your PocketMine-MP version, and check your chosen version's requirements before downloading.
How many players can my server handle?
PocketMine-MP is lightweight and suitable for 10-50 players without optimization, but performance depends on your hardware, plugins, and world complexity. Larger player counts require server optimization techniques like chunk loading limits and plugin efficiency tuning.
How do I add plugins to my server?
Download a plugin .phar file, place it in your server's plugins folder, then restart the server. The plugin will load automatically if it's compatible with your PocketMine-MP version; check the plugin's documentation for configuration files that appear in the plugins folder after first load.
My server won't start—what should I check?
Verify you downloaded the correct PHP binary for your operating system and PocketMine-MP version (check the suffix: PM4 or PM5). On Windows, ensure Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable is installed by running vc_redist.x64.exe; on Linux/macOS, check that start.sh has execute permissions (chmod +x ./start.sh).
How do I set up player ranks and permissions?
PocketMine-MP uses a permissions system configured through plugins; install a permissions plugin and edit its configuration file to define ranks and what commands each rank can use. Refer to the guide on managing player ranks and permissions for your specific plugin's syntax.
Will my player data be lost if I update the server?
No, your player data and world files are stored separately from the server executable and PHP binary. When updating, delete only PocketMine-MP.phar, the bin folder, and start files—your worlds folder and player data remain untouched.
Can I run this on a phone or tablet?
PocketMine-MP is server software designed to run on PCs, not on mobile devices themselves; however, players using phones and tablets can connect to a PocketMine-MP server running on a PC or hosting provider.
What plugins should I install first?
Start with essential plugins for your server's purpose: land protection for survival, an economy plugin if you want shops, and a permissions plugin to manage player ranks. Follow the guide on setting up your first plugin to learn how to install and configure them properly.