ProxyJoin: Block Direct Connections to Your Minecraft Server
Running a Minecraft server network through BungeeCord comes with its fair share of headaches. One of the sneakiest problems? Players somehow bypassing the proxy entirely and jumping straight onto your backend servers. It throws off teleportation systems, muddles online player counts, and leaves your carefully planned infrastructure feeling chaotic. If this sounds familiar, there is a clean, lightweight fix that deserves your attention: ProxyJoin: Block Direct Connections to Your Minecraft Server. This handy plugin closes that loophole for good, forcing every single player to enter through your BungeeCord gateway.
Why Direct Connections Are a Nightmare
When someone knows the IP address and port of one of your internal servers, they can log in without ever touching the proxy. This creates a mess: global plugins on the proxy lose track of that player, commands like /server stop working, and your online stats become unreliable. It is a classic bug that many admins just live with, but they do not have to anymore.
ProxyJoin tackles the issue head-on. Every incoming connection gets its IP checked against your proxy's address. If the IP does not match, the plugin instantly cuts the connection with a clear, friendly message. No fuss, no lag, no workarounds. The result is a network where everyone uses the main entrance, keeping your server ecosystem intact and your data honest.
Getting Started: Installation Made Simple
You do not need to touch a single file on your BungeeCord setup. The beauty of ProxyJoin is that it works entirely on your backend servers, which run Spigot or Bukkit. The plugin supports Minecraft versions from 1.5.1 up to 1.13, making it a solid choice for both older and newer server builds. Here is how to get it running in just a few minutes:
- First, download ProxyJoin: Block Direct Connections to Your Minecraft Server and drop the JAR file into the
pluginsfolder of each backend server you want to protect. - Restart the server or run a
reloadcommand so the plugin generates its config file. - Open
plugins/ProxyJoin/config.ymland adjust the settings we will break down below. - Restart again, and you are done. No extra steps on the proxy side.
That is the whole process. Even if you are new to server administration, you will have this installed before your coffee gets cold.
Configuring ProxyJoin Like a Pro
Once the plugin is active, it creates a config file with three key options. Each one plays a role in how effectively you lock down your network.
Mode: The Master Switch
By default, the plugin sits in off mode, meaning it does nothing. Flip it to on to activate the protection. Remember to reload or restart after any config change, or the plugin will keep running with old settings.
Kick Message: Communicate With Your Players
This is the text a player sees when they try to connect directly. You can spice it up with Minecraft color codes using the section sign. For example, §cAccess Denied turns the message red. A helpful note like "Please join through the main network IP" goes a long way in reducing confusion and support tickets.
Proxy IP: The Heart of the Plugin
This is where you enter the IP address of your BungeeCord proxy. Only one address is supported, so if you run multiple proxies, make sure they all share a single outgoing IP. Enter it cleanly, without any port numbers or extra characters, like 192.168.1.100. Once saved and the server is restarted, any connection from a different IP gets blocked instantly.
How ProxyJoin Handles Every Login Attempt
The mechanics are refreshingly straightforward. On each connection attempt, the plugin reads the incoming IP and compares it to the value in your config. A match means the player passes through with zero delay. A mismatch means an immediate disconnect, complete with your custom message. There are no hidden loopholes or complicated rules, just a simple, reliable check that keeps your network secure.
This simplicity is exactly why ProxyJoin stands out. It does one thing and does it exceptionally well, without bogging down your server's performance. The IP check takes milliseconds, so your players will never notice a difference in connection speed.
What You Gain by Using ProxyJoin
Adding this plugin to your toolkit brings several tangible benefits that make your life as an admin easier:
- Full BungeeCord integrity. Every player goes through the proxy, so global plugins work as intended, data stays synced, and online counts are accurate.
- IP leak protection. Even if someone discovers a backend server's address, they cannot connect without going through the proxy.
- Zero maintenance overhead. Forget complex firewall rules or BungeeCord config tweaks. One small plugin on each backend server does the job.
- Lightweight performance. The plugin barely uses resources, so it will not affect your server's tick rate or responsiveness.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Have for Serious Server Owners
ProxyJoin: Block Direct Connections to Your Minecraft Server is one of those tools you wonder how you lived without. It solves a frustrating problem that can quietly undermine your network's stability and player experience. The setup takes minutes, the config is intuitive, and the payoff is immediate: no more lost players, honest online numbers, and total control over how people enter your world.
If you run a BungeeCord network and have not yet addressed the direct connection bug, now is the time. The installation is painless, the protection is robust, and the peace of mind is priceless. Give your servers the security they deserve and make ProxyJoin a permanent part of your setup today.
For those wondering about the practical side, the how to install steps above cover everything you need. Whether you are upgrading an existing network or building a fresh one, this plugin is a smart, dependable choice. Do not let direct connections ruin your hard work, take control and keep your Minecraft world exactly how you designed it.