How to fix "Failed to verify username" error
Failed to verify username
This error appears when players try to join your Minecraft server but the server cannot verify their account with Mojang's authentication servers. This happens when online-mode=true is set in your server configuration.
What is online-mode?
The online-mode setting in server.properties controls whether your server verifies player accounts with Mojang's authentication servers. When enabled (true), only players with legitimate Minecraft accounts can join.
Common causes of this error
- Server has no internet connection or firewall blocks auth servers
- Mojang authentication servers are temporarily down
- Running a local/LAN server without internet access
- Development or testing environment
- Using BungeeCord or Velocity proxy (authentication should happen at proxy level)
Solution: Change online-mode to false
Step 1: Stop your server
Shut down your Minecraft server before making changes to configuration files.
Step 2: Open server.properties
Navigate to your server folder and open the server.properties file in a text editor.
Step 3: Find and change the online-mode setting
Look for this line:
online-mode=trueChange it to:
online-mode=falseStep 4: Save and restart
Save the file and start your server. Players should now be able to join.
Security Warning
With online-mode=false, anyone can join your server with any username, including admin usernames. This means players could impersonate you or other operators. If you run a public server with offline mode, consider installing an authentication plugin like AuthMe or LoginSecurity to require players to log in with a password.
Using BungeeCord or Velocity?
If you're running a proxy server (BungeeCord, Waterfall, or Velocity), set online-mode=false on all backend Minecraft servers, but keep online-mode=true on the proxy itself. The proxy handles authentication and passes verified players to the backend servers.
How to advertise your cracked Minecraft server
Now that your server is running in offline mode, you'll want to attract players. mclist.io is a Minecraft server list where you can add your server for free and get votes from your community. Higher votes mean better visibility and more players discovering your server.