Fix "Failed to Verify Username" on Your Minecraft Server

You try to join a Minecraft server and get kicked with "Failed to verify username!". Or you run a server and some of your friends can't join because they don't have an official Minecraft account. This guide explains why the error happens and how to fix it on a LordCloud server in one click, plus how to keep your server safe afterwards.

Why does "Failed to verify username" happen?

Minecraft Java servers run in online mode by default (online-mode=true). In online mode, the server checks every player's login with Mojang/Microsoft's authentication servers. If that check fails, the player sees "Failed to verify username!".

Common reasons:

1. The player doesn't have an official Java account (for example, they use a "cracked" or offline launcher). This is the most common reason.
2. The player's login session expired. Restarting the launcher and logging in again usually fixes this.
3. Mojang/Microsoft authentication is temporarily down. Wait a little and try again.

If you are a player with an official account, try reason 2 first. If you are the server owner and you want players without official accounts to join, turn off online mode as shown below.

Method 1 (easiest): LordCloud panel → Properties

The LordCloud panel has a Properties page, so you don't need to edit any file.

Step 1: Open Properties

Open your server in the LordCloud panel and click Properties in the menu.

Step 2: Search for "online mode"

Type online mode in the search box. You will see the Online Mode switch, which is ON (true) by default.

Step 3: Turn Online Mode OFF

Click the switch so it shows false. The panel saves the change to server.properties automatically.

Step 4: Restart the server

Go to the Console and click Restart. The new setting is applied on restart.

Players without official accounts can now join.

Method 2: Edit server.properties manually

If you prefer editing the file:

1. Go to Files and open server.properties
2. Find online-mode=true
3. Change it to:

online-mode=false

4. Click Save Content and restart the server.

Both methods change the same setting. The Properties page is just quicker.

Important: offline mode security

When online mode is off, the server no longer checks who players really are. Paper even prints a warning in the console when it starts:

**** SERVER IS RUNNING IN OFFLINE/INSECURE MODE!
The server will make no attempt to authenticate usernames. Beware.

This means anyone can join using any username, including yours or your admins' names. To protect your server:

• Install a login/authentication plugin such as AuthMe Reloaded. Every player sets a password and must log in after joining.
• Never give OP or admin permissions by username alone. Use a permissions plugin and let staff log in first.
• Use a whitelist if your server is only for friends.

Using Geyser (Bedrock crossplay)?

If you only want Bedrock players to join without a Java account, you usually don't need offline mode. Use Floodgate with Geyser instead. See our guide: How to Set Up Geyser Crossplay on Your Minecraft Server How to Set Up Geyser Crossplay (Java + Bedrock).

Summary

• "Failed to verify username" means the server couldn't confirm the player's official Minecraft login.
• LordCloud panel: Properties → search "online mode" → switch OFF → Restart.
• Manual: server.properties → online-mode=false → save → restart.
• Offline mode removes account checks. Always add a login plugin like AuthMe.

Looking for a Minecraft server with an easy panel? Check out LordCloud Minecraft Hosting.