How to update Minecraft server plugins safely
Plugin updates fix bugs and security problems, and sometimes break things. A short routine keeps them from hurting you.
Routine
- Back up. Take a backup so you can go back in a minute.
- Read the changelog. Look for changes to configs, permissions or the Minecraft versions supported.
- Check compatibility with your server version using the plugin compatibility checker.
- Update one at a time. Replace the jar in
plugins/(or use the Plugins tab, which does it for you) and restart. - Watch the console. Errors on start show up straight away.
- Test the plugin's main feature, not just that the server starts.
Order matters
Update libraries first (for example Vault or PlaceholderAPI), then the plugins that use them, last the big ones. Update the server software (Paper) before or after plugins as the changelogs say.
When something breaks
- Put the old jar back and restart.
- Read the console. A missing-dependency message names what is needed.
- Use the crash log analyzer or see crash troubleshooting.
On Saryno
The Plugins tab shows which add-ons have updates and installs them. Take a backup first from the Backups tab.