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infoConnection ErrorsAffects: All versions

How to Fix Illegal Characters in Chat

Fix Illegal Characters in Chat by using standard ASCII characters and switching to an English keyboard layout.

Quick Fix

Avoid using special characters in chat. Switch your keyboard to standard English input.

Error Message

Illegal characters in chat / Disconnected

How to Fix

1

Use only standard ASCII characters in chat

2

Switch keyboard input to English (US) layout

3

Do not copy-paste text from websites or documents

4

If server-side: install a plugin that strips illegal characters

Common Causes

  • Sending special characters the server does not support
  • Keyboard input method sending non-ASCII characters
  • Copy-pasting text with hidden characters

Diagnostic Steps

  1. Switch keyboard to English layout
  2. Type your message using only standard characters
  3. If you need special characters, ask the admin to install a unicode chat plugin

FAQ

Which characters are illegal?

Characters outside the standard Minecraft chat character set. Most control characters, some Unicode symbols, and certain formatting codes.

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