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infoServer ErrorsAffects: All versions

How to Fix Spawn Protection Blocking Players

Fix Spawn Protection by setting spawn-protection=0 in server.properties or adjusting the radius.

Quick Fix

Set spawn-protection=0 in server.properties to disable it, or set it to your desired radius.

Error Message

Cannot break/place blocks near spawn

How to Fix

1

Set spawn-protection=0 in server.properties

2

Or set it to the desired radius (number of blocks from spawn center)

3

Op players can always build in spawn protection

4

Use WorldGuard for more granular spawn protection

Common Causes

  • spawn-protection in server.properties set to a non-zero value
  • Default spawn protection radius is 16 blocks

Diagnostic Steps

  1. Open server.properties
  2. Find spawn-protection=16
  3. Change to spawn-protection=0 (or desired value)
  4. Restart the server

FAQ

What does spawn protection do?

Prevents non-op players from breaking or placing blocks within a radius around world spawn. Set to 0 to disable.

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