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How to Change the Spawn Protection on a Minecraft Java Edition Server
Minecraft Java EditionMinecraft Java EditionChange Spawn Protection

How to Change the Spawn Protection on a Minecraft Java Edition Server

Change spawn protection on a Minecraft Java Edition server

1 min read
Feb 4, 2026

What is spawn protection?

Spawn protection prevents players without OP rights from breaking or placing blocks in the area around the world spawn point. The value specifies the radius in blocks around the spawn point.

How do I change the spawn protection?

  1. Connect via SFTP
    Connect to your server via SFTP and open the file server.properties.

  2. Find the entry
    Search for the following entry:

spawn-protection=16

  1. Change the value
    Change the value as desired.

  2. Restart the server
    Save the changes and restart the server.

Value Description
0 Spawn protection disabled (all players can build at spawn)
16 Default setting (16 block radius)
Written byEmeraldHost Team
Last updated on Aug 20, 2026 Edit on GitHub

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