# How to Let Players Join From Any Minecraft Version

> Use ViaVersion so players on newer (or older) Minecraft versions can join your server.

Source: https://www.beaconhosting.org/knowledgebase/how-to-allow-players-to-connect-from-any-version-on-a-minecraft-server
Category: Minecraft
Last updated: 2026-11-05

Normally a player must use the same Minecraft version as the server, or they see "Outdated server" or "Outdated client". The **ViaVersion** plugins translate between versions so they can join anyway.

## Which plugins you need

| Plugin | Lets in players on… |
|---|---|
| **ViaVersion** | newer versions than the server |
| **ViaBackwards** | older versions (needs ViaVersion) |
| **ViaRewind** | 1.8 and older (needs both) |

## Install them

ViaVersion is a plugin, so your server needs to run **Paper**. Install it from **Package Manager** if you're on Vanilla.

1. Open your server and go to **Package Manager**.
2. Click **Browse packages** and search for **ViaVersion**. Click **Install**.
3. Do the same for **ViaBackwards** if you want older clients too.
4. Restart the server from **Console**.

That's all. Players on other versions can now join.

## Things to know

- Players on a **newer** version can only use what the **server's** version has. New blocks and mobs won't appear.
- Run the server on the **newest version your plugins support**. It's the version most players are on, and it means less translating.
- Mod loaders don't mix: ViaVersion doesn't let Fabric or Forge clients join a server with different mods.

> [!TIP]
> To let Bedrock players (phones, consoles, Windows) join a Java server too, see [How to Install Geyser and Floodgate](/knowledgebase/how-to-install-geyser-and-floodgate-on-a-minecraft-java-server).