Fix Minecraft "You Need to Agree to the EULA"
You need to agree to the EULAFailed to load eula.txtGo to eula.txt for more infoWhen a fresh Minecraft server starts then immediately shuts down asking you to agree to the EULA, it's working as designed — you just need to accept it once. Here's the one-line fix and what to do if eula.txt itself is missing or won't save.
Why it happens
On the first launch, the server creates an eula.txt file and stops, requiring you to accept Mojang's End User License Agreement before it will run. This is normal for every new server.
The fix: edit eula.txt
Accepting the EULA is a one-line change. Step by step:
- Open your server folder and find
eula.txt(it appears after the first launch). - Change the line
eula=falsetoeula=true. - Save the file.
- Start the server again — it will now boot normally.
# eula.txt
eula=trueThree ways to accept it
Depending on how you run the server, pick whichever is easiest — they do the same thing:
| Method | How | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Edit eula.txt | Set eula=true and save | Self-managed / SSH access |
| Panel toggle | Flip the "EULA" switch in the panel | Most game panels (easiest) |
| During install | Accept the prompt when creating the server | Some one-click installers |
Setting eula=true means you accept Mojang's End User License Agreement. On a panel, the "EULA" toggle does exactly the same thing as editing the file.
Set eula=true in eula.txt (or accept it in your panel) and the server starts. That's the whole fix.
If eula.txt is missing or won't save
- Start the server once first — eula.txt is only created after the jar runs at least once and exits.
- If saving the edit fails, check file permissions/ownership in the server directory; the user running the server must be able to write to it.
- On Windows, make sure you're editing the actual file and not a copy saved with a hidden .txt.txt extension.
Related errors
If the server still won't start after accepting the EULA, check the Java version next — see fixing "UnsupportedClassVersionError". For setting up a server from scratch, see how to make a Minecraft server.
Minecraft is a trademark of Mojang Synergies AB / Microsoft. ESAGAMES is an independent hosting provider, not affiliated with or endorsed by Mojang or Microsoft.
Minecraft hosting, EULA handled
Our Minecraft hosting accepts the EULA during one-click setup — your server is ready to start instantly.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my Minecraft server say I need to agree to the EULA?
Every new server creates eula.txt and stops on first launch until you accept Mojang's license. Change eula=false to eula=true in that file and restart.
Where is eula.txt?
In your server's root folder, created automatically the first time the server runs. Open it, set eula=true, save, and start the server again.
What does agreeing to the EULA mean?
It means you accept Mojang's End User License Agreement for running a Minecraft server — for example, not charging for things that give pay-to-win advantages. Read it on Mojang's site if unsure.
I can't find eula.txt at all — what do I do?
Start the server jar once; it will create eula.txt and immediately stop. It only appears after the first launch attempt, not before.
I edited eula.txt to true but the server still asks me to agree — why?
The edit likely didn't save, often due to file permissions, or you're editing a different copy of the file than the one in the server's working directory. Confirm the path and that the save actually succeeded.
Does accepting the EULA cost anything or require an account?
No — it's free and just a text-file flag confirming you accept Mojang's terms for running a server. No account or payment is involved.
Go deeper on this
Guides and explainers that pair with this fix — from our guides and blog.
How to Make a Minecraft Server
Set up a Java server from scratch — version, server.properties, EULA and going live.
ReadSettings to Reduce Minecraft Lag
View distance, Paper tuning and pre-generation for a smooth 20 TPS.
ReadBest Free Minecraft Plugins
EssentialsX, LuckPerms, WorldGuard and CoreProtect — the essentials.
ReadBest Minecraft Modpacks to Host
The best packs to run, and the RAM each one needs.
ReadMinecraft Modpack Hosting
One-click hosting for All the Mods, RLCraft, Cobblemon and more — with recommended RAM.
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