Simple Voice Chat adds positional voice chat to Minecraft Java. Voices change with distance and position, and players can also use group channels. The server component and the matching mod on every participating Java client are both required for voice features.
This guide covers compatible Minecraft Java setups. Installing the server component does not give a native Bedrock server or Bedrock client a Simple Voice Chat client.
Requirements
- A Simple Voice Chat build that the plugin browser marks compatible with your Paper/Spigot server or mod loader.
- Permission to manage plugins. Restarting also requires the corresponding server-control permission.
- The matching client mod on each participating computer.
Set it up in the dashboard
- Open your server, go to Plugins, and install or enable Simple Voice Chat.
- Open the Set up Simple Voice Chat panel.
- Select Assign port & configure. The dashboard reserves a dedicated UDP allocation, writes it to
voicechat-server.properties, and creates that file if it is missing. You do not need to guess a port or reuse the main game port. - Adjust the values and select Save settings.
- If the panel shows Restart required, restart through the assistant or the normal server controls.
Settings available in our UI
| Setting | Effect |
|---|---|
| Maximum voice distance | Maximum distance in blocks for normal speech. |
| Whisper distance | Range of whispers; it cannot exceed the maximum voice distance. |
| Codec | VOIP is optimized for speech. AUDIO favors quality; RESTRICTED_LOWDELAY favors low latency. |
| Enable groups | Allows private voice groups regardless of player position. |
| Allow recording | Controls whether clients may use the mod's recording feature. Inform players about your rules and applicable law. |
| Force voice chat | Requires the client mod. When disabled, clients without it can normally join but cannot use voice chat. |
The port is displayed but deliberately managed automatically. The assistant changes only supported keys, keeps other file entries, and creates a backup before writing.
Readiness and a real connection test
Ready means that the plugin artifact and status are correct, a UDP port is allocated, the configuration exists, and its port matches the allocation. It is not an end-to-end microphone or internet test.
Install the matching client mod, join the server, and press V by default to choose your microphone, output device and activation mode. Then run this in the server console:
/voicechat test PlayerName
A generic website port checker is not a reliable substitute for this UDP test.
Troubleshooting
- Confirm that the server component and client mod match the Minecraft version and loader.
- Enable the plugin if the assistant reports it as disabled, then check readiness again.
- Save changes and perform the requested restart.
- If the client still shows a disconnected icon, reopen its setup with V and run
/voicechat test PlayerName. - After a cold-storage wake, the system reconciles the allocation and configuration before boot; if a problem remains, compare the endpoint shown in the assistant.
Official sources
Features and supported platforms: Modrinth project page. Technical references: server setup, server configuration, and client setup.
Last technically reviewed: 30 August 2026.