Make a player operator
/op SteveSteve becomes an operator at the level set by the server and can use admin commands.
/op command in Minecraft
/op turns a player into a server operator, with access to commands like /gamemode, /ban or /stop depending on the level granted. It is a dedicated server command: you run it from the server console or as an operator who already has level 3 or more.
Syntax
/op <targets>// Only on a dedicated server: the command does not exist in single player or in a world opened to LAN.
| Argument | Expects | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| targets | Player name | Player name, UUID or selector such as @a[team=staff]; an offline player works if you type the exact name. |
Examples
Op every member of a team
/op @a[team=staff]Gives operator rights to all online players in the team named staff.
Remove operator rights
/deop SteveSteve goes back to the commands every player has.
Check exact names first
/list uuidsLists online players with their UUIDs so you op the right account.
Build your commandFill in the fields, then copy the command.
Command generatorMaking the first operator
A new server has no operator, so the first one must be created in the server console, where you type the command without the slash: op Steve. Steve can then use /op in the chat to promote others. The player does not need to be online: the server looks the account up by its exact name. Operators are saved in ops.json in the server folder and keep their rights after a restart.
Which level does /op give?
/op grants the operator level set in the server settings (op-permission-level), level 4 by default. Level 2 covers cheats like /give and /gamemode, level 3 adds player management with /kick, /ban and /whitelist, and level 4 adds /stop and the save commands.
Good practice
Only op people you trust: a level 4 operator can shut the server down or op anyone else. Take rights back with /deop. In singleplayer and in LAN worlds, /op does not exist: cheats come from the Allow Cheats option instead.
✓ Checked in Java Edition 26.3 · updated 2 November 2026
/op: FAQ
Why does /op say "Nothing changed"?
The player is already an operator. The full message is "Nothing changed. The player is already an operator".
Can I op myself from the chat?
Only if you are already an operator with level 3 or more. Otherwise, use the server console or ask the server owner.
How do I use /op?
On a server, as an operator or from the server console: /op <targets>. It does not exist in single player.
Who can use /op?
Server operator, level 3. Only on a dedicated server: the command does not exist in single player or in a world opened to LAN.
Related commands
/deopServer/banServer/ban-ipServer/banlistServer/pardonServer/pardon-ipServer/kickServer/whitelistServer