Simple Voice Chat adds proximity voice to Minecraft: players hear each other when they are close in game. It needs three things: the mod or plugin on the server, the mod on every player's game, and UDP port 24454 open on the server. The port is what most setups get wrong.

Install it on the server

Server type	File	Folder
Fabric, NeoForge, Forge, Quilt	the mod for that loader	`mods`
Paper, Spigot, Purpur	the Bukkit plugin	`plugins`

For Minecraft 26.3, use version 2.6.27 from the official Modrinth or CurseForge pages. On Fabric, the mod already contains the Fabric API parts it needs, but an outdated Fabric API in the folder makes it fail: update it or remove it. Need a server first? Follow how to run a Java server.

Install it on every player's game

Each player adds the Simple Voice Chat mod for their own loader. Loaders do not have to match: a NeoForge player can talk to a Fabric player, and a Paper server still needs players to have the mod. Players without it can still join, but they hear nothing.

Open UDP port 24454

Voice travels on its own UDP port, 24454 by default, separate from the game port. TCP alone is not enough.

VPS or dedicated server: allow 24454 UDP in the firewall and, if there is one, in the provider's panel.
Your own PC: allow it in the PC firewall and forward it in your router. Players on your network connect with the server's local IP address.
Docker: publish 24454:24454/udp. Writing 24454:24454 only opens TCP.
Minecraft host: follow your host's guide on the official Simple Voice Chat wiki.

Adjust the server config

Start the server once to create config/voicechat/voicechat-server.properties (mods) or plugins/voicechat/voicechat-server.properties (plugin). The main keys:

Key	Default	Use
`port`	24454	UDP port of the voice chat
`max_voice_distance`	48	How far a voice carries, in blocks
`whisper_distance`	24	Same, when whispering
`enable_groups`	true	Allows group chats
`force_voice_chat`	false	Kicks players without the mod
`voice_host`	empty	Address players use for voice; leave it empty unless your host says otherwise

Restart the server after any change. Never set the voice port to the one used by the server query (query.port in server.properties).

Set up the microphone in game

When a player joins for the first time, a chat message asks them to set up the voice chat. Pressing V opens the setup guide: Select Microphone, Select Speaker, then Push to Talk or Voice Activation, and the key to talk. After that, V opens the voice chat menu.

Key	Action
V	Voice chat menu
M	Mute the microphone (Voice Activation)
N	Turn the voice chat off
H	Hide the voice chat icons

Test the connection

As an operator, type this in game, with the player's name:

/voicechat test <player>

A plug icon on screen, or the message Voice chat not connected, means the UDP port is not reachable: check the port step again. If only one player fails everywhere, their mobile data, VPN or internet provider may block UDP.

Talk in groups

Groups let players talk at any distance. Open the V menu, click the group button, type a name and create the group; others join from the same screen, or with an invite. Since Minecraft 1.21.6 the group key has no default binding: set one in Controls if you use groups a lot. For more ways to play together, see how to play multiplayer.

FAQ

Can players join without the mod?

Yes, unless force_voice_chat is set to true in the server config. Players without the mod can play but cannot hear or speak.

My host does not let me open ports. What now?

Most Minecraft hosts have their own Simple Voice Chat guide, listed on the mod's official wiki. Follow the one for your host only, or ask its support.

How far can players hear each other?

48 blocks by default, 24 when whispering. Change max_voice_distance and whisper_distance in the server config, then restart the server.

Can Bedrock players use it?

No. Simple Voice Chat is a Java Edition mod: every player needs it installed on their Java client.