A custom server icon is a vital part of your server's identity. It appears next to your server's name and MOTD in the multiplayer list, giving players a visual way to recognize your server instantly.
Minecraft has very strict requirements for server icons. If your image doesn't match these settings exactly, the server will ignore it, or refuse to boot. This guide will walk you through preparing, uploading, and troubleshooting your custom server icon.
Icon Requirements (The Golden Rules)
Before you upload any image, you must format it to meet Minecraft's engine specifications:
- Dimensions: Exactly
64x64pixels. (Any other size, even65x65or128x128, will not work). - File Name: Must be named exactly
server-icon.png. (It is case-sensitive, soServer-Icon.pngorserver-icon.PNGwill fail). - File Format: Must be a PNG image (
.png). You cannot simply rename a.jpgor.giffile to.png; you must export or convert it properly.
Pro-Tip: Skip manual cropping and resizing by using our free internal Cubes Server Icon Converter. Just upload any image (PNG, JPG, or WEBP) and it will automatically center-crop, resize to 64x64, and export a ready-to-use
server-icon.pngfile!
How to Upload Your Server Icon
Once your image is ready, follow these simple steps to upload it to your server:
- Log in to your Cubes Hosting Game Panel and select your Minecraft server.
- Click on the File Manager on the left menu.
- Make sure you are in the root directory (this is the base folder containing your
server.propertiesand world folders). - Click the Upload button in the top right, select your
server-icon.pngfile, and upload it. - Once uploaded, go to the server Console and click Restart.
- Refresh your multiplayer server list in Minecraft, and your new icon will appear!
Troubleshooting: Why isn't my icon showing up?
If you followed the steps but still see the default gray checkers icon in Minecraft, check these common issues:
1. Wrong Dimensions
Open your image properties on your computer and verify the dimensions. Even if it looks square, it must be exactly 64x64 pixels. You can use our free internal Cubes Server Icon Converter to automatically resize and format your icon in one click, or use desktop image editors like GIMP or Photoshop.
2. Double File Extension
If you are on Windows, file extensions might be hidden by default. If you renamed your file to server-icon.png, it might actually be named server-icon.png.png. Double-check the file name in the Cubes Hosting File Manager to be sure.
3. Server Cache / Refresh
Sometimes Minecraft caches server list details. Delete the server from your server list in Minecraft, click Add Server, re-enter your IP, and check again. Alternatively, click the Refresh button at the bottom of the multiplayer screen.
Advanced: Icons on Proxy Networks (BungeeCord / Velocity)
If you are running a server network with BungeeCord or Velocity, server icons behave a bit differently:
- Upload to the Proxy: Minecraft pulls the server list details from the first server it touches. In a network, this is your proxy (BungeeCord/Velocity). You must upload the
server-icon.pngto the root folder of your BungeeCord or Velocity server, not the individual lobby or game servers. - Randomized Icons (Plugins): If you want to cycle through multiple different icons, plugins like ServerListPlus allow BungeeCord servers to display a different icon randomly every time a player refreshes their server list!
Conclusion
Creating and uploading a server icon is a quick 5-minute task that instantly makes your server look professional and established. Just keep the "64x64 PNG" golden rule in mind, upload it to the root directory, restart, and you're good to go!