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Can Aternos Delete Your Server? Understanding Server Deletion Policies

Yes, Aternos can delete your server. However, this isn’t done arbitrarily. Aternos has specific policies regarding server inactivity and deletion to manage its resources efficiently. Understanding these policies is crucial for any Aternos user to ensure their server and its data remain intact. The primary trigger for deletion is prolonged inactivity.

How Aternos Server Deletion Works

Aternos operates on a completely free model, which means resources are finite. To ensure fairness and availability for all users, Aternos implements a system to manage inactive servers. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

Inactivity Threshold: Aternos keeps inactive servers for approximately three months after the last time the server was used. “Used” generally refers to the server being started.
Notification Email: Before deleting an inactive server, Aternos sends a notification email to the server owner, typically seven days before the scheduled deletion. This email serves as a warning, providing an opportunity to reactivate the server.
Deletion Process: If the server remains inactive after the notification period, Aternos proceeds with the deletion. This process is irreversible. All server data, including worlds, configurations, and player data, is permanently erased.
Factors Affecting Deletion Time: While the general timeframe is three months, the actual deletion time can vary depending on the overall usage of Aternos at a particular time. During periods of high demand, inactive servers might be deleted sooner to free up resources.

Protecting Your Aternos Server Data

The possibility of server deletion underscores the importance of regular backups. Aternos explicitly advises users to create backups of their server data to prevent data loss.

Backing Up Your Aternos Server

Aternos provides a built-in backup system that allows you to create and download server backups.

Creating Backups: You can create backups through the Aternos control panel. This process creates a compressed file containing your server’s world, configurations, and other data.
Downloading Backups: Once created, backups can be downloaded to your computer for safekeeping.
Restoring Backups: You can restore a backup to your Aternos server at any time, effectively reverting the server to the state it was in when the backup was created.

External Backup Solutions

While Aternos’ built-in backup system is convenient, it’s wise to consider external backup solutions for added redundancy. This could involve:

Downloading backups to multiple devices: Storing copies on your computer, an external hard drive, or a cloud storage service.
Using third-party tools: Some third-party tools can automate the backup process, making it even easier to protect your server data.

Active Server Management

Preventing server deletion is primarily about active server management. Regularly starting your server, even briefly, resets the inactivity timer. Here are some strategies:

Regular Play Sessions: Schedule regular play sessions with your friends to keep the server active.
Automated Tasks: Configure automated tasks, such as a simple bot logging in and out, to simulate activity (check Aternos’ terms of service for policy compliance on bot usage).
Monitoring Your Email: Keep an eye on your email for Aternos notifications. Act promptly if you receive a warning about impending deletion.

Understanding Aternos Resource Limits

Server deletion isn’t the only limitation on Aternos. It’s important to be aware of other restrictions that can impact your server’s performance and availability.

Storage Limit: Aternos servers have a storage limit of 4 GB. Reaching this limit can prevent you from starting your server. Regularly clean up unnecessary files and backups to stay within the limit.
World Size Limit: World uploads are limited to 1 GB. If your world exceeds this size, you’ll need to reduce its size using tools like MCASelector.
RAM Allocation: The amount of RAM allocated to your server depends on the software and version you’re using. Insufficient RAM can lead to lag and performance issues. While Aternos manages RAM allocation automatically, it’s important to be mindful of the resource demands of your server. For those interested in the science behind game design and learning, resources like the Games Learning Society, accessible at GamesLearningSociety.org, offer valuable insights.

FAQs: Aternos Server Deletion and Related Issues

Here are some frequently asked questions to clarify various aspects of Aternos server deletion and server management.

What is server deletion in Aternos?

Server deletion in Aternos is the permanent removal of your server and all its data from the Aternos system due to inactivity or manual deletion. There is no recovery possible after deletion.

How long will an Aternos server stay online?

An Aternos server will stay online as long as at least one player is connected. After the last player leaves, a 5-minute timer begins. If no one joins within those 5 minutes, the server shuts down.

Does Aternos have a server limit?

While you can create multiple servers, Aternos limits each server to 4 GB of storage space.

How big can an Aternos world be?

World uploads are limited to 1 GB for technical reasons.

Can Aternos handle 100 players?

Aternos has no explicit player limitation. However, the server’s performance depends on available resources, plugins, mods, and world size. Too many players can cause lag and crashes.

Does Aternos steal IP addresses?

Aternos does not save your IP address long-term when you use their website. However, your Minecraft server might record IP addresses in its log files.

Why does my Aternos server lag?

Server lag can be caused by too many mods, plugins, large worlds, or resource-intensive activities. Check your server logs to identify the cause.

Do Minecraft servers expire in general?

For paid Minecraft: Bedrock Edition servers, your world may be permanently deleted after your subscription has been inactive for more than 18 months.

What happens when a server is manually deleted?

When you manually delete an Aternos server, all data associated with it is permanently deleted. This process is irreversible.

What happens if you reinstall an Aternos server?

Reinstalling your Aternos server deletes all server files, including your world. Some settings, like the server IP and MOTD, remain unchanged.

Is Aternos free forever?

Yes, Aternos is completely free and will remain so. They fund their operations through website advertisements.

Does Aternos save your world?

Aternos tries to save your world, but it’s ultimately your responsibility to maintain backups to prevent data loss.

How much RAM does Aternos give?

The amount of RAM varies based on your server software and version. A Vanilla 1.20.1 server, for example, receives 2400 MB of RAM.

Why does my Aternos server crash for no reason?

Server crashes can occur when the server is overloaded or unresponsive. The Aternos system automatically stops unresponsive servers to prevent issues.

Does Aternos allow cracked accounts?

Yes, Aternos allows cracked accounts if the “Cracked” option is enabled in the server settings. This allows players with non-premium Minecraft accounts to join.

Understanding these aspects of Aternos server management can help you maintain a stable and enjoyable gaming experience for yourself and your friends.

Can Aternos delete your server?