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Aternos is free to use and has no fixed playtime limit while people are actively playing. It automatically stops a server when everyone leaves, and a server that is not started for a long time is typically deleted after about three months. Aternos is not designed to keep a free server online 24/7.
What does “how long” mean for Aternos?
There are three different clocks to consider: how long a session can run, how long an unused server remains in your account, and whether hosting costs money. A session can continue without a fixed time cap while players are active; an empty server stops; and a server left unused for an extended period may be deleted. Aternos provides free server hosting, but free does not mean permanent storage or always-on availability.
How long can an Aternos server stay online in one session?
Aternos states that there is no fixed playtime limit while players are actively using the server. When the last player leaves, the server stops automatically. Aternos does not give a universal number of minutes before that happens, so claims of a standard six-hour cap should not be treated as current general policy. Aternos’ 24/7 hosting guidance explains the on-demand behavior.
A stopped server is not the same as a deleted server. The world and settings normally remain available for the next time you start it, subject to Aternos’ separate inactivity-retention policy.
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How long does Aternos keep an unused server?
Aternos says servers are typically deleted after about three months without qualifying activity. That is an approximate period, not an exact 90-day guarantee: Aternos’ terms say the period may change without notice or explanation.
Starting the server counts as activity. Merely logging in, opening the server page or changing settings does not count under the terms. If you want to keep a server, start it periodically rather than relying on dashboard visits to reset the inactivity period. Aternos says it may email a warning several days before planned deletion if an email address is linked to the account; check that the address is current and look in spam folders.
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Is Aternos free forever?
Aternos offers free Minecraft server hosting for Java and Bedrock editions, as described in its server setup guide. The company’s 2020 exaroton announcement said Aternos would stay free, but that historical statement is not a promise to preserve each individual server forever. Current terms allow inactive servers to be deleted, and they also allow interruptions for maintenance or unforeseen technical problems.
In practical terms, you can use Aternos without a hosting subscription, but you should not treat it as unlimited, uninterrupted service or permanent world storage. Startup queues, performance, and compatibility can also vary by server configuration, software, and edition.
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Can you use Aternos as a 24/7 server?
Not as a normal supported use of the free service. Aternos stops the server when nobody is playing. Its rules prohibit attempts to keep a server running through bots, fake players, scripts, automatic reconnects or repeated restarts. Aternos says such workarounds can be detected and may lead to shutdowns, account restrictions or suspension, with related data at risk. See the official 24/7 hosting policy and terms.
How to protect your Minecraft world
- Start the server regularly if you still want it retained; settings changes and website access alone do not qualify.
- Set up backups. Aternos supports storing backups in Google Drive; follow its server deletion and backup guidance.
- Keep an independent copy of important worlds where possible, especially before taking a long break.
- Keep your account email current and check it for deletion warnings.
- Do not assume support can restore deleted data. Aternos says deleted server data may be unrecoverable if no usable backup exists.
When Aternos may not be the right fit
Aternos suits groups that play at planned times, are comfortable starting the server manually, and can accept variable availability. Consider another hosting arrangement if friends need to join at any time without someone starting the server, or if a public community needs predictable always-on access or performance.
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Usage-based alternative: exaroton
For players who want automatic startup or more persistent availability without a fixed monthly fee, exaroton is the same company’s separate paid service—not a premium Aternos tier. Its current listed rate is €0.01 per credit, with usage at one credit per GB of RAM per hour. For example, a 4-GB server costs about €0.04 per running hour before storage charges. The pricing page lists storage at 10 credits per 30 days, offset by usage credits; spending at least 10 credits running the server can make storage effectively free for that period. New accounts receive five trial credits without a payment method, but the trial is not ongoing free hosting. Check the official pricing details because rates and limits can change.
exaroton offers AutoStart and AutoStop, and its automatic-start guide explains how players can trigger startup by connecting. If trial credits run out, the server stops; if no credits are purchased, the trial server data is retained for 30 days before deletion, according to its free-trial terms. Usage-based billing can add up if you leave a server running for long stretches, so compare that model with your play habits before switching.
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