How to Configure Automatic Minecraft Server Restarts

Why Restart Regularly?

Minecraft servers accumulate memory usage over time. Plugins can have slow memory leaks, chunk caching grows, and entity lists expand. Regular restarts clear all of this and restore the server to a clean state. Most servers benefit from a daily restart.

Method 1: Pterodactyl Schedules (Recommended)

1. Go to your server in the Pterodactyl panel
2. Click the Schedules tab
3. Create New Schedule
4. Set a cron expression: 0 4 * * * for 4:00 AM every day
5. Add Task: Send command — say Server restarting in 60 seconds. Please save and log out.
6. Add Task (delay 60s): Power action — Restart

Method 2: In-Game Schedule Plugin

Plugins like AutoRestart let you schedule restarts with warnings from within the game. They count down with in-game messages and restart at the configured time.

Best Time to Restart

Schedule restarts during your lowest player count period — usually early morning in your main player timezone. For European servers, 3-5 AM is typical. Check your Plan plugin stats to find the quietest time.