The Invalid Player Data Error message started to appear more and more often in Minecraft these days, especially when you’re trying to play online.
Since it drove me crazy too, I decided to find a solution and, fortunately, I did. Now I’m here to share my findings and tell you how to fix the Invalid Player Data error in Minecraft.
It can be really frustrating and make you wish to be able to create a Potion of Harming in real life. Ha! But no need for that anymore!
Minecraft Invalid Player Data Error Message
When playing the game, either in single player or multiplayer, you will get a message reading: “Connection Lost – Invalid Player Data” and the only option you have is “Back to Server List”.
You can check out the error message below:
So… how to fix this strange error and what it means?
This error message is believed to be related to corrupted game files. Most likely, these will occur when playing online and especially when playing with additional mods and plugins.
The biggest problem is that it can occur while playing Minecraft solo, too, and it will bring you to the multiplayer menu if it happens.
There are a few potential fixes – I recommend you to try them from top to bottom, as the top ones are the most likely to fix the problem (and they’re much easier). Let’s begin!
IMPORTANT: Before attempting any of these fixes, I recommend creating a backup and/or copy of your world. The solutions you’re trying here for fixing the issue might cause other problems so it’s always good to have a backup.
1. Restoring a backup
In case you have a back-up of your world, you’re in for a treat. Simply restoring this backup will most likely fix the problem.
Of course, this means that you will overwrite your current world, and any progress recorded since the backup was created will be lost, but it’s the easiest way to solve your problem.
So, remember: constantly create backups of your main worlds, to be able to prevent future problems.
2. Remove all Playerdata files from your PC
Navigate to the save folder of your world. This is usually found in Local Disk (whic his C: usually) – Users – YOURUSER – AppData.
Depending on whether you have Java edition or Bedrock, you will find them in a different folder (after getting to AppData, as instructed above):
Java edition: .Minecraft folder
Bedrock edition: Local – Packages – Microsoft.MinecraftUWP_something
From there, go to your world save folder and delete the files that DON’T have the .dat and .dat_old extension (you should also keep the levelname.txt and world_icon.jpeg files too).
Restart the game, load your world and your problem should be fixed,
3. Uninstall Mods and/or Plugins
This is the most difficult part to do as it requires a lot of trial and error. But the reality is that, if none of the methods recommended above work AND you are playing a multiplayer / server game, then one or more of the mods and/or plugins you’re using is causing the problems.
Some of the plugins that I saw mentioned as potential causes for the Invalid Player Data error were the Libra addon, RER (Roughly Enough Resources) or having an outdated version of Optifine. But any mod can cause a conflict.
(Note: speaking of which, make sure to check my previous article about the Best Shader mods for Minecraft – these are tested and do not cause any problems I know of).
NOTE: before you start uninstalling mods, make sure that you have them updated to their latest version, then try playing again. A simple update of your mods can fix the problem and might save you from the trouble of having to uninstall them.
If it doesn’t, start the tedious process of removing mods one at a time. Mot likely, it is just one mod that is causing the problem and once you find it, you can re-install the other mods you have deactivated and play.
And now you know what needs to be done to fix this problem. Enjoy playing!
Check our recommended mods for Minecraft Bedrock Edition to get some truly amazing and most likely error-free mods for your game!
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invalid player data