Question 1

Is RunAFK really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There is no paid tier and no card. You earn online time by opening sponsor links, and that time is what runs your bots.

Question 2

Do I need to install anything?

Accepted Answer

No. Bots run on our machines and connect to your server over the normal Minecraft protocol. There is no client mod, no plugin and nothing to keep open on your computer.

Question 3

Does RunAFK work with Aternos?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your server stays up as long as a bot is connected.

Question 4

Which server types are supported?

Accepted Answer

Any Java Edition server reachable over the internet, whatever software it runs. Bedrock worlds work too when they are reachable through a Java bridge.

Question 5

Will this work with a free host?

Accepted Answer

Usually. Free hosts such as Aternos, Falix or Minehut stop a world once the last player disconnects, and a connected bot counts as a player. Check your host rules first, since some of them ask you not to do this.

Question 6

What is the difference between a Microsoft and a Java account?

Accepted Answer

A Microsoft account is a real, licensed account and works on servers with online-mode enabled. A Java account here means an offline-mode username, which only works if your server has online-mode set to false.

Question 7

How are my credentials stored?

Accepted Answer

Microsoft accounts are linked through the official device code flow, so we hold a refresh token rather than your password. Tokens are encrypted at rest and can be revoked from your Microsoft account page at any time.

Question 8

Can I get banned for using a bot?

Accepted Answer

On your own server, no. On someone else's server it depends entirely on their rules. RunAFK is built for servers you own or have permission to keep alive, and we suspend accounts used to idle on public servers without consent.

Question 9

How much time can I earn in a day?

Accepted Answer

Up to six hours from sponsor links, plus a one hour daily login bonus and three hours for every friend who signs up. Unused time carries over and never expires.

Question 10

Do several bots burn time faster?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Each connected account spends from the same balance, so two bots online for one hour costs two hours.

Question 11

What happens when the balance runs out?

Accepted Answer

Bots disconnect cleanly and your configuration stays exactly where it was. Top the balance back up and start them again with one click.

FAQ

Getting started

Accounts and safety

Time and limits

Your first Minecraft bot is two minutes away