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Is There a /fly Command in Minecraft? Here's How to Fly

Vanilla Minecraft has no /fly command. Five ways to fly instead: creative or spectator mode, Bedrock's /ability mayfly, server plugins, and elytra.

By minecraft.bd Editorial Team·Updated

There is no /fly command in vanilla Minecraft, on Java or Bedrock. To fly with commands, switch to creative mode with /gamemode creative and double-tap jump. On Bedrock with Education features enabled, /ability @s mayfly true lets you fly while staying in survival. The /fly you see on servers comes from plugins.

Option 1: creative mode (both editions)

/gamemode creative

Then double-tap jump (space on PC, the jump button on mobile and console) to start flying. Hold jump to rise and sneak to descend. Double-tap jump again to drop. On Java you can also press F3 + F4 to open the game mode switcher. See the /gamemode command for the full syntax.

The catch: creative also gives you unlimited items and no damage. If you want to stay in survival while flying, that’s not it.

Option 2: spectator mode (both editions)

/gamemode spectator

You fly automatically and pass through blocks, but you can’t interact with anything. Good for scouting a build or a seed, useless for playing. Bedrock got spectator out of experimental in 1.19.50.

Option 3: /ability mayfly (Bedrock with Education features)

/ability @s mayfly true
/ability @s mayfly false

This gives survival flight without leaving survival mode. It only works in Minecraft Education, or in Bedrock worlds with the “Education Edition” toggle turned on in the world’s cheat settings. Java has no equivalent command.

Option 4: server plugins (Java servers)

On Paper or Spigot servers, plugins like EssentialsX add a real /fly command:

/fly
/fly PlayerName

It only exists if the server runs that plugin and gives you permission. If you’re running your own, our guide to making a Minecraft server covers setup; plugin installation depends on the server software.

Option 5: the survival way

An elytra lets you glide, and firework rockets give you thrust. It’s the only flight in normal survival. Our elytra guide explains how to reach the end ships that carry one.

Common mistakes

  • Typing /fly in single-player. You’ll get “Unknown command”. It doesn’t exist.
  • Cheats are off. /gamemode and /ability both need cheats; enabling cheats is the first step.
  • /ability returns an error on Bedrock. Turn on Education Edition features in the world settings first.

For the differences between modes, read game modes explained, or browse the commands hub.

Common questions

Is there a /fly command in vanilla Minecraft?

No. Neither Java nor Bedrock has a /fly command. Switch to creative or spectator mode, or on Bedrock with Education features turned on, use /ability @s mayfly true.

Why does /fly work on some servers?

Servers add it with plugins, such as EssentialsX on Paper or Spigot servers. It's a server feature, not part of the game, and only works where the owner has allowed it.

How do you fly in survival without commands?

Get an elytra from an end ship in an end city, and use firework rockets for boosts.

Sources & verification

Facts on this page are checked against these references and in-game behavior for the stated edition(s). how we verify.

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