If you play Magic: The Gathering Arena (MTG Arena) and use third-party tools like Untapped.gg, MTGA Assistant, 17Lands, or you want to troubleshoot game issues, enabling detailed logs is essential. MTG Arena does not store deep gameplay data by default—so turning on log collection helps trackers analyze your matches, decks, draft data, and performance more accurately.
In this guide, you’ll learn what MTG Arena logs are, why you need them, and how to enable detailed logs on Windows and macOS. This tutorial is beginner-friendly and fully optimized for semantic SEO.
What Are Detailed Logs in MTG Arena?
Detailed logs (often called “game logs” or “output logs”) are files generated by MTG Arena that record important in-game actions, including:
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Match history
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Deck updates
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Draft picks
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Card changes
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System events
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Gameplay interactions
These logs allow third-party tools and trackers to read your gameplay data and provide insights like:
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Win/loss ratios
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Mulligan decisions
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Deck performance
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Draft pick suggestions
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Meta analytics
Without detailed logs, these apps cannot read your gameplay correctly.
Why Enable Detailed Logs in MTG Arena?
Turning on detailed logs gives you several advantages:
1. Use Deck Trackers Properly
Tools like Untapped and MTGA Assistant need detailed logs to function.
2. Improve Performance Analytics
You get accurate data including:
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Recent matches
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Card draw percentages
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Deck efficiency
3. Assist with Bug Reporting
Wizards of the Coast often asks for logs when players report bugs.
4. Enhance Draft Data for 17Lands
17Lands requires logs to upload limited match data and draft picks.
How to Enable Detailed Logs in MTG Arena
Enabling detailed logs is simple, but the process depends on your device.
✔ Method 1: Enable MTG Arena Logs on Windows
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Close MTG Arena
Make sure the game is completely shut down before editing settings.
Step 2: Open the MTGA Folder
Press:
Then type:
Press Enter.
Step 3: Find the “Player.log” Settings File
Look for the file:
If it doesn’t exist, MTG Arena will create it automatically later.
Step 4: Edit AppSettings.json
Right-click the file → Open With → Notepad
Add or modify the following line:
If the file is empty, use this full structure:
Step 5: Save the File
Click File → Save.
Step 6: Restart MTG Arena
Your game will now generate detailed logs automatically.
✔ Method 2: Enable Detailed Logs on macOS
Step 1: Close MTG Arena
Step 2: Open the Game Folder
Go to:
You can use Finder → Go → Go to Folder to paste the path.
Step 3: Edit the App Settings File
Find:
Open it with TextEdit and add:
Step 4: Save the File and Restart MTG Arena
Your detailed logs are now enabled.
How to Check if Detailed Logs Are Working
After enabling them:
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Launch MTG Arena
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Play one match
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Go to the MTGA log folder:
Windows
macOS
You should now see files like:
If these files update automatically, detailed logs are working.
Common Issues & Fixes
❌ Tracker Not Reading Logs?
Make sure:
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You edited AppSettings.json correctly
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MTG Arena is restarted
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Your tracker has permission to access the log folder
❌ AppSettings.json Missing?
Start MTG Arena once → close it → the file will generate automatically.
❌ Logs Not Updating?
Some antivirus apps block log writing. Add MTGA to the allowed list.
Final Thoughts
Enabling detailed logs in MTG Arena is a quick and essential setup step if you want:
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Accurate deck tracking
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Draft analytics
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Match history syncing
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Better performance insights
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Reliable bug reporting
By turning on detailed logs, you unlock powerful tools that help you play smarter and improve your MTGA experience.