Connection Issues

Players can't connect to your server? This guide covers the most common networking and connection problems.

Check the basics first:

• Is the server status green (Running) in the panel?
• Has the server finished loading? Some games take a minute or two after starting before accepting connections.
• Check the console for any errors that might prevent the server from fully starting.

Double-check the connection details:

• Copy the exact IP:Port from the Overview tab in the panel.
• Make sure the player is using Direct Connect (not searching the server browser, which can be slow to update).
• Some games use separate query ports — ensure the game port (not RCON or query port) is being used.

If your server has a password set, players need to enter it when connecting. Check server.cfg or your startup settings to confirm the password.

The player's game client must match the server version. Common scenarios:

• Game updated but server didn't — restart your server to trigger an auto-update.
• Player on wrong version — for Minecraft, ensure the client version matches the server (e.g. 1.21.4).
• Modded servers — clients need the exact same mods as the server.

• If the server has a whitelist enabled, the player must be added to it.
• Check if the player's Steam ID or username is banned (intentionally or accidentally).
• For Minecraft: check whitelist.json and banned-players.json.

• Firewall — the player's firewall or antivirus may block the game. Whitelist the game executable.
• ISP blocking — some ISPs block certain ports. Try connecting on a different network or via VPN.
• Router/NAT issues — restart the router or try a different DNS (e.g. 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8).