I Can't Connect to My Server

Use this guide when a game cannot find your server, a connection times out, or a player is rejected. Start with read-only checks; a restart is not the first remedy for a connection problem.

Confirm the server is ready

Open the server in Console and check its status. A Stopped, Starting, Stopping, or Error server is not ready for normal play. Follow My Server Won't Start if needed.

After the status reaches Running, allow the game to finish loading and try once more. If players were disconnected while playing, also check the Activity Log for a stop or restart.

Use the current connection method

  1. Open the relevant game configuration guide. Not every game uses direct connection by IP; some require an in-game world or server search.
  2. Copy the current connection details from the server overview. Use the game port where the guide requires a separate port, and remove stray spaces added when copying.
  3. After a region, tier, or size change or a fresh start, check the displayed address again rather than relying on an old favorite or chat message.
  4. Use the supported game edition, platform, and compatible client version.

A website share link opens server controls; it is not an in-game connection address. See Connecting & Inviting Players.

If the game rejects a player

Use the exact in-game error to narrow the check:

  • Password rejected: ask the owner to verify the current join password. Do not substitute an administrator password or account password, or post any password in a support ticket.
  • Version or mod mismatch: compare the game version and required mods with the game guide and server choices. Do not remove server mods just to make a client connect to an existing world.
  • Banned or not allowed: ask the owner to review the game's access settings and, where supported, Player Management. The owner should decide whether the restriction is intentional.
  • Server full: ask the owner to check current players and the game's player limit. Do not assume a bigger server size automatically changes that limit.

If settings are being applied, wait for that operation to finish before testing again.

If the server is absent from a browser list

Refresh the game's list and check name, password, version, and mod filters. Use the game guide's search instructions, including saved-world names where applicable. Try direct connection only if that game supports it. A missing browser listing alone does not prove the server is offline.

Compare with another player or network

Ask one other player to try the same current connection method. If possible, test your own game client on another trusted network.

If others can join, focus on your client version, mods, and local connection. If nobody can join while the server remains Running, stop repeating restarts and contact support. Do not disable security software or change router settings as a blanket troubleshooting step.

When to contact support

Report the game and edition, server name, attempt time and timezone, connection method, exact in-game error, and whether any other player could join. Say whether the problem began after a start, game update, or configuration change.

Use the support-case steps and safe evidence checklist. Share connection details only privately if needed; remove passwords, share-link keys, and player identifiers from screenshots.