Can't Connect to My Server

If you can't connect to your game server, work through these steps in order to identify and fix the problem.

Step 1: Is the server running?

Go to the Console tab of your server in the panel. Check that:

• The server status shows Running (not Offline or Starting)
• The console shows the server has finished loading (e.g., "Done! For help, type help")

If the server is not running, start it and wait for it to fully load before trying to connect.

Step 2: Are you using the correct IP and port?

The most common connection issue is using the wrong address.

1. Go to the Console tab -- your connection address is shown at the top
2. The format is IP:PORT (e.g., mango.fps.ms:25565)
3. Make sure you're entering both the IP and the port in your game client

Step 3: Check for version mismatch

For Minecraft servers, your client version must match the server version.

• Check the server version in the Console output or Startup settings
• Make sure your Minecraft launcher is set to the same version
• If the server runs Spigot/Paper 1.20.4, your client must be 1.20.4 (unless the server has ViaVersion installed)

Step 4: Is the server suspended or expired?

Free servers require periodic renewal. If your server has expired:

• You'll see a notice on the server page
• The server cannot be started until renewed
• Go to the server's page and click Renew if available

Step 5: DNS not propagated (custom domain)

If you're using a custom domain or DDNS address to connect:

• Try connecting with the raw IP:PORT instead to rule out DNS issues
• DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate globally
• Use an online DNS checker to verify your domain resolves correctly

Step 6: Check your firewall or ISP

In rare cases, your local network may block the connection:

• Try connecting from a different network (e.g., mobile data)
• Check if your firewall or antivirus is blocking the game client
• Some school or corporate networks block game server ports

Still not working?

If none of the steps above resolve the issue, join the FPS.ms Discord server and ask for help in the support channel. Include:

• Your server's connection address
• The error message you see in the game client
• Whether the server shows as running in the panel