I cannot connect to my server

Short answer: Check that the server status is Online, copy the address again from the Console page, and make sure your game is the same version as the server. The error message tells you which of these is wrong: use the table below.

Before you begin

Have ready: the exact error message the game shows. Write it down or take a screenshot.
Time needed: about 10 minutes.

What this guide covers

Matching your error message to its cause
Checks to do in order

Step 1: find your error

The game says something like	What it means	Go to
“Server offline”, or the server is greyed out	The server is not running	Check A
“Timed out”, “not responding”, “no response”	Nothing answered in time	Checks A, B, C
“Connection refused”	Something answered “nothing is listening here”	Checks B, C
“Wrong password”, “authentication failed”, “not whitelisted”, “banned”	You reached the server; it rejected you	Check D
“Version mismatch”, “outdated client/server”	Your game and the server are on different versions	Check E
“Mod mismatch”, “missing mods”, disconnects while loading	The server needs mods you do not have, or the other way round	Check F

Step 2: the checks

A. Is the server running?

Go to [Game Panel] > [Your Server] > Console.
The status must be Online, and the console must show the game’s ready message (your game guide says which). If it is Offline, select Start. If it will not start, see My server will not start.
If the server card says it is suspended, see Why is my server suspended?.

B. Is the address exactly right?

Copy the address again from the Console page. Do not type it from memory.
Make sure you include the port (the number after the colon), and use the primary port, not the query port.
If you saved the server in your game’s favourites a while ago, delete the favourite and add it again: the address may have changed.

C. Is it your network or ours?

Check status.hostitcreateit.com for problems.
Ask a friend on a different internet connection to try. If they can join, the problem is likely on your side: try restarting your router, turning off a VPN, or allowing the game through your firewall or antivirus.
School, work and some public networks block game traffic. Try a home connection or a mobile hotspot.

D. Did the server reject you?

Check the server password on the Startup page or in your game’s config (see your game guide). Passwords are case-sensitive.
If your game uses a whitelist, allow list or ban list, check that your player name or ID is on the right list.

E. Are the versions the same?

Look at the version in the console when the server starts, and compare it with your game’s version (usually on the main menu).
If your game updated and the server did not, update the server: see Updating your game server. If the server updated and your game did not, update your game.

F. Do the mods match?

Players need the same mods and versions as the server for most modded games. See Players need the same mods: joining a modded server.

Expected result

You join the server, or you know exactly which check failed and have the evidence for support.

Common mistakes

Joining too early. Online in the panel does not always mean the world has finished loading.
Using the query port. It is for the server browser, not for joining.
Assuming it is the server when only one player is affected. If others can join, compare that player’s version, mods and network first.

When to contact support

Contact support if:

the server is Online, the address is right, and nobody on any network can connect; or
you see “connection refused” with the right address and port while the server is Online.

Include: the exact error message, the address you used, your game version, whether anyone else can join, the time you tried (with your time zone), and the last 50 lines of the console. See How to contact support with useful diagnostic information.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-05 · Applies to: Game Panel (hici 0.4.2)