Why your server does not show in the in-game server list
You started your server, you can join by typing the address, but the server does not appear in a public list, or the entry shows "Can't connect to server". Or your friends cannot find it in the list at all. These are different problems with different causes. This guide separates them, so you can tell whether the issue is visibility, connection or the listing itself.
First, understand what "the list" means
There are several kinds of lists:
- Your own saved list. In Minecraft Java, the Multiplayer screen lists servers you added by address. Nothing appears unless you add it.
- A LAN list. Servers on the same local network may show up automatically for people on that network only.
- Public lists and websites. Third-party sites that list servers, which you usually have to register with.
- Official or platform lists. Some games have a built-in browser that shows servers that announce themselves, such as certain Steam games. This works differently per game.
Many "it's not showing" complaints are about expecting a public list to include a private server automatically. Most games do not list every server by default.
Is the server reachable at all?
Test the basics before touching list settings. Add the server to your saved list by its address and port, and check the result:
- Green or full bars, with a MOTD: the server is reachable. Any problem is about listing or discovery.
- "Can't connect to server" or a timeout: a connection problem. See Can't connect to server and Connection timed out vs refused.
- Pinging forever: a firewall, a wrong port or a server that is not running.
Confirm in the panel that the server is online and read the console for errors. See Use the server console.
Minecraft Java: common reasons
| Cause | What to check |
|---|---|
| Wrong address or port | Use the exact address shown in the panel. See Connect to your Minecraft server |
enable-status=false | In server.properties, status must be true for the list to show the MOTD and player count |
server-ip set incorrectly | Leave it blank unless you know why you need it |
Wrong server-port | It must match the allocated port |
| Version mismatch | The list shows "Outdated client" or "Outdated server". See Fix outdated client or outdated server |
| Whitelist enabled | Players can see the server but get refused on join. See Whitelist players and OP permissions |
| Online mode issues | Players with cracked clients or authentication problems cannot join. See Fix failed to verify username |
Edit server.properties with care. See Edit server.properties. The MOTD and icon shown in the list are covered in Change your server MOTD and icon.
Bedrock players
Bedrock Edition has its own server list and does not connect to Java servers directly. If Bedrock friends cannot find your server, you may need a bridge such as Geyser, and a different port. See Let Bedrock players join with Geyser. Note that Bedrock uses UDP, and a firewall that allows TCP only will block it. See How game server ports work.
Other games
Games with a built-in browser (for example, many Steam titles) list servers that report themselves to the platform's master list. Typical causes of absence:
- The server is not configured to be public, or has a password.
- A required query port is closed or not forwarded.
- Settings such as the server name or tags are blank.
- The master list takes several minutes to update.
- Your game version differs from the one players use.
Check the game's own guide for the exact settings. For game-specific help, see CS2 game server login token, Rust server setup, ARK server setup and FiveM server.cfg and license key. Many of these need a token or key to appear publicly.
Public listing sites
If you want a website to list your server, you generally have to submit it yourself, verify ownership and keep the server reachable so its status checker sees it online. Listings may require a certain version, a working MOTD or voting integration. Features differ between sites, so read their rules. Do not share your admin credentials with them.
Caching and delays
Lists cache results. After changing the name, version or port, wait a few minutes. Clients may also remember an old entry, so delete it and add it again. If the status shows the wrong player count, restart the server and refresh.
Network and domain issues
If you use a domain name, make sure it points to the right place and that any SRV record is correct. A mistaken record shows an unknown host, while a correct one shows the MOTD. See How to connect a domain to your server and DNS records explained. If you use a proxy like Cloudflare, set the record to DNS-only for game traffic.
A diagnostic path
- Is the server running and healthy in the panel?
- Can you join by direct address?
- Does the list entry show the MOTD, or an error?
- Is the right port open, and for the right protocol?
- Are the version and online-mode settings right?
- Is a public list involved? Did you register the server?
- Have you waited for caches to refresh?
If you have gone through these and it still fails, open a ticket with the exact address, game version, screenshot of the list entry and console output. See How to write a support request.
Still stuck? Open a ticket on Discord - run /ticket in any channel, pick a department, and include your Server ID or Invoice ID so we can jump straight in.