FiveM: Can't connect to server — every fix
Fix a FiveM connection in the right order. Confirm GTA V and FiveM are current, wait until resources have started, paste connect host:port in the F8 console, open TCP 30120, then fix a license-key or resource hang.
If FiveM cannot connect, work through these checks in order. Do not wipe the server data folder first. The usual failures are a stale FiveM client, a server that is still starting resources, or a license key that never finished authenticating.
Stop as soon as one fix works. If you are helping somebody else, test with one player before asking the whole group to retry.
1. Update GTA V and the FiveM client
The FiveM client, GTA V, and the dedicated artifacts must agree on a game build.
Update GTA V
Let Steam or the Rockstar launcher finish every pending update. A mid-update GTA V fails FiveM's integrity check.
Update the FiveM client
Fully close FiveM, reopen it, and let it apply its own patch. Do not join from a leftover process in the tray.
Update the dedicated artifacts
Stop the server. On berrybyte, Auto Update pulls the configured artifact channel on the next start. Restart once after a Cfx.re artifact bump.
If you do not want to babysit artifacts, rent a FiveM server that handles updates.
2. Wait until resources have started
A FiveM process can bind the port before ensure finishes. Joins
during that window sit on Connecting or drop.
Confirm Overview shows running
On berrybyte the process must be running, not still installing.
Read Console
Wait until the last ensure resource started (or printed
a clear error). A first boot of a large ESX or QBCore
pack can take several minutes.
Retry one client
Test with one player. Do not ask the whole city to retry while resources are still starting.
3. Join with the F8 console
The server list is optional. The reliable test is F8.
Copy the command from Overview
On berrybyte, How to join already builds
connect host:port.
Paste it in F8
Launch FiveM, wait for the main menu, press F8, paste the command, and press Enter.
Do not type the port by hand
Copy Server address. A hosted allocation can differ from 30120.
See How to join a FiveM server.
4. Check TCP 30120
FiveM's game port and info.json default to TCP 30120.
Use the port the server bound
On berrybyte, Overview is the source of truth. On a
self-hosted box, read endpoint_add_tcp /
endpoint_add_udp in server.cfg.
Forward that port (self-host)
Every firewall and router between the machine and the internet must allow the bound port.
berrybyte opens the allocated port for you. Self-hosters who are fighting NAT can rent a FiveM server that already has it reachable.
5. Fix the Cfx.re license key
An invalid or missing key prevents a clean boot. Players then see a failed connect even when the address is right.
Read Console for a key error
A license warning prints at startup. Replace the key in
server.cfg, then restart.
Do not share the key in Discord
Regenerate it on the Cfx.re portal if it leaked.
6. Isolate a resource that kicks on join
A broken resource can crash the loading screen after the handshake.
Read Console at the moment of the join
Note the last resource that errored.
Disable that resource for one test
Comment it out of server.cfg, restart, and retry one
client. If that join works, fix or update the resource
before inviting the city.
If none of the six fixes worked
Confirm info.json answers on the game port. Then check the
leftover causes:
- A Steam or Rockstar outage while FiveM authenticates the player.
- OneSync or game-build mismatch in
server.cfg. - See Why isn't my FiveM server showing in the list for listing-only failures.
- Check berrybytestatus.com.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I connect to a FiveM server?
Update GTA V and the FiveM client first. Then wait until the dedicated server has finished starting resources. Join with connect host:port in the F8 console, open TCP 30120, and read Console if the license key or a resource stopped the boot.
How do I join a FiveM server by IP?
Launch FiveM, wait for the main menu, press F8, and run connect host:port using the address from Overview. Direct Connect in the UI is optional. The console command is the reliable test.
Why isn't my FiveM server in the server list?
New servers can take time to appear, and a listing can fail if the Cfx.re license key is invalid or info.json never came up. F8 connect still works on a private server. See the blog guide on list visibility for listing-only failures.
What port does a FiveM server use?
TCP 30120 is the default game port (HTTP/info.json lives there too). berrybyte allocates that port and opens it. Forward the port in server.cfg if you changed it.
Why does FiveM sit on Connecting or crash in the loading screen?
A resource failed to start, or the client is missing a required game build. Read the server Console at the moment of the join. Fix or disable the resource that errored, then retry one client.