> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# FiveM Failed to Connect or Connection Timed Out: How to Fix

> Fix FiveM failed to connect and connection timed out errors: check the address and port, server status, game build, firewall filters and players' FiveM cache.

When FiveM says "failed to connect" or "connection timed out", check four things in order: players use the exact address and port from **Copy address** on the console, the server is running without errors, `http://<address>/info.json` opens in a browser, and no firewall filter blocks the traffic. If players time out while loading, a broken resource, a new game build or an old FiveM cache is the usual cause.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel page |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 10 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING FiveM server | **Console**, **Server config** |

## How to fix FiveM failed to connect

**1. Use the exact address**

Copy the address from the **Copy address** card on the **Console**, for example `203.0.113.10:30120`. In FiveM, press **F8** and type:

```text theme={null}
connect 203.0.113.10:30120
```

The port matters: your server may not use the default `30120`.

**2. Check the server is running**

The status at the top must be online, and the console must show no red errors at start-up. A licence key error stops the server; see [how to change your licence key](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/fivem/how-to-change-server-license-key-on-your-fivem-server.md).

**3. Test info.json**

Open `http://203.0.113.10:30120/info.json` in a browser, with your own address. If text appears, the server answers and the problem is on the player's side or during loading. If nothing loads, the server isn't reachable.

**4. Check firewall filters**

If you applied a DDoS filter to your IP in the Firewall Panel, make sure it allows FiveM traffic on your server's port. See [how to apply DDoS filters](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/firewall/how-to-apply-ddos-filters.md).

**5. Check the player's side**

Ask the player to restart FiveM, [clear their FiveM cache](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/fivem/clearing-the-fivem-server-cache.md) and try another network. Some school and work networks block game traffic.

![FiveM server console with the server IP and Open txAdmin button in the header and a Copy address card with the IP and port on the right](https://mintcdn.com/freakhostingltd/oRNjFa_9Ix118Tkc/images/games/fivem/fivem-console.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=oRNjFa_9Ix118Tkc\&q=85\&s=329da74011fa67e4a3cce2b8af0d1beb)

Copy address and the server status on the FiveM console

## Players time out while loading

| Cause | Fix |
| - | - |
| You changed the **Game build** | Players download the matching game data on their next join. Ask them to restart FiveM and wait. See [game builds](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/fivem/how-to-change-game-build-on-your-fivem-server.md). |
| A broken or huge resource | Watch the console while the player connects. Turn off **Start at boot** for the last resource you added and test again. |
| Large car or clothing packs | The first download takes long on slow connections. Remove packs you don't use. |
| Old cached files | Players [clear their FiveM cache](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/fivem/clearing-the-fivem-server-cache.md). |
| The server hitches | See [server thread hitch warnings](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/fivem/fixing-server-thread-hitch-warnings-in-fivem.md). |

## Players are refused with a message

A message instead of a time-out means the server answered and chose to refuse:

* **Allowlist or whitelist**: txAdmin's allowlist is on. See [Discord whitelist](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/fivem/whitelisting-with-discord-roles.md).
* **Banned**: check txAdmin's ban list.
* **Server full**: all player slots are taken. See [player slots](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/fivem/how-to-change-slots-on-your-fivem-server.md).

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I connect with a domain instead of the IP?

Yes, if your domain's A record points to the server's IP. Players still add the port, for example `connect play.example.com:30120`.

### Why can I connect but my friend can't?

The server works, so check your friend's side: their FiveM cache, their network, and whether they are allowlisted or banned.

### The server is online in the panel but FiveM says it's offline. Why?

The server may still be loading resources. Wait until the console stops printing start-up messages, then try again.

### I still can't connect. What should I send support?

Click **Share log** on the console and [open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) with the link and the exact error the player sees. The log link removes passwords, keys and IP addresses automatically.

## Related guides

> **[FiveM server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/fivem/fivem-server-hosting-guide.md)**
>
> Every FiveM guide in one place.

> **[Not in the server list](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/fivem/fivem-server-not-showing-in-server-list.md)**
>
> When the server isn't listed.

> **[Clear the FiveM cache](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/fivem/clearing-the-fivem-server-cache.md)**
>
> Fix old and missing files.

> **[Network thread hitch](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/fivem/troubleshooting-network-thread-hitch-warning-in-fivem-servers.md)**
>
> Rubber-banding and time-outs.

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Reviewed by the FREAKHOSTING team** on 29 October 2026. Game Panel steps were checked on our panel (FXServer build 35245 (Recommended) with txAdmin); game and plugin details follow their official documentation. Steps may differ slightly if FiveM, txAdmin or the resource change.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> ### Need Extra Help?
>
> If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:
>
> * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
> * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
> * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
> * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)

> [!TIP]
>
> ### Save on Your Hosting
>
> Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order!

***

**Last Updated:** October 2026


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