> ## 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. # L4D2 Dedicated Server Not Showing or Can't Connect > L4D2 dedicated server not showing or you can't connect? Turn off Lobby only, check Steam group only and LAN only, use the right address, then restart. If you can't connect to your Left 4 Dead 2 dedicated server, the usual cause is **Lobby only** (`sv_allow_lobby_connect_only 1`), which refuses anyone who types the address. Turn it off in **Game settings** or click **Allow direct connections**, save and restart. Also check that **LAN only** is off, **Steam group only** matches your group, and you use the address from the panel, for example `203.0.113.10:27015`. | Symptom | Likely cause | Fix | | - | - | - | | `connect` is refused | **Lobby only** is on | Turn it off and restart | | Not found by lobby or group | **Steam group** / **Steam group only** not set as you expect | Set the group ID, check the switch | | Nobody outside can see it | **LAN only** is on | Turn it off | | Password prompt fails | Wrong **Server password** | Set it again, type `password` before `connect` | | Kicked with "enforcing consistency" | Player add-ons | See [consistency errors](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/left-4-dead-2/fixing-consistency-errors.md) | ## How to fix "can't connect" on your L4D2 server **1. Check the server is running** On the **Console** page the status should be running and the log should show the map loaded. If it stops, see [how to read server logs](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-read-server-logs.md). **2. Allow direct connections** Open **Game settings**. If you see the note "Players can only join through a lobby", click **Allow direct connections**. Or turn **Lobby only** off under **Game**. **3. Turn LAN only off** Under **Security and downloads**, **LAN only** must be off. With it on there is no internet listing and no Steam authentication. **4. Save and restart** Click **Review and save**, then **Save changes**, and restart the server. **5. Connect with the right address** Copy the address from the **Console** page and type `connect 203.0.113.10:27015` in your developer console (with your own address). ![Left 4 Dead 2 Game settings with the Players can only join through a lobby note and Allow direct connections button](https://mintcdn.com/freakhostingltd/4h1IkXVQmzT6o2no/images/games/left-4-dead-2/l4d2-game-settings.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=4h1IkXVQmzT6o2no\&q=85\&s=19852ee4395a79e2fdcffdf37dccf8ce) The Lobby only note and Allow direct connections button in Game settings ## How players find your L4D2 server Left 4 Dead 2 has no classic in-game server list. Players get to a dedicated server in one of these ways: * **Direct connect:** `connect
` in the developer console. Needs **Lobby only** off. * **Steam group:** set **Steam group** to your group's ID. Group members can then pick your server when they start a lobby. With **Steam group only** on, only members can use it while it is empty. * **Steam's server browser:** in the Steam client, **View** > **Game Servers**, **Favorites** tab, add your address. **Region** helps matchmaking put nearby players on your server. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does sv\_allow\_lobby\_connect\_only do? With `1`, players can only join from a matchmaking lobby and `connect` is refused. With `0`, they can also type the address. In the panel it is the **Lobby only** switch. ### Why can my friends join but strangers can't? **Steam group only** is on, or the server has a **Server password**. Turn them off for a public server. ### Do I need to open ports? No. Your server's port is already open; use the address the panel shows. ### My server stopped after I changed a setting. What now? Open **Logs** to see why, or undo the change with **Discard** before saving. You can restore a backup from **Backups**. ## Related guides > **[Left 4 Dead 2 server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/left-4-dead-2/left-4-dead-2-server-hosting-guide.md)** > > Every Left 4 Dead 2 page in one place. > **[Getting started](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/left-4-dead-2/getting-started-with-your-left-4-dead-2-server.md)** > > First setup and connect. > **[Fix consistency errors](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/left-4-dead-2/fixing-consistency-errors.md)** > > Server is enforcing consistency for this file. > **[L4D2 server commands](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/left-4-dead-2/left-4-dead-2-server-commands.md)** > > Cvars for lobby and Steam group. > **[Read server logs](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-read-server-logs.md)** > > Find out why it stopped. *** > [!NOTE] > > **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on 30 October 2026 (Left 4 Dead 2 on our Game Panel). Steps may differ slightly if the game changes. > [!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 This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.