> ## 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. # Rust Console Stuck on "Waiting for RCON"? How to Fix It > Rust console stuck on Waiting for RCON to come up, commands not running or Stop hanging? Set your own RCON password in Server settings and restart the server. If the Rust console shows `Waiting for RCON to come up...` over and over, commands answer `Unable to run ... due to RCON not being connected yet.` or **Stop** hangs in **Stopping**, your server still has the default RCON password. Rust prints `RCON password is very insecure, RCON is disabled.` and switches RCON off. Set your own password in **Server settings** (**Generate**, **Review and save**) and restart. | Symptom | Cause | Fix | | - | - | - | | `Waiting for RCON to come up...` repeating | Default RCON password, RCON is off | Set your own RCON password and restart | | `Unable to run "status" due to RCON not being connected yet.` | Same | Same | | **Stop** stays on **Stopping** | Same: the panel stops the server through RCON | Use **Kill** once, then set the password | | **Staff and bans** changes don't apply | Same: they are sent through RCON | Same | | Long wait after **Start** | First start generates the map (5 to 6 minutes) | Wait for `Server startup complete` | | Server crashes right after start | Broken **Custom map address** | Fix or clear the link | ## Why does the Rust console need RCON? The panel console talks to your Rust server through RCON (remote console). Every new server starts with the same well-known default password, and Rust refuses to use it: it turns RCON off. Setting your own RCON password is therefore a required first step on every new Rust server. Until you do, the console only shows the server's output and can't send anything back. ## How to fix "Waiting for RCON to come up" **1. Stop the server** Click **Stop**. If it stays on **Stopping** for a few minutes, click **Kill**. Kill ends the server without a final save. **2. Open Server settings** In the [Game Panel](https://games.freakhosting.com), click **Server settings** under **RUST**. **Checks** shows "The RCON password is a well-known default". **3. Generate a password** Under **Security and plugins**, click **Generate** next to **RCON password**. **4. Review and save** Click **Review and save**, check that **RCON password (RCON\_PASS)** is listed, and click **Save changes**. **5. Start the server** Start the server and wait. The console shows `WebSocket RCON Started on 0.0.0.0:28016` and `Connected to RCON.` Commands work from now on, and **Stop** stops the server normally. You can also type your own password: letters, numbers, `_`, `.` and `-`, up to 64 characters. Use a long one that only you know. ## Why does each line appear twice in the console? Once RCON works, the console shows the server's own output and the same line again through RCON. That is normal and means RCON is connected. ## Rust server won't start or takes very long * **First start:** the map is generated, about 5 to 6 minutes on a 3000 map. `Couldn't load ... proceduralmap ... file doesn't exist` is normal on the first start. Wait for `Server startup complete`. * **Custom map:** an invalid **Custom map address** makes the server crash on start. See [custom maps](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/rust/how-to-install-custom-maps-rustedit.md). * **Plugins:** after installing a plugin or switching framework, read the console for errors. Switch the plugin off on **Plugins** and try again. * **Memory:** a large **Map size** or many **Player slots** needs a lot of memory. See [performance and memory](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/rust/rust-server-performance-and-memory.md). If the server still won't start, restore a [backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md) or [open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) with the last console lines. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is "RCON password is very insecure, RCON is disabled" an error? It is Rust protecting your server: it won't run RCON with a password everyone knows. Set your own password and restart. ### Does setting an RCON password change how players join? No. Players join as before. The password is only for the panel console and RCON tools. ### Do I need RustAdmin to use the console? No. The panel console works once RCON is on. RustAdmin and similar tools are optional; see [RCON tools](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/rust/connecting-rcon-tools-rustadmin.md). ### Will Kill lose progress? Kill stops the server at once, so anything since the last world save is lost. The world saves every **Save interval** (60 seconds by default). ## Related guides > [card] [Rust server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/rust/rust-server-hosting-guide.md) > > Every Rust page in one place. > [card] [Getting started](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/rust/getting-started-with-your-rust-server.md) > > First steps on a new server. > [card] [RCON tools](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/rust/connecting-rcon-tools-rustadmin.md) > > RustAdmin and WebRCON. > [card] [Steam auth errors](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/rust/resolving-steam-auth-timeout-errors-in-rust.md) > > Players kicked on join. > [card] [Server console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md) > > How the panel console works. *** > [!NOTE] > > **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 31 October 2026 (Rust dedicated server, fresh install and after setting an RCON password). 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.