> ## 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. # How to Join a SA-MP Server by IP Address > How to join a SA-MP server: install GTA San Andreas v1.0 and the SA-MP client, add the server's IP and port to Favorites in the open.mp launcher and connect. To join a SA-MP server, you need GTA San Andreas for PC version 1.0 with the SA-MP client installed. Open the open.mp launcher, go to **Favorites**, click **Add Server**, enter the server address (for example `203.0.113.10:7777`) and click **Connect**. The old SA-MP server browser no longer works, so use the open.mp launcher to find and join servers. | Difficulty | Time | Works on | What you need | | - | - | - | - | | Beginner | 5 minutes | Every SA-MP server | GTA San Andreas PC v1.0, SA-MP client, open.mp launcher | ## What do players need to play SA-MP? | Requirement | Detail | | - | - | | Game | GTA San Andreas for PC, **EU/US version 1.0** | | Multiplayer client | The SA-MP client, installed in your GTA San Andreas folder | | Launcher | The [open.mp launcher](https://github.com/openmultiplayer/launcher/releases/latest), which works with the SA-MP client | | Server address | IP and port, for example `203.0.113.10:7777` | SA-MP is not a stand-alone game. The open.mp documentation states that other versions of GTA San Andreas, such as v2.0, Steam and Direct2Drive, don't work without being downgraded to 1.0. ## How to find your server address **1. Open your server** Log in to the [Game Panel](https://games.freakhosting.com) and open your SA-MP server. **2. Copy the address** Copy the address at the top of the panel or on the **Console** page. It looks like `203.0.113.10:7777`: the IP, a colon and the port. **3. Share it** Send the address to your players. The port is part of the address, so always share both. ## How to join with the open.mp launcher **1. Install the launcher** Download the [open.mp launcher](https://github.com/openmultiplayer/launcher/releases/latest) and point it to your GTA San Andreas folder. It needs `gta_sa.exe` and the SA-MP client (`samp.dll`) in that folder. **2. Add the server to Favorites** Open **Favorites**, click **Add Server** and enter the address, for example `203.0.113.10:7777`. **3. Connect** Select the server and click **Connect**. If the server has a password, the launcher asks for it. You can also import your old SA-MP favourites in the launcher settings (**Import favorite list from SA-MP data**). ## What nickname can I use? Use only `0-9`, `a-z`, `[]`, `()`, `$`, `@`, `.`, `_` and `=`, with at most 20 characters. Otherwise the server rejects you with "Unacceptable NickName". You also see this error if a player with the same name is still on the server, for example right after you timed out. ## Frequently asked questions ### Why can't I see any servers in the SA-MP browser? The SA-MP browser no longer works. The open.mp documentation recommends the open.mp launcher instead. If you still see nothing, allow the launcher through your firewall. ### Why does my game load single player instead of SA-MP? Either SA-MP is installed in the wrong folder or you have the wrong version of GTA San Andreas. SA-MP needs version 1.0. ### My screen is stuck on "Connecting to IP:Port...". What can I do? Check that the server is **Online** in the panel and that you entered the full address with the port. If you can't connect to any server, check your firewall and that your SA-MP client is up to date. ### Can players join my server without it being in the server list? Yes. Anyone with the address can add it to **Favorites** and connect, even with `announce 0`. See [not showing in the list](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/samp/samp-server-not-showing-in-list.md). ## Related guides > [card] [SA-MP server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/samp/samp-server-hosting-guide.md) > > Every SA-MP page in one place. > [card] [Not showing in the list](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/samp/samp-server-not-showing-in-list.md) > > Get your server listed. > [card] [Set a server password](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/samp/how-to-set-a-password-on-your-samp-server.md) > > Who can join. > [card] [Common errors](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/samp/samp-server-common-errors.md) > > Connection and server errors. *** > [!NOTE] > > **Checked against the official [open.mp documentation](https://open.mp/docs/client/CommonClientIssues)** and the [open.mp launcher](https://github.com/openmultiplayer/launcher) on 3 November 2026. Server address tested on our Game Panel on 3 November 2026 (SA-MP 0.3.7-R2 Linux server). > [!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:** November 2026 This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.