> ## 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. # Can't Connect to Your Satisfactory Server? Fixes for Common Errors > Can't connect to a Satisfactory dedicated server? Fix Encryption token missing, certificate warnings, Server API errors and version mismatches. If you can't connect to your Satisfactory dedicated server, first check the server is fully started, then add it in the in-game **Server Manager** with your IP and port 7777 and join from there, not with **Join Game**. The server must have a game created or loaded, and your game must run the same version and branch. "Encryption token missing" means the player didn't join through the Server Manager. | Error or symptom | Fix | | - | - | | "Encryption token missing" | Add the server in **Server Manager** and join from there | | **Server Certificate Warning** | Normal the first time: click **Confirm** | | "certificate is not yet valid" | Check the date, time and time zone on your PC | | "Failed to Connect to the Server API" | Server not ready, wrong address or port, or an IPv6 address without brackets | | Server can't be found in a list | Satisfactory has no public server list; add it by address | | Can't join after an update | Game and server versions or branches differ | ## Before you start * Find your server address on **Overview** or **Network** in the [Game Panel](https://games.freakhosting.com), for example `203.0.113.10:7777`. * Open the [console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md) so you can see what the server is doing. ## Step-by-step fixes **1. Check the server is ready** The console must show `Server API listening on '0.0.0.0:7777'` and `Server streaming socket bound to port 8888`. On the very first start the server downloads about 1.5 GB first, which takes several minutes. **2. Add the server in the Server Manager** In Satisfactory, open **Server Manager** > **Add Server**, enter the IP and port `7777`. Don't use **Join Game** from the main menu for a dedicated server. **3. Accept the certificate** The server uses a self-signed certificate, so a **Server Certificate Warning** appears the first time. Click **Confirm**. **4. Make sure a game is running** A new server has no game. The admin has to create one in **Create Game** or load one in **Manage Saves** before anyone can join. See [getting started](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/satisfactory/getting-started-with-your-satisfactory-server.md). **5. Match the version** Update your game. If the server runs **Experimental** in **Game settings** > **Game branch**, players need the experimental branch too; see [experimental branch](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/satisfactory/switching-to-the-satisfactory-experimental-branch.md). **6. Match mods** On a modded server, every player needs the same mods and versions. See [install mods](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/satisfactory/how-to-install-mods-on-a-satisfactory-server.md). ## Certificate errors The certificate warning on first connect is expected, and the console prints `Server API is running using a Self-Signed Certificate` at every start. If the game says the certificate is "not yet valid", the clock on your PC is probably wrong: set the date, time and time zone automatically and try again. If the server's certificate changed (for example after you reset the admin password by deleting `ServerSettings.7777.sav`), remove the server from your Server Manager and add it again. ## Players time out while loading On a big world, slow PCs or connections can take longer than the server allows. On **Game settings**, apply the **Patient connections** preset ("Longer timeouts for players with slow connections") or raise **Time to connect** (30 seconds on a new server), save and restart. ## Frequently asked questions ### Why isn't my Satisfactory server in a server list? Satisfactory has no public server browser. Every player adds the server by address in the Server Manager. ### Which port do I enter? `7777`. The reliable messaging port 8888 is found by the game automatically. See [server ports](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/satisfactory/satisfactory-server-ports.md). ### Do I need the player password to connect? Only if the admin set one under **Player Password Protection**. Ask the admin, or see [admin management](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/satisfactory/admin-management-in-satisfactory.md). ### How do I connect with an IPv6 address? Put the address in square brackets, for example `[2001:db8::10]`, or use your IPv4 address. ### It still doesn't work. What should I send support? The error message, the time it happened and the last lines of `FactoryGame/Saved/Logs/FactoryGame.log`. [Open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php). ## Related guides > [card] [Satisfactory server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/satisfactory/satisfactory-server-hosting-guide.md) > > Every Satisfactory page in one place. > [card] [Getting started](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/satisfactory/getting-started-with-your-satisfactory-server.md) > > Add and claim your server. > [card] [Server ports](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/satisfactory/satisfactory-server-ports.md) > > 7777 and 8888 explained. > [card] [Experimental branch](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/satisfactory/switching-to-the-satisfactory-experimental-branch.md) > > Match the server's branch. > [card] [Read server logs](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-read-server-logs.md) > > Find errors in the log. *** > [!NOTE] > > **Checked against the official [Satisfactory Wiki dedicated server page](https://satisfactory.wiki.gg/wiki/Dedicated_servers)** on 2 November 2026; console lines and settings tested on our Game Panel (Satisfactory 1.2, stable branch). 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:** November 2026 This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.