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RCON (remote console) lets you run Squad admin commands without being in the game. On a FREAKHOSTING Squad server RCON is off by default because Password= in SquadGame/ServerConfig/Rcon.cfg is empty. To turn it on, stop the server, set a strong Password, check that Port is one of your server’s ports, save and start the server. Then connect with an RCON client.

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Before you start

  • Stop the server before editing config files.
  • Have an RCON tool that supports Squad.
  • Choose a long, unique password. Anyone with it can run admin commands on your server.

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What is in Rcon.cfg?

There is no Startup variable for RCON. You set it in this file only.

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How to turn on RCON for your Squad server

1

Open Rcon.cfg

Click Files, go to SquadGame/ServerConfig/ and open Rcon.cfg.
2

Set a password

Change Password= to your own password, for example Password=Use-A-Long-Unique-Passphrase.
3

Check the port

Open Network in the panel and check that the number in Port= is one of your server’s ports. If it isn’t, open a ticket and ask for an RCON port.
4

Save and start

Save the file and start the server.
5

Connect

In your RCON tool, enter your server’s IP, the RCON port and the password, for example 203.0.113.10 and port 21114.

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Which commands can I run over RCON?

You send the same admin commands you would type in the in-game admin console, such as AdminBroadcast Server restarting in 5 minutes. The official Squad Wiki marks which commands are available over RCON. See the admin commands list for syntax.

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Frequently asked questions

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Why can’t I connect to RCON on my Squad server?

Check that Password is set, that you restarted the server after saving, that you’re using the RCON port from Rcon.cfg (not the game port), and that this port is one of your server’s ports on Network.

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How do I turn RCON off again?

Stop the server, clear the value after Password= so the line reads Password=, save and start the server.

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Is RCON the same as the panel console?

No. The panel console shows the server log. RCON is a separate connection for running admin commands from a tool.

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Do I need RCON to be an admin?

No. Admins listed in Admins.cfg can run commands in game from the admin console. See add admins.

Squad server guide

Every Squad page in one place.

Admin commands

Commands to run over RCON.

Add admins

Admins.cfg groups and access levels.

Network and ports

See your server’s ports.
Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team on our Game Panel on 3 November 2026 (Squad dedicated server v10.6.3). Steps may differ slightly if the game changes.

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Need Extra Help?

If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:

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Last Updated: November 2026