> ## 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 Set Up RCON on Your Squad Server (Rcon.cfg)

> Squad RCON is off until you set a password in Rcon.cfg. Set Password, check the Port is one of your server's ports, restart and connect with an RCON client.

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.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | File |
| - | - | - | - |
| Intermediate | 10 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING Squad server | `SquadGame/ServerConfig/Rcon.cfg` |

## Before you start

* [Stop the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md) 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.

## What is in Rcon.cfg?

| Key | Default | What it does |
| - | - | - |
| `IP` | `0.0.0.0` | The address RCON listens on. Leave it as it is. |
| `Port` | `21114` | The RCON port |
| `Password` | empty | The RCON password. Empty keeps RCON turned off. |
| `MaxConnections` | `5` | How many RCON connections are allowed at once |
| `MaxConnectionsFromSameHost` | `3` | How many of those can come from one address |

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

## 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](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) and ask for an RCON port.

**4. Save and start**

Save the file and [start the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md).

**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`.

## 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](https://squad.fandom.com/wiki/Server_Administration) marks which commands are available over RCON. See the [admin commands list](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/squad/squad-admin-commands-list.md) for syntax.

## Frequently asked questions

### 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**.

### 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.

### Is RCON the same as the panel console?

No. The panel [console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md) shows the server log. RCON is a separate connection for running admin commands from a tool.

### 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/squad/how-to-add-admins-to-your-squad-server.md).

## Related guides

> [card] [Squad server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/squad/squad-server-hosting-guide.md)
>
> Every Squad page in one place.

> [card] [Admin commands](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/squad/squad-admin-commands-list.md)
>
> Commands to run over RCON.

> [card] [Add admins](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/squad/how-to-add-admins-to-your-squad-server.md)
>
> Admins.cfg groups and access levels.

> [card] [Network and ports](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-manage-network-and-subdomains.md)
>
> See your server's ports.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **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.

> [!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


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