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RCON (remote administration)

RCON lets you send commands to your Rust server and read its console from an external tool, without opening the panel. It is handy for managing the server from your phone or from a desktop admin program.

note

The panel's own Console already lets you run commands. You only need RCON if you want to use an external tool.

What you need​

  • Address: the server IP shown in Network in Settings.
  • Port: the RCON port in the same box. It is 28016 by default.
  • Password: the value of rcon.password that you set in server.cfg.

Your server uses WebRCON, which most modern Rust tools support.

Set the RCON password​

  1. Stop the server from Console.

  2. In Files, open /server/rust/cfg/server.cfg (see server.cfg).

  3. Add a line with a long, unique password:

    rcon.password "your-long-unique-password"

  4. Save the file and Start the server.

The password is read when the server starts, so a change needs a restart. Without a password you cannot log in to RCON.

Connect with a tool​

  1. Open your tool (for example RustAdmin on Windows, or a web RCON client).
  2. Add a new server with the IP from Settings, the RCON port (28016) and your password.
  3. Connect. You should see the live console and be able to type commands.

Popular choices:

  • RustAdmin: a Windows program with a live console, player list and chat.
  • Web RCON clients such as rcon.io, or similar sites that connect from your browser.

Only use tools you trust, because they handle your RCON password.

Handy commands​

CommandWhat it does
statusServer info and connected players.
playerlistDetailed list of players.
say "message"Sends a message to everyone in chat.
server.saveSaves the world now.
oxide.reload PluginNameReloads a plugin. See Plugins.

Rust+ companion app​

The Rust+ app from Facepunch uses its own port, 28082, which is already open on your server. You pair the app from inside the game (open the Rust+ section of the menu and follow the pairing steps). It does not need your RCON password.

Security tips​

  • Use a long password and do not reuse it anywhere else.
  • Never post your RCON password, or screenshots showing it, in Discord or forums.
  • Change it whenever someone who knew it leaves your admin team, then restart the server.
  • Share RCON access only with people you trust: it gives full control of the game server.
  • Do not edit the RCON port in server.cfg. If you need a different port, contact support.

Common problems​

  • Cannot connect or connection times out. Check that the server is running and has finished starting, and that you used the port from Settings, not the game port.
  • Wrong password. Copy it exactly from server.cfg, without the quotes, and make sure you restarted after changing it.
  • Works from the panel console but not from a tool. Check that the tool uses WebRCON. If it still fails, open a ticket.

Related: server.cfg, Players, Settings.