Why Isn’t My FiveM Server Showing in the List?
Getting your FiveM server running is one thing — having it listed publicly is another. If your server isn’t appearing, players won’t discover it easily. Below are the most common reasons and fixes to get your server showing up.
Common Causes & Fixes
1. License Key Issues
Your server needs a valid license key from Portal (Cfx.re).
- Add the key in your server.cfg like this:
sv_licenseKey your-generated-key-here - Don’t reuse old or leaked keys — regenerate them if necessary.
- If your key was created in Keymaster, migrate it to Portal (since Keymaster is being deprecated).
2. sv_master1 Misconfiguration
In your server.cfg, you should have: sv_master1 ""
- This must stay empty or commented as shown above.
- If it’s removed or replaced with a custom URL, your server won’t appear in the list.
3. Firewall and Port Forwarding
Your server must be reachable externally:
- Open port 30120 (TCP and UDP) on your router and firewall.
- If you’re running locally, ensure NAT and port forwarding are correct.
- Test by connecting directly:
connect your-ip:30120
4. Configuration or Hostname Errors
Make sure sv_hostname is set and wrapped in quotes: sv_hostname "My Roleplay Server [ENG]"
- Avoid special characters or emojis that can break parsing.
- Double-check
sv_projectNameandsv_projectDescare valid — missing values can stop your listing.
5. Broken or Missing Resources
If essential resources like mapmanager or spawnmanager fail to start, the server may not register correctly.
- Check your console logs when starting.
- Temporarily disable newly added scripts to see if one causes issues.
6. Patience — First Listings Take Time
It can take 5–15 minutes after startup for your server to appear on the master list. In some cases, a player must join once before it shows up.
7. Client-Side Filters
Sometimes the problem isn’t the server but your FiveM client:
- Reset filters (region, language, etc.).
- Clear the FiveM cache.
- Try searching with fewer keywords.
- Use Direct Connect to verify reachability.
Quick Checklist
| ✅ Task | Description |
|---|---|
| License key | Unique, valid, and added to server.cfg |
| sv_master1 | Leave blank or commented |
| Ports | Open 30120 TCP + UDP |
| Hostname | Clean string in quotes, no emojis |
| Resources | Core resources run without error |
| Patience | Wait at least 10 minutes after startup |
| Client filters | Reset, clear cache, test direct connect |
Final Thoughts
Most FiveM server visibility issues come down to config errors, firewall settings, or license key problems. By following the checklist above, your server should appear for players worldwide.
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