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RCON (remote administration)

RCON sends commands to your Rust server and reads its console from an external tool, such as a phone app or a desktop admin program.

note

The panel Console already runs commands. You only need RCON for an external tool.

What you need​

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

The 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 at startup, so a change needs a restart. Without a password you cannot log in to RCON.

Connect with a tool​

  1. Open your tool.
  2. Add a 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, which connect from your browser.

Only use tools you trust: 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, already open on your server. Pair it from inside the game (Rust+ section of the menu). It does not need your RCON password.

Security tips​

  • Use a long, unique password.
  • Never post your RCON password, or screenshots showing it, in Discord or forums.
  • Change it, then restart the server, whenever someone who knew it leaves your admin team.
  • 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. For a different port, contact support.

Common problems​

  • Cannot connect or connection times out. The server must be running and fully started, and you must use the RCON port from Settings, not the game port.
  • Wrong password. Copy it exactly from server.cfg, without the quotes, and restart after changing it.
  • Works from the panel console but not from a tool. The tool must use WebRCON. If it still fails, open a ticket.

Related: server.cfg, Players, Settings.