A FiveM server that won't appear in the list usually has a missing/invalid Cfx.re license key or a port issue. Here's how to fix it and connect meanwhile, plus the duplicate-key and privacy-setting traps.
Quick answer
A FiveM server that boots but does not appear in the server list (the Cfx.re masterlist) almost always has a missing, expired or reused Cfx.re license key (sv_licenseKey) or a blocked port 30120 (TCP and UDP). Generate a fresh key for this server's IP, open 30120 both ways, and make sure sv_master1 is not set to hide it. Meanwhile players can join with F8 → connect ip:30120.
A FiveM server that won't list is almost always one of two things: a missing/invalid Cfx.re license key, or a port that isn't open on both TCP and UDP. Check those two first — they cover the large majority of cases.
You need a valid Cfx.re license key
Every FiveM server needs a free license key from the Cfx.re keymaster portal, set in server.cfg. Without a valid key the server won't register or list:
sv_licenseKey "your_cfx_license_key"A key that's expired, banned, reused across servers, or registered to a different IP will stop the server listing even though it boots fine. Generate a fresh key for this server on the correct IP if in doubt.
Open the ports (TCP + UDP)
FiveM needs both protocols on the game port. If only one is open, listing and connecting break:
| Port | Protocol | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 30120 | TCP | Game + server registration (required) |
| 30120 | UDP | Game traffic (required) |
| 40120 | TCP | txAdmin web panel (optional) |
Set the endpoint / hostname
Make sure sv_hostname is set and the server can reach the Cfx backend. A key tied to a different IP, or a banned/duplicate key, stops listing.
Connect directly
In FiveM, press F8 and use the connect command, or add a favourite by IP:
connect server-ip:30120Set a valid sv_licenseKey, open 30120 on TCP+UDP, and use F8 "connect ip:port" to join while it registers.
Other reasons it won't list
- The same license key is running on two servers at once — Cfx.re rejects the second registration, so only one instance ever lists.
sv_endpointprivacy trueis intentionally hiding connection details but shouldn't hide the server itself — if it's missing entirely, check for a stuck/failed registration in console instead.- The server crashed or hung during resource startup before it reached the point of registering with the master list — check the last lines printed in console.
- An outdated FiveM server artifact that Cfx.re's master server no longer accepts registrations from.
How to prevent it
- Keep exactly one license key per running server instance — never share a key across two configs.
- Watch the console on every restart for the "registering with master server" line to confirm listing actually succeeded.
- Keep the FiveM artifact updated on a regular schedule rather than only when something breaks.
Related errors
If players hang on the connecting screen instead, see fixing FiveM stuck on "connecting" / handshake. If a resource fails to load, see fixing FiveM "couldn't load resource". For setting up a server from scratch, see how to set up a FiveM server.
FiveM is a Cfx.re / Rockstar Games project. Grand Theft Auto V is a trademark of Rockstar Games / Take-Two Interactive. ESAGAMES is an independent hosting provider, not affiliated with or endorsed by Rockstar Games, Take-Two or Cfx.re. You must own a legitimate copy of the game.