BeamMP server problems and fixes

Most BeamMP problems come down to a few causes, and the panel names most of them for you: the BeamMP server list card on Overview and the card above the Console. Find the one that matches what you see.

Key and server list

The server stops at once and the Console shows a box about an auth key

Why: no key is saved. BeamMP needs one, even for a private server.

Fix: Your BeamMP server will not start without an auth key.

The Console says Backend REFUSED the auth key

Why: the key runs another server, was deleted, or was copied wrong.

Fix: BeamMP refused your server auth key.

Players cannot find the server in the launcher

Why: it is private, it only just started, the key was refused, or BeamMP's own servers are not answering.

Fix: Your BeamMP server does not show in the server list.

The Go live card or the list card asks for a one-time update from our team

Why: your server was set up before the panel wrote BeamMP's settings for you, so saved changes cannot reach it yet.

Fix: ask us in the chat and we do it for you.

Starting

The server could not read its settings, could not open its port, or crashed

Why: a hand edit in ServerConfig.toml, a copy of the server still shutting down, a folder named like a zip, or a mod or plugin.

Fix: BeamMP server will not start or players cannot join.

A change in ServerConfig.toml is gone after a restart

Why: the panel writes that file from Settings at every start.

Fix: make the change in Settings, Game Settings: BeamMP server settings reference.

Mods and maps

Players wait forever or drop out while downloading mods

Why: a big pack, a broken zip, or a mod packed inside an extra folder.

Fix: Players are stuck downloading mods on your BeamMP server.

A new mod does not reach players

Why: the running server has not loaded it yet, it is switched off or protected, or it is not a .zip in lower case.

Fix: click Apply now, no restart on Mods & maps, and check the row: How to add mods to your BeamMP server.

The map does not load

Why: the map's mod was removed or switched off, or Map names a map that is not there.

Fix: pick it again on the Server map card: How to use a custom map on your BeamMP server.

A plugin does not load

Why: its .lua files are one folder too deep, it has an error, or the server was not restarted.

Fix: How to install server plugins on your BeamMP server.

Players

The Players page has no live list

Why: the server is stopped or starting, the PlayNHost tools are off, or they are not answering.

Fix: The BeamMP Players page says Tools not answering.

There is no Ban on a player's row

Why: the player is a guest, with no BeamMP account, or your role lacks the files permissions.

Fix: kick the guest and turn guests off, or ask the owner for the permissions: How to stop guests joining your BeamMP server, How to let a friend help run your BeamMP server.

Nobody can join after turning on the whitelist

Why: the whitelist is on and empty, or your own BeamMP ID is not on it.

Fix: How to turn on the whitelist on your BeamMP server.

Guests still get in, or never get in

Why: two switches decide it: Let guests join on the Access tab and Allow Guests in Settings.

Fix: How to stop guests joining your BeamMP server.

The Chat tab shows joins but no messages

Why: Chat logging is off.

Fix: turn it on in Game Settings and restart: How to read the chat on your BeamMP server.

Running the server

Players cannot join after a BeamMP update

Fix: restart the server to get the new build, and ask players to update their BeamMP launcher and BeamNG.drive: How to update your BeamMP server.

The server lags

Fix: How much RAM does a BeamMP server need?

Still stuck?

Open a ticket with the last 50 to 100 lines of the Console. See How to open a support ticket and How to fix a server that will not start.