Players cannot join your Rust server

Check these in order: the server is Online, the address is right, everyone is on the same Rust build, and the slots are not full. Most join problems are one of these four.

1. Is the server online

1. Open your server in the panel. The badge must say Online.
2. Open the Console. The server is ready when it shows Server startup complete. A first start or a new map takes a few minutes: How to start your Rust server for the first time.

2. Is the address right

1. Copy it again with the copy icon next to Address on the Play with friends card, or the Join button on the server card.
2. In the game press F1 and type client.connect and a space, then paste the address. A missing or mistyped port is the most common cause.

See How to join your Rust server.

3. Same Rust build

Facepunch's updates are mandatory. A player on the new build cannot join a server on the old one, and the other way round.

1. Open Settings, then Game Settings. If a box says A newer game build is out, your server is behind. Click Restart and update now, or wait if it says the panel is waiting for Oxide or Carbon: How to update your Rust server.
2. Ask the player to restart Rust from Steam so it finishes updating.
3. If Auto Update is off, turn it on, under Show advanced, unless you are holding a build on purpose.

4. The branch

If Branch is Staging, players need the Rust Staging Branch app from their Steam library, and players on the normal game cannot join: How to switch your Rust server to the staging branch.

5. A custom map

The first connection downloads the map from your Custom Map URL, and the link must stay online. If players see World cache version mismatch: Players see World cache version mismatch on your Rust server.

6. Full server

The Active players card shows N / slots. When they are equal, new players are turned away. See How to change player slots on your Rust server.

Still stuck

Open Can't connect? on the Play with friends card and click Ask support. Include the last 50 to 100 lines of the Console and what the player sees. See How to open a support ticket.

More: Your Rust server does not show in the server list and Rust server problems and fixes.