Getting your server listed and seen
Check that others can connect directly and that http://your-ip:30120/info.json loads from outside. Make sure sv_projectName and sv_projectDesc are set, sv_master1 "" is commented out, and your firewall or DDoS protection allows every Cfx.re IP from static.cfx.re/ips.txt. Allow up to 8 minutes after start. After that, visibility comes from player count, upvotes and bursts, and a clean listing with the right locale and tags.
A server that is running fine but missing from the list is one of the most common support questions. The causes are few and checkable in minutes. Once you are listed, placement depends on players, upvotes and how well your listing matches what people filter for.
Not listed: the checklist
- 1Test direct connect from another network: F8 →
connect your-ip:30120. - 2Open
http://your-ip:30120/info.jsonfrom outside — it should return JSON. - 3Confirm
sets sv_projectNameandsets sv_projectDescare set. - 4Make sure
sv_master1 ""is commented out (with#), or the server appears private. - 5Allow every address in
https://static.cfx.re/ips.txtif you use strict firewall/DDoS rules. - 6Wait up to 8 minutes after starting.
Ports in detail: ports and firewall.
“Could not contact the server browser”
An occasional message is harmless; a continuous one means the server cannot reach Cfx.re and will drop from the list. Restart, check port forwarding and firewall rules, and update allow-lists with all IPs from ips.txt — Cfx.re adds new addresses with at least a month’s notice before using them. Local development servers should set sv_master1 "" instead.
NAT and home servers
Routers or gateways that rewrite UDP source ports can stop a server from appearing even when TCP works. Home hosts may need a static-port NAT setting. A VPS avoids most of this.
What affects placement
| Factor | What you control |
|---|---|
| Players online | Retention and peak-time activity |
| Upvotes / bursts | Your community upvoting the server in the browser |
| Filters (locale, tags) | Correct locale and relevant tags |
| Click-through | Name, description, icon and banners |
Growing the player count is covered in growing your server.
The featured list
Featured servers (shown on the right of the list) are hand-picked by Cfx.re. Criteria include: no platform licence violations, a non-roleplay setting, English or multi-language support, regular updates, and joining with the Connect button without extra hurdles like Discord or allowlists. Applications are not open; Cfx.re picks servers itself.
Common questions
Why is my FiveM server not showing in the server list?
Usually a closed port or firewall, missing project name/description, sv_master1 "" left active, or blocked Cfx.re IPs. New servers can also take up to 8 minutes.
Why does my server show as private?
sv_master1 "" is active in server.cfg. Comment it out.
What is ips.txt?
The list of Cfx.re IPs that poll servers for the browser. Strict firewalls must allow all of them.
How do I get my server featured?
Featured servers are hand-picked; applications are not open. They are non-roleplay, well maintained and joinable with one click.
Want a loading screen you never have to debug?
Build it in the browser, export once, and edit it whenever — no HTML, no re-uploads.
Start free