# How to Connect to Your BeamMP Server (/docs/beammp/join-server)



import { Step, Steps } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/steps';
import { Tab, Tabs } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/tabs';

Finding Your Server IP & Port [#finding-your-server-ip--port]

Before connecting, you need your server's IP address and port:

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Open the XGamingServer Panel [#open-the-xgamingserver-panel]

    Log in to the [XGamingServer Panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com) and select your BeamMP server.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Find the connection address [#find-the-connection-address]

    On the **Dashboard**, look at the **Connection Address** field (e.g., `192.168.1.100:30814`). Click the copy button next to it.

    {/* Screenshot needed: Panel dashboard showing Connection Address with copy button */}
  </Step>
</Steps>

Connecting [#connecting]

<Tabs items={['Server Browser', 'Direct Connect']}>
  <Tab value="Server Browser">
    Via Server Browser [#via-server-browser]

    Your server appears in the BeamMP multiplayer browser if `Private = false` in the config and your [Auth Key](/docs/beammp/auth-key) is valid.

    <Steps>
      <Step>
        Launch BeamNG.drive with BeamMP [#launch-beamngdrive-with-beammp]

        The BeamMP mod must be installed and active.
      </Step>

      <Step>
        Open the Multiplayer menu [#open-the-multiplayer-menu]

        Click **Multiplayer** from the main menu.
      </Step>

      <Step>
        Search and connect [#search-and-connect]

        Search for your server by name. Click on it, then click **Connect**. Enter the password if prompted.
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>

  <Tab value="Direct Connect">
    Via Direct IP [#via-direct-ip]

    Use this if your server is set to `Private = true` or isn't showing in the browser yet.

    <Steps>
      <Step>
        Open the Direct Connect tab [#open-the-direct-connect-tab]

        In the BeamMP multiplayer menu, click **Direct Connect**.
      </Step>

      <Step>
        Enter your server address [#enter-your-server-address]

        Paste the IP and port from the panel (e.g., `203.0.113.5:30814`).
      </Step>

      <Step>
        Connect [#connect]

        Click **Connect**. Enter the password if required.
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

Same PC / Same LAN [#same-pc--same-lan]

| Scenario           | Address to Use                                |
| ------------------ | --------------------------------------------- |
| Same PC as server  | `127.0.0.1:30814` via Direct Connect          |
| Same local network | Host's local IP (e.g., `192.168.1.100:30814`) |

> 📝 **Why "same PC" needs Direct Connect:** Most home routers don't support NAT loopback — you can't connect to your own public IP from inside the network. Use `127.0.0.1` instead.

Port [#port]

| Port | Default | Protocol  | Purpose            |
| ---- | ------- | --------- | ------------------ |
| Game | 30814   | TCP + UDP | Player connections |

Both TCP **and** UDP must be allowed. On XGamingServer, ports are assigned automatically — check the **Network** page in the sidebar if you need to verify.

Troubleshooting [#troubleshooting]

| Problem                           | Cause                                             | Fix                                                                                                               |
| --------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Server not in browser             | `Private = true` or invalid auth key              | Set `Private = false` in config. Check [Auth Key](/docs/beammp/auth-key).                                         |
| "Socket Error" on connect         | Corrupted mod files (common after BeamNG updates) | Remove mods from `Resources/Client/`, test, re-add one at a time. See [Troubleshooting](/docs/beammp/fix-issues). |
| Can't join own server via browser | NAT loopback not supported by router              | Use Direct Connect with `127.0.0.1:30814`                                                                         |
| "Connection Timed Out"            | Port not forwarded or firewall blocking           | Verify both TCP+UDP on port 30814. Check for CGNAT (WAN IP ≠ public IP).                                          |

Related Guides [#related-guides]

* [Server Configuration](/docs/beammp/server-config)
* [Auth Key](/docs/beammp/auth-key)
* [Troubleshooting](/docs/beammp/fix-issues)