# How to Set Up RCON on Your Project Zomboid Server (/docs/project-zomboid/rcon)



RCON (Remote Console) lets you manage your Project Zomboid server remotely without joining the game. You can execute admin commands, monitor players, and manage the server from a desktop client.

Enable RCON [#enable-rcon]

<div className="fd-steps">
  <div className="fd-step">
    Open your server config [#1-open-your-server-config]

    On XGamingServer, go to **Files** and open:

    ```
    Zomboid/Server/[servername].ini
    ```
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Configure RCON settings [#2-configure-rcon-settings]

    Find and edit the following lines:

    ```ini title="[servername].ini"
    RCONPort=27015
    RCONPassword=YourSecurePassword
    ```

    > ⚠️ **Warning:** Always use a strong, unique password for RCON. Anyone with this password has full control over your server.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Restart your server [#3-restart-your-server]

    Restart from the **Dashboard** for the changes to take effect.
  </div>
</div>

Connect with an RCON Client [#connect-with-an-rcon-client]

You'll need an RCON client to connect. Popular options include:

| Client                                               | Platform          | Notes                           |
| ---------------------------------------------------- | ----------------- | ------------------------------- |
| [mcrcon](https://github.com/Tiiffi/mcrcon)           | Windows/Mac/Linux | Lightweight command-line client |
| [RCON-CLI](https://github.com/gorcon/rcon-cli)       | Windows/Mac/Linux | Modern CLI client               |
| [ZomboidRCON](https://github.com/Flavor/ZomboidRcon) | Windows           | Purpose-built for PZ            |

Connecting [#connecting]

Use your server's IP address, the RCON port, and the password you set:

```
mcrcon -H your.server.ip -P 27015 -p YourSecurePassword
```

On XGamingServer, find your server IP on the **Dashboard** page.

Available RCON Commands [#available-rcon-commands]

All [admin commands](/docs/project-zomboid/admin-commands) work through RCON. Some common ones:

```
players                    # List connected players
servermsg "Hello everyone" # Send server message
kickuser "username"        # Kick a player
banuser "username"         # Ban a player
save                       # Force save
quit                       # Save and shutdown
showoptions                # Show server settings
```

Security Best Practices [#security-best-practices]

* **Use a strong password** — at least 12 characters with mixed case, numbers, and symbols
* **Change the default port** — don't use the default 27015 if possible
* **Don't share RCON credentials** — only give access to trusted admins
* **Regularly rotate the password** — especially if an admin leaves your team

Troubleshooting [#troubleshooting]

**Can't connect to RCON:**

* Verify the port is correct and matches your server config
* Check that the server is running
* Ensure the RCON port is not blocked by a firewall
* Double-check the password (it's case-sensitive)

**Commands not working:**

* Make sure you're not including the `/` prefix (RCON doesn't need it)
* Verify the command syntax is correct

Related Guides [#related-guides]

See also: [Admin Commands](/docs/project-zomboid/admin-commands) | [Become a Server Admin](/docs/project-zomboid/become-admin) | [Configure Your Server](/docs/project-zomboid/server-config)

If you need help, join our [Discord](https://discord.xgamingserver.com/).