RedM Server Troubleshooting

This guide covers the most common issues encountered when running a RedM server and how to fix them.

Server Won't Start

"License key not found" or "Invalid license key"

Your sv_licenseKey in server.cfg is missing or incorrect.

1. Go to keymaster.fivem.net and generate or copy your key
2. Make sure the key is set for RedM (not FiveM)
3. Open your server.cfg and verify the line:

sv_licenseKey "your_key_here"

See Create a License Key for the full guide.

Server starts but immediately crashes

Check the console output for the first error line. Common causes:

• A resource is failing to load — check the resource name matches the folder name exactly
• Missing dependency — a resource requires another resource that isn't loaded yet
• Syntax error in server.cfg — look for typos or missing quotes

"Failed to start resource [name]"

• Verify the resource folder exists in the resources directory
• Confirm the folder contains a valid fxmanifest.lua or __resource.lua
• Make sure the ensure resource-name line in server.cfg matches the folder name exactly (case-sensitive)

Connection Issues

Can't find server in server browser

• Your server may take a minute to appear — wait and refresh
• Make sure sv_hostname is set in server.cfg
• Check that your server port (default 30120) is open in your firewall

sudo iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 30120 -j ACCEPT
sudo iptables -A INPUT -p udp --dport 30120 -j ACCEPT

"Could not connect to server" error

• Verify the server is running in the console/panel
• Check that the IP and port are correct
• Try connecting via direct connect: open RedM, press F8 and type:

connect your-server-ip:30120

Players get kicked immediately after joining

• Check your server.cfg for any add_ace / remove_ace rules that may be blocking players
• Verify OneSync is enabled if you have more than 32 players:

set onesync on

Database Errors

"oxmysql: Couldn't establish a connection"

Your connection string is incorrect or the database is unreachable.

1. Check the mysql_connection_string in your server.cfg
2. Make sure MariaDB is running: sudo systemctl status mariadb
3. Verify the database user has the correct permissions
4. Make sure port 3306 is open if connecting remotely

See Set Up a Database for the full setup guide.

"Table doesn't exist" errors

The SQL schema for a resource was not imported. Each framework and many plugins include a .sql file that must be imported into your database before first run.

Import it using HeidiSQL or via command line:

mysql -u youruser -p yourdatabase < resource.sql

Framework loads but character menu doesn't appear

• Make sure the character plugin (e.g. vorp_character) is installed and ensured after the core framework in server.cfg
• Check the server console for any errors from the character resource

Performance Issues

High server CPU usage

• Check for resources with infinite loops or no wait in their tick handlers
• Use the resmon command in the server console to see resource performance:

resmon 1

This shows CPU and memory usage per resource.

Server stuttering / low tick rate

• Reduce sv_maxclients if your server hardware is underpowered
• Disable unused resources — every running resource uses CPU even when idle
• Make sure your server has at least 4GB RAM for a production RedM server

txAdmin Issues

Can't access txAdmin web interface

• Make sure port 40120 is open on your firewall
• Access it via http://your-server-ip:40120
• If running locally, use http://localhost:40120

txAdmin shows server as "offline" even when running

• Check the txAdmin terminal for error messages
• Make sure your server.cfg path is correctly set in txAdmin's configuration
• Restart txAdmin from the panel or via screen -r redm

💡 Still stuck? Join our Discord and our support team will help you troubleshoot.

Related Guides

• Configure Your Server
• Install Resources
• Create a License Key
• Set Up a Database