---
title: "Rust Networking Setup"
description: "Why Rust needs its ports entered manually, and the exact startup parameters for server, query, and RCON ports."
---

> Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.vaelix.cloud/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Rust Networking Setup

Why won't my Rust server show up, and how do you set its ports? Unlike Minecraft, Rust never auto-assigns its ports. Set App Port, Query Port, RCON Port, and RCON Password manually in your panel's Startup tab, matching every value to what's listed on your server's Network tab, or Query and player management will silently fail.

## Rust needs its ports set manually

**Minecraft** typically auto-assigns all of its ports, and only sometimes gets overridden by users. **Rust** works the other way, it always needs **manual port entries** in your panel's **Startup** tab, nothing is filled in for you.

Match every value below to what's listed in your server's **Network** tab. A mismatched port here is the most common reason a Rust server fails to show up correctly, or player management breaks.

## Set these startup parameters

There's no server.properties file for Rust, these are startup parameters instead.

| Setting | File | Default | Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|
| App Port | Startup tab | (unset) | match the Network tab |
| Query Port | Startup tab | (unset) | match the Network tab |
| RCON Port | Startup tab | (unset) | match the Network tab |
| RCON Password | Startup tab | (blank) | set a strong password |

## Why this trips people up

Since none of this is automatic, a fresh Rust server, or one restored from a migration, can boot with a port blank or mismatched, and nothing errors until you actually try to use **Query** or connect over **RCON**.

> **Tip:** See our [Networking, Query, and RCON guide](/basic-help/networking-ports-and-rcon) for what these ports actually do, and our [migration guide](/basic-help/migrating-your-world-to-vaelix) if you're moving an existing Rust server over.

## Frequently asked questions

### Why doesn’t my Rust server show up?

A blank or mismatched port is the most common cause. Rust never auto-assigns its ports, so App Port, Query Port, and RCON Port must be set in the Startup tab and match your Network tab.

### Which ports do I need to set for a Rust server?

App Port, Query Port, and RCON Port, plus an RCON Password, all in your panel’s Startup tab.

### Does Rust use a server.properties file?

No. Rust has no server.properties file. Its ports and RCON password are startup parameters in the Startup tab.

Source: https://docs.vaelix.cloud/rust/rust-networking-setup/index.mdx