How to Use RCON on a Minecraft Server Safely

RCON on a Minecraft server is a remote console: once you set enable-rcon=true, a port in rcon.port (25575 by default) and a strong rcon.password in server.properties, any RCON client that knows the password can send console commands over the network. It is useful for bots, scripts and admin tools. If you only want to type commands yourself, the Console in your server panel already does that without opening anything.

The Minecraft Wiki describes enable-rcon as the setting that "allows access to the server console over a network". It is off by default, and for good reason: anyone with the port and the password has full console control.

The RCON settings in server.properties

enable-rcon=true
rcon.port=25575
rcon.password=use-a-long-random-password-here
broadcast-rcon-to-ops=true

The wiki adds that RCON refuses to start with a blank password, as a safeguard. Use a long random password that you do not use anywhere else.

Do you need RCON at all?

Many people turn on RCON just to run commands when they are away from the PC. On a hosted server that is already solved.

On TheGameHosting the Console works in any browser, and Schedules can send commands and restart the server on a timer. Our guide on how to schedule automatic server restarts shows how.

How to set up RCON on a Minecraft server

1. Stop the server from the Console.
2. Open the Network tab. If it shows an additional port besides the main one, use it for RCON. If not, open a ticket and ask support for an extra port.
3. In Files, open server.properties.
4. Set enable-rcon=true, set rcon.port to that extra port and set a long random rcon.password.
5. Save the file and start the server.
6. Check the Console for a line saying the RCON listener started on your port.
7. Connect from your RCON client with your server address, the RCON port and the password, then run a harmless command such as list to test.

How to connect to RCON

Any client that speaks the Source RCON protocol works with Minecraft. A common choice is mcrcon, a small open-source command-line tool:

mcrcon -H your.server.address -P 25575 -p "your-password" "list"

Replace the address and port with the ones from your panel. Without a final command, mcrcon opens an interactive session where you type commands one after another.

Discord bots and admin dashboards that support Minecraft usually ask for the same three things: host, RCON port and password. Give them only to tools you trust, because they get the same power as the server console, including op, stop and ban.

RCON security: what to know

1. The connection is not encrypted. The password and commands travel in plain text. Do not use RCON over public Wi-Fi, and never reuse that password.
2. Anyone with the password is an admin. They can op themselves, stop the server or run any command.
3. Only open it when you need it. If the bot or tool that used RCON is gone, set enable-rcon=false again.
4. Change the password if it leaks. Edit rcon.password, restart, and update your tools.
5. On a home server, do not forward the RCON port unless a tool outside your network really needs it. Our port forwarding guide covers the game port only for a reason.

Common RCON problems and fixes

1. RCON did not start: rcon.password is blank, or enable-rcon is still false. Fix and restart.
2. Connection refused or timed out: the port is not reachable. Use the extra port from your Network tab, or ask support for one.
3. "Address already in use" in the log: rcon.port is set to the game port or to a port used by another service. Pick the extra port.
4. Authentication failed: wrong password, or extra spaces in server.properties. Copy it again carefully.
5. Commands work but you see no output in game: that is broadcast-rcon-to-ops. Set it to true if you want operators to see RCON results.

If you are just getting started with commands, our guide on how to op yourself on a Minecraft server covers permissions, and the Minecraft server console guide covers the commands you will use most.

Manage your server from anywhere with TheGameHosting

On TheGameHosting most owners never need RCON: the Console runs in the browser on your phone or PC, Schedules sends commands and restarts on a timer, Users lets you give friends access with their own login, and Activity shows who did what. When a bot does need RCON, Files gives you server.properties and support helps with the port by ticket 24/7. Servers run in Dallas or Amsterdam on AMD 9950X or 7950X3D CPUs with DDoS protection on every plan.

Plans start at $1.90 USD per month on Minecraft server hosting. Compare RAM sizes on the game server plans page, use FULL2026 for 15% off for life and get your server ready in about 60 seconds from Pricing.

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