My server is not showing in the game browser

Short answer: Server lists can take 5 to 15 minutes to show a new or restarted server, and filters often hide it. Join with the server address (direct connect) in the meantime: it works even when the server is not listed.

Before you begin

• Have ready: your server address from [Your Server] > Console.
• Time needed: about 10 minutes.

What this guide covers

• Why a running server can be missing from the list
• Checks you can make yourself

Steps

1. Check the server is running. On the Console page the status must be Online, and the game’s ready message must be in the console. Servers do not appear in lists while loading.
2. Join directly. Use the server address to connect (see How to find your server IP address and connection port). If direct connect works, the server is fine and the problem is only the listing.
3. Wait. Many games list servers through a central list (for Steam games, Steam’s master server). After a start or restart, it can take 5 to 15 minutes to appear.
4. Search by exact name. Find your server name on the Startup page or in your game’s config. Search for a distinctive part of it.
5. Check the game browser’s filters:
   • “Show password-protected” or “Show full servers” may be off
   • region or ping filters may hide it
   • version filters: the game client and server must be the same version
   • a “modded” or “community” tab may be separate from “official”
6. Check the query port. Some games answer browser requests on a second port (the query port). It must be listed on the Network page and set in the game’s settings. Your game guide says whether your game needs one.
7. Check your game’s own rules. Some games hide servers until a setting is turned on (for example a “public” or “list on server browser” option). See your game guide.

Note

Some games have no public server browser at all, or only show servers that pay for listing (for example Minecraft Java Edition). For these, players always join by address.

Expected result

Your server appears in the list, or you have confirmed direct connect works while the listing catches up.

Common mistakes

• Searching for the wrong name. The name in the browser comes from the game’s settings, not the name of the server in the Game Panel.
• Looking in the “Official” tab. Hosted servers are usually under “Community”, “Unofficial” or “Dedicated”.
• Different game version. After a game update, players may be on a newer version than the server. See Updating your game server.

Troubleshooting

What you see	What it means	What to do
Direct connect works, not listed after 30 minutes	Listing problem: name, filter, public setting or query port	Steps 4 to 7
Direct connect also fails	Not a listing problem	See I cannot connect to my server
Listed but shows 999 ping or “not responding”	The browser cannot reach the query port	Check step 6
Listed only for some players	Their filters or game version	Compare their filter settings and version with yours

When to contact support

Contact support if direct connect works but the server has not appeared in the list after 1 hour, and you have checked steps 4 to 7. Include the exact server name you are searching for, the game version, which tab of the browser you are using, and a screenshot of the Network page with nothing redacted except other people’s data.

Related guides

• I cannot connect to my server
• What is a port, and which ones does my game use?
• Adding your server to your Steam favourites
• Your game’s guide in Game Guides

Last reviewed: 2026-10-05 · Applies to: Game Panel (hici 0.4.2)