If you're unable to access your server, follow the steps below. These checks will help you quickly identify whether the issue is local, network-related, or server-side.

You can also follow along with this video guide: How to get your server back online.

1. Check your local connectivity

Before investigating server-side issues, make sure the problem is not caused by your local network.

• Try accessing your server from a different network (e.g. mobile hotspot).
• Disable any local firewall, VPN, or corporate network restrictions temporarily.
• Test from another device if possible.

If the connection works from another network, the issue is likely related to your ISP or local configuration.

2. Check the Server Status page

Visit the Contabo Status Page to see if there are any ongoing incidents affecting your server or data center.

If there are no reported issues, continue with the steps below.

3. Restart your server

A restart can often resolve temporary issues.

Follow this guide: How to restart your server.

4. Try accessing your server via VNC

If you have a VPS or VDS, you can connect via VNC:

• VNC connection guide

If VNC works but other connection methods do not, the issue is likely caused by:

• Firewall configuration
• Incorrect ports
• Network misconfiguration

Use this guide to troubleshoot: Network configuration troubleshooting.

5. Use the “Can’t connect to server” tool

The interactive troubleshooting tool in the Customer Control Panel can help diagnose and resolve common issues.

How to access it:

1. Open the Customer Control Panel
2. Go to Your Services
3. Click Manage next to your server
4. Select "I can't connect to this server"

The tool will guide you through possible causes and solutions, and allows you to create a support ticket if needed.

If the issue persists

Check network configuration changes

If you recently modified your network settings, review this guide: Fix network configuration issues.

Boot into a rescue system

You can boot your server into a rescue system to troubleshoot and fix issues.

• Available for VPS and VDS
• Accessible via the Customer Control Panel

Guide: How to boot a rescue system.

Use KVM over IP (Dedicated Servers)

KVMoIP provides direct access to your server as if you were physically present.

• Available for dedicated servers
• Requires setup by support

Contact support via the Customer Control Panel. How do I submit a ticket to Contabo Customer Support?

Run diagnostics

If you're still unsure about the cause, run diagnostics on your server:

How to run server diagnostics

New to server access?

If this is your first time connecting, see How do I connect to my Contabo server for the first time?

Video guide

If the video does not load, you can watch it on YouTube: Watch here.