Proxy says "Could not connect to default/fallback server" — how do I fix it?
On this page
"Could not connect to default/fallback server" means your proxy can't reach the backend it's trying to send players to. It's almost always a config or connectivity detail on the backend side.
What to check
- In the proxy config, confirm each backend's
IP:portis correct — use the backend's real connection address. - Make sure the backend server is actually online.
- Confirm the backend is in offline-mode (
online-mode=false) — a proxy can't hand off to an online-mode backend. - Verify the fallback/default server name in the config matches a listed server.
Tip: The most common culprits are a wrong
IP:portand a backend left in online-mode. Check those two first.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't the proxy connect to an online-mode backend? The proxy performs authentication itself, so backends must be in offline-mode. Set online-mode=false on each backend (and secure them with BungeeGuard).
Where do I find the backend's real address? In the backend server's Console/connection details — that exact IP:port is what goes in the proxy config.
The fallback name doesn't work — why? The default/fallback server name in the proxy config must exactly match one of the servers you've listed.
More in BungeeCord / Velocity / Proxy Networks
- How do I set up a BungeeCord/Velocity/Waterfall proxy network here?
- What is BungeeCord / a "network" and how does it work?
- How many servers/plans do I need for a network?
- "Proxy server is offline" kick when the proxy is down — how do I handle it?
- How do I secure offline-mode backends (BungeeGuard / firewall)?
- Can I open extra ports for proxy backends or plugins (BlueMap, voice chat)?