rustdesk not ready please check your connection

3 min read 24-02-2025

Troubleshooting "RustDesk Not Ready: Please Check Your Connection"

Getting the "RustDesk not ready: Please check your connection" error message can be frustrating. This comprehensive guide will walk you through troubleshooting this common issue and getting your remote desktop connection up and running. We'll cover everything from basic network checks to more advanced solutions.

Understanding the Error

The "RustDesk not ready: Please check your connection" error indicates a problem with the communication between your RustDesk client and either the server or another RustDesk client. This could stem from various network-related issues, firewall restrictions, or even conflicting software. Let's dive into the solutions.

1. Basic Network Connectivity Checks

Before delving into complex solutions, let's rule out the simplest problems:

Internet Connection: Ensure you have a stable internet connection on both the host and client machines. Try browsing the internet on both devices to confirm. A slow or intermittent connection is a common culprit.
Network Cable/Wi-Fi: If using an Ethernet cable, check for loose connections. If on Wi-Fi, ensure you're connected to a strong signal. Try moving closer to your router or restarting your Wi-Fi router and modem.
Firewall/Antivirus: Temporarily disable your firewall and antivirus software to see if they're blocking RustDesk's communication. If this resolves the issue, you'll need to configure your security software to allow RustDesk through (more on this below).

2. Checking RustDesk's Network Settings

RustDesk allows for customization of its network settings. Let's see if any adjustments are needed:

Port Forwarding: RustDesk utilizes specific ports for communication. If you're connecting through a router, ensure these ports are correctly forwarded to your computer's internal IP address. Consult your router's documentation for instructions on port forwarding. The specific ports may vary based on your RustDesk version and configuration, so refer to the RustDesk documentation for the correct ports.
Network Interface: Ensure RustDesk is using the correct network interface. If you have multiple network adapters (e.g., Ethernet and Wi-Fi), RustDesk might be trying to use the wrong one.
VPN: If you are using a VPN, try temporarily disabling it to see if it's interfering with the connection. VPNs can sometimes block or disrupt the communication needed for RustDesk.

3. Firewall and Antivirus Configuration

If disabling your firewall and antivirus solved the problem temporarily, you need to add RustDesk as an exception.

Windows Firewall: Search for "Windows Firewall" in the Windows search bar, open the app, and add RustDesk.exe as an allowed application.
Other Firewalls: Consult your firewall's documentation for instructions on adding exceptions. The specific steps will differ depending on your firewall software.
Antivirus Software: Similar to firewalls, you might need to add RustDesk to your antivirus software's exceptions list.

4. Router and Modem Troubleshooting

Router Reboot: Restarting your router and modem can often resolve temporary network glitches. Unplug them, wait 30 seconds, plug them back in, and wait for them to fully restart.
IP Address Conflict: A conflicting IP address can disrupt network communication. Check your network settings to ensure no other device is using the same IP address as your computer.
DNS Server: Try changing your DNS server to a public DNS like Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1).

5. RustDesk Client and Server Issues

Restart RustDesk: Sometimes a simple restart of the RustDesk application on both the host and client machines can resolve the issue.
Reinstall RustDesk: If restarting doesn't work, try uninstalling and reinstalling RustDesk on both machines. This ensures you have a clean installation and eliminates any potential corrupted files.
Check for Updates: Make sure you are using the latest version of RustDesk. Outdated software can have bugs that cause connection problems.

6. Advanced Troubleshooting

If none of the above solutions work, consider these advanced steps:

Check your network's port status using a port checker tool to determine if the ports are open and accessible from the outside.
Inspect your router's logs for any error messages related to RustDesk or the ports it uses.
Consult the RustDesk official forums or support channels: You may find solutions to specific problems or issues related to your setup.

By systematically working through these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the "RustDesk not ready: Please check your connection" error and regain access to your remote desktop. Remember to check your network settings, firewall, and antivirus software, and don't hesitate to restart your devices and software. If the problem persists, seeking help from the RustDesk community or support is a good next step.