Frequently asked questions

Short answers, each with a link to the guide that covers it in full. If yours isn't here, see Get help from a person.

Which server should I buy?#

Minecraft: a game server. A Discord bot: a bot server. Something you install yourself: a VPS. A whole machine: a dedicated server. Which server is right for me? compares them.

Where are your servers?#

All of them are in Charlotte, North Carolina, on hardware we own and our own network, AS197924. Europe is planned, not live. See Network and location.

Do you manage my server for me?#

No. VPS and dedicated servers are unmanaged: what runs on them is yours to look after. We'll help on a ticket or Discord when you get stuck. Start with Secure a new server.

Do servers get an IPv6 address?#

Not yet. IPv6 is coming soon.

Is DDoS protection included?#

Yes. Every server has mitigation at layers 3 and 4, included in the price. See Network and location.

How fast is the network, and is traffic metered?#

Each server has a 1 Gbps port, unmetered. See Network and location.

Where do I find my server's address and password?#

In the Connect card on the server's page. The root password is shown once, so save it then. See Log in for the first time (dedicated).

I lost my root password. Can you tell me it?#

No, we never store it. Reset it from the server's page; your files stay as they are. See Reset the root password (dedicated).

I locked myself out of SSH. What now?#

Use the console on the server's page, which works without the network. See Locked out of SSH (dedicated).

Why won't my server send email?#

Outbound port 25 is blocked to stop spam. Use a mail provider on port 587 or 465, or ask us to open it from the Networking tab. See Email won't send.

Can I have another IPv4 address?#

Yes. On a VPS, press Add an IPv4 on the Networking tab. See IP addresses and reverse DNS (dedicated).

Can I upgrade my VPS?#

Yes, to a bigger plan from its Upgrade tab. You pay the difference for the days left, and it restarts once. See Upgrade your plan.

Do you back up my VPS or dedicated server?#

Not yet; backups are coming soon. Until then, keep your own copies off the server: see Back up your server. Game servers and bots have a Backups tab on the panel: see Back up and restore.

How long does a dedicated server take?#

Usually the same day, and we email you when it's ready. See While your server is set up.

Why does my game server need a second site?#

Game servers and bots run on the game panel, which is made for them. The portal opens it for you, signed in. See Game servers at Darkless.

How do I upload my world, mods or bot code?#

Over SFTP, with the details from the panel's Settings tab and your panel password. See Upload files over SFTP.

My Minecraft server lags. Does it need more memory?#

Usually not. Most lag is too much work for one CPU core, fixed in the settings. See Make Minecraft run smoother.

When am I billed?#

On the same day each period, at the price you bought at. The invoice comes 14 days before. See How billing and renewals work.

How can I pay?#

By card or with PayPal. Save one as a payment method and your renewals pay themselves. See Pay an invoice and Save a payment method.

What happens if I pay late?#

Nothing straight away. Usually 7 days after the renewal date it's suspended, data kept, and paying puts it back. See A payment is late or declined.

Can I pay in advance?#

Yes, by adding credit. Your renewals spend it before anything is charged. See Add credit to your account.

How do I cancel?#

Press Cancel at renewal… on the server's page. It runs to the end of what you paid for. See Cancel a service.

Can I get a refund?#

Refunds are made by our staff. Open a ticket and quote the invoice number. See How billing and renewals work.

I used the old panel at billing.darkless.cloud. What do I do?#

Sign in to the portal with the same email and press Move my services. Nothing restarts and you keep your price. See Move your services from the old panel.

Yes. Invite them under Team, each with their own login and role. See Invite people and choose their roles.

How do I keep my account safe?#

Turn on two-factor, so a code from your phone is needed as well as your password. See Turn on two-factor.

How do I reach a person?#

Open a ticket from the portal, or ask on our Discord. See Get help from a person.