How to Set Up a TeamSpeak 3 Server
Run your own TeamSpeak 3 voice server for your community — download the server, accept the licence, claim your admin token and set up your channels. Plus the managed, always-online route.
TeamSpeak 3 is the go-to low-latency voice server for gaming communities. You can self-host the official server software, or use managed TeamSpeak hosting that's always online with a panel.
The free TeamSpeak server licence allows up to 32 slots for non-commercial use; larger or commercial setups need a licence from TeamSpeak. Always follow their licensing terms.
What you'll need
A quick checklist before you begin — have these ready and the rest is easy.
- The official TeamSpeak 3 server for your OS.
- Acceptance of the TeamSpeak server licence (free up to 32 slots, non-commercial).
- UDP 9987, TCP 30033 and TCP 10011 open.
- The ServerAdmin privilege key from first launch — copy it immediately.
Set up a TeamSpeak 3 server
Download the server
Get the TeamSpeak 3 server for your OS from the official TeamSpeak website and extract it on your machine.
Accept the licence
On first run, accept the licence agreement (set the license_accepted flag or confirm the prompt). The server won't start until you do.
./ts3server_minimal_runscript.sh license_accepted=1
Save your admin token
The first start prints a ServerAdmin privilege key (token) and the server admin login. Copy the token immediately — you need it to claim admin.
Connect with the client
In the TeamSpeak client, connect to your server IP (default port 9987 UDP). When prompted, paste the privilege key to become ServerAdmin.
your-server-ip:9987
Set up channels & permissions
Create your channels, set passwords and configure permission groups (admin, moderator, member) for your community.
Open the ports
TeamSpeak uses UDP 9987 (voice), TCP 30033 (file transfer) and TCP 10011 (query). Make sure they're open — handled for you on managed hosting.
TeamSpeak best practices
Host near players
Voice latency matters — host close to your community for crisp, lag-free comms.
Anti-DDoS
Voice servers are common targets. Filtering keeps your comms online during raids.
Mind the licence
Free = up to 32 slots, non-commercial. Larger/commercial needs a TeamSpeak licence.
Common problems & fixes
Hit a snag? These are the issues people run into most — and how to solve them.
Server won't start
You haven't accepted the licence. Start with license_accepted=1 or confirm the prompt.
I missed the admin token
Stop the server, delete the token from the logs/database as documented, or use the server-query to issue a new privilege key.
Can't connect with the client
Make sure UDP 9987 is open and you're using the right address and port.
Need more than 32 slots
The free licence is capped at 32 non-commercial slots. Larger or commercial use requires a licence from TeamSpeak.
Skip the setup — host it with ESAGAMES
Want it always online without leaving your PC on? Our protected, low-latency TeamSpeak hosting in Frankfurt is online in minutes — see our game & voice hosting.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a TeamSpeak server?
Download the official TeamSpeak 3 server, accept the licence, start it, copy the ServerAdmin token it prints, then connect with the client and paste the token to claim admin.
What port does TeamSpeak use?
UDP 9987 for voice, TCP 30033 for file transfer and TCP 10011 for the server query. Make sure they're open.
How many slots are free?
The free TeamSpeak licence allows up to 32 slots for non-commercial use; more or commercial use requires a licence from TeamSpeak.
Why host TeamSpeak instead of Discord?
TeamSpeak gives you a private, low-latency server with full control over channels, permissions and quality — ideal for clans and communities.
Is it DDoS protected with you?
On our managed TeamSpeak hosting, yes — every server sits behind our multi-Tbps Frankfurt network.
How fast is managed setup?
Automatic — a managed TeamSpeak server is ready within minutes of checkout, always online.
What ports does a TeamSpeak 3 server use?
UDP 9987 for voice, TCP 30033 for file transfer, and TCP 10011 for the ServerQuery admin interface. Forward at least 9987/udp so clients can connect; open 30033 for file transfer and 10011 only if you use ServerQuery.
Is a TeamSpeak server free?
Yes — the TeamSpeak 3 server is free for up to 32 slots for non-commercial use under its licence. Beyond that (or for commercial use) you need a licence from TeamSpeak. You only pay for hosting, not the software.
I lost my TeamSpeak admin token — how do I get admin back?
The ServerAdmin privilege key is printed once in the console on first launch. If you lost it, generate a new one from the server console (or via ServerQuery with the token command), then paste it into your client to claim ServerAdmin.
Keep reading
TeamSpeak is a trademark of TeamSpeak Systems GmbH. ESAGAMES is an independent hosting provider and is not affiliated with or endorsed by TeamSpeak Systems. You must comply with the TeamSpeak server licensing terms.