For on-call admin work without lugging a laptop, the ASA RCON Mobile Android app (paid, $9.99 one-time) connects to the same RCON endpoints AASM and the desktop RCON Manager use. Same commands, same macros, smaller screen.
Prerequisites:
- An Android device.
- A way for your phone to reach the RCON port - either on your LAN, via a VPN, or with the RCON port carefully forwarded (note the warnings below).
- Your server's RCON host/port/password.
Step 1 - Install ASA RCON Mobile
Search for Ascended RCON Manager on Google Play, confirm that the publisher is Xelora, then purchase and install the app.
The Android app is a separate purchase from AASM. The AASM desktop package includes the desktop server manager and desktop RCON manager.
Step 2 - Make the RCON port reachable from your phone
RCON traffic must reach your server's RCON port from wherever your phone is. Two safe ways:
- LAN only: use it from the same WiFi as the host PC. No router setup needed.
- VPN home: install Tailscale / WireGuard on the host PC + your phone. Connect over the VPN. The mobile app uses the LAN IP via the VPN tunnel.
Do NOT directly port-forward the RCON port to the internet. ARK's RCON has no rate limiting and bad-password protection is weak. Anyone who finds the port can brute-force the admin password. Use a VPN instead.
Step 3 - Add a server profile in the app
Open the app → Add Server. Fill in name, host (LAN IP or VPN IP), RCON port, and admin password. Save.
Step 4 - Run commands and macros
Same RCON command vocabulary as desktop - see the RCON cheatsheet. Macros are stored per-server in the app and can be triggered with one tap.
Step 5 - Test once before you need it
Run a harmless command (listplayers) right after setup to confirm connectivity. The first time you need it is the wrong time to discover the port isn't reachable.
Ascended RCON Manager App Setup - done
You can now broadcast warnings, kick problem players, or save the world from your phone. Use a VPN for remote access - never direct port forwarding for RCON.