Friends can’t join server unless I join first

[QueenQuinn]

I have set up a dedicated server but for some reason my friends can’t join it unless I am in the game. I’ll leave and they will still be able to play as normal but if they log off for any reason they can’t rejoin unless I am playing. I’ve tried messing with ports and fire wall but I don’t think it’s that any suggestions?

[Nomad-555]

Have you tried altering ""playerwhitelisted.json"" file ? I've had any of my friends join my server yet to over WAN but LAN works perfectly fine when I am not at home and others in the house who wants to play can join freely