How to Connect the New TeamSpeak Client (TS6) to a TS3 Server
The new TeamSpeak client (released 2025) looks completely different but connects to classic TS3 servers just fine. Here's what changed, what didn't, and what you need to do about your identity and groups.
The New Client: What It Is
TeamSpeak released a redesigned client in January 2025 — commonly referred to as TS5 or TS6 depending on who you ask (the version numbering has been inconsistent in community discussions). It's a full visual redesign with a modern interface, built-in Teams support, and an updated UX.
The important thing for most users: it is fully backwards-compatible with classic TS3 servers. You do not need to upgrade your server software. Your DustBowl.Games TS3 server works exactly the same as it always has.
Connecting to Your Server
- Open the new client
- Click the + button (Add Server) in the left sidebar
- Enter your server address (IP or domain)
- Hit Connect
That's it. The process is identical to the old client, just with a different UI. If your server has a password, you'll be prompted for it on connection — same as before.
If you have a custom domain set up, it works the same way. See How to Set Up a Custom Domain for TeamSpeak if you want one.
Your Bookmarks Don't Migrate
Old TS3 client bookmarks do not automatically carry over to the new client. There's no import tool. You'll need to re-add your servers manually:
- Connect to the server at least once (this saves it to Recents)
- Right-click the server in Recents → Add to Bookmarks
- Or use the Bookmark Manager to add it directly with the address
It's a one-time inconvenience. Once added, bookmarks in the new client work the same way.
Your Identity Changed — This Affects Groups
This is the most important thing to understand when switching clients.
The new TS client uses a different identity format than the classic TS3 client. Your new client has a new UID (unique identifier). Your old UID — the one attached to your server groups, channel admin assignments, and ban/exemption records — is no longer your active identity.
What this means: If you had Admin, Moderator, Member, or any special server group tied to your old identity, you won't have those groups when you connect with the new client. You'll show up as a fresh Guest.
What to do:
- In the new client, go to Settings → My Identities
- Copy your new UID shown there
- Give that UID to your server admin
- The admin re-assigns your groups using your new UID via Permissions → Manage Clients
If you are the server admin yourself, connect with the new client, grab your new UID from Settings → My Identities, then use your old TS3 client (or ServerQuery) to assign yourself the admin group using that new UID before you fully switch over.
TS Teams vs. Classic Servers
The new client prominently features "TS Teams" — TeamSpeak's cloud-hosted service with its own servers managed by TeamSpeak directly. This is a separate product from classic dedicated TS3 servers.
Your DustBowl.Games server is a classic dedicated TS3 server, not a TS Teams server. The new client supports both — just use the "Add Server" option with your server's address, not the TS Teams flow. The TS Teams section in the client is for TeamSpeak's own hosted product and doesn't affect your dedicated server in any way.
Old Client Still Works
If you're not ready to switch, the classic TS3 client still works fine. TeamSpeak hasn't removed it. Many communities are sticking with the old client for now, especially on servers where identity migration is impractical.
You can also run both clients side by side if needed — they use separate identity stores by default.