> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Become Admin on Your ARK: Survival Evolved Server

> Become admin on an ARK: Survival Evolved server: change the Admin password, type enablecheats in game, or add SteamIDs to AllowedCheaterSteamIDs.txt.

To become admin on an ARK: Survival Evolved server on FREAKHOSTING, set your own **Admin password** in **Game settings** with the server stopped, start the server, join, press **Tab** and type `enablecheats <your admin password>`. To make someone admin without the password, add their SteamID64 to `ShooterGame/Saved/AllowedCheaterSteamIDs.txt`, one per line, and restart the server.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel page |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 5 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING ARK: Survival Evolved server | **Game settings**, **Files** |

## Change the admin password first

A new server starts with a template admin password that is public knowledge. **Checks** on **Game settings** warns **The admin password is still the template one** until you change it. Do this before anyone joins.

**1. Stop the server**

Click **Stop**.

**2. Change the password**

Open **Game settings**. Next to **Admin password**, click **Change**, enter a new password in **New value** and click **Done**.

**3. Review, save and start**

Click **Review and save**, then **Start**.

Rules for the admin password:

* Letters, numbers, `-` and `_` only. Other symbols are rejected.
* It can't be empty. The panel uses it to save the world and stop the server cleanly.
* Keep it different from the **Server password**.

## How to log in as admin in game

**1. Join your server**

Wait for `Waiting commands for 127.0.0.1:27020` in the panel console, then join.

**2. Open the console**

Press **Tab** (the default console key on PC).

**3. Enable cheats**

Type the command with your admin password and press **Enter**.

```text theme={null}
enablecheats <password>
```

Example: `enablecheats My-Admin_42`. Admin commands then start with `cheat`, for example `cheat ListPlayers`. See [admin commands](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/ark-survival-evolved/admin-commands-guide-for-ark.md).

## How to add permanent admins (AllowedCheaterSteamIDs.txt)

Players in this file get admin rights automatically, as if they had typed `enablecheats`. They don't need the password.

**1. Find the SteamID64**

Each player's SteamID64 is a 17-digit number. As admin, `cheat ListPlayers` shows the ids of everyone online.

**2. Stop the server**

Click **Stop**.

**3. Create the file**

In **Files**, open `ShooterGame/Saved/`. Create a file called `AllowedCheaterSteamIDs.txt` (it does not exist on a new server). See [File Manager](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-file-manager.md).

**4. Add one id per line**

Enter each SteamID64 on its own line and save.

**5. Start the server**

Click **Start**.

```text theme={null}
76561198000000001
76561198000000002
```

## How to use admin commands without joining

The panel **Console** sends what you type to the game over RCON once the server is ready. You don't need `enablecheats` or `cheat` there. For example:

```text theme={null}
Broadcast Restart in 10 minutes
SaveWorld
```

## Frequently asked questions

### Why does enablecheats not work?

Check you typed the password exactly as it is on the **Startup** page under **Admin Password**, and that you saved it while the server was stopped and restarted afterwards.

### Can I have more than one admin?

Yes. Share the admin password with trusted players, or add each SteamID64 to `AllowedCheaterSteamIDs.txt`.

### Is there an admin menu?

Yes. As admin, `cheat ShowMyAdminManager` opens a window with the player list, bans, whitelist and message of the day.

## Related guides

> [card] [ARK server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/ark-survival-evolved/ark-survival-evolved-server-hosting-guide.md)
>
> Every ARK page in one place.

> [card] [Admin commands](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/ark-survival-evolved/admin-commands-guide-for-ark.md)
>
> The most used commands.

> [card] [Server password](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/ark-survival-evolved/how-to-set-a-password-on-your-ark-survival-evolved-server.md)
>
> Server password vs admin password.

> [card] [Server console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md)
>
> Send commands from the panel.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 2 November 2026 (ARK: Survival Evolved dedicated server). Admin file **checked against the official [ARK Wiki server configuration](https://ark.wiki.gg/wiki/Server_configuration)**. Steps may differ slightly if the game changes.

> [!NOTE]
>
> ### Need Extra Help?
>
> If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:
>
> * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
> * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
> * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
> * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)

> [!TIP]
>
> ### Save on Your Hosting
>
> Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order!

***

**Last Updated:** November 2026


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