> ## 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 Set a Password on Your ARK: Survival Evolved Server

> Set or remove a password on an ARK: Survival Evolved server with Server password in Game settings. Stop the server first; keep it apart from the admin password.

To set a password on an ARK: Survival Evolved server on FREAKHOSTING, stop the server, open **Game settings**, click **Set** next to **Server password** in **Server**, enter the password, click **Review and save** and start the server. Players then enter it when they join. Leave **Server password** empty for an open server. The **Admin password** is a different setting: it unlocks admin commands.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel page |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 3 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING ARK: Survival Evolved server | **Game settings** > **Server** |

## Server password or admin password?

| Setting | Who uses it | What it does |
| - | - | - |
| **Server password** | Every player | Needed to join. Empty means anyone can join. |
| **Admin password** | Only admins | Unlocks admin commands with `enablecheats <password>`. The panel also uses it to stop the server cleanly, so it can't be empty. |

Never use the same value for both. Anyone who knows the admin password can use admin commands.

## How to set the server password

**1. Stop the server**

Click **Stop**. Settings saved while ARK runs are overwritten when it stops.

**2. Set the password**

Open **Game settings**. Next to **Server password**, click **Set** and enter the password.

**3. Review and save**

Click **Review and save**. The password is saved on the **Startup** page as **Server Password**.

**4. Start the server**

Click **Start** and wait for `Waiting commands for 127.0.0.1:27020` in the console.

Use letters, numbers, `-` and `_` only (1 to 100 characters). Other symbols are rejected by the **Startup** page.

## How to remove the password

Stop the server, clear **Server password** in **Game settings**, click **Review and save** and start the server.

## How players join a password server

Players find the server under **Unofficial** in **Join ARK**. If it is hidden, they check the server list filters for password-protected servers. The game asks for the password when they join. Share the password privately, for example in your Discord.

## Frequently asked questions

### Why does the password not work?

Check that the server was stopped when you saved and that you started it again afterwards. Then check the value on the **Startup** page under **Server Password** and type it exactly as shown.

### Can I whitelist players instead of using a password?

ARK has a whitelist mode with the `-exclusivejoin` argument and the `PlayersJoinNoCheckList.txt` file. We have not tested it on our servers; a server password is the simplest way to keep a server private.

### How do I change the admin password?

Use **Change** next to **Admin password** in **Game settings**. See [become admin](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/ark-survival-evolved/how-to-become-admin-on-your-ark-survival-evolved-server.md).

## 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] [Become admin](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/ark-survival-evolved/how-to-become-admin-on-your-ark-survival-evolved-server.md)
>
> Admin password and enablecheats.

> [card] [Getting started](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/ark-survival-evolved/getting-started-with-your-ark-survival-evolved-server.md)
>
> First setup and joining.

> [card] [Not showing in the list](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/ark-survival-evolved/ark-survival-evolved-server-not-showing-in-list.md)
>
> Find your server.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 2 November 2026 (ARK: Survival Evolved dedicated server). 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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