verifySignatures = 2; is on by default. Fix it by putting each server mod’s .bikey file in the server’s keys folder, making sure players use the same mod versions as the server, and having players unload mods the server doesn’t allow.
How Arma 3 signatures work
With
verifySignatures = 2;, players may only load mod files signed with a key in your keys folder. Modified, unsigned or untrusted files fail the check, and our default server.cfg kicks the player (onUnsignedData and onHackedData). The value 1 is obsolete and behaves like 2. A clean server only has Bohemia Interactive’s bi.bikey.
How to fix a signature mismatch
1
Find the mod
Ask the player which mod or file the kick message names.
2
Add the key to the server
Open Files >
keys. If the mod’s .bikey is missing, upload it from the mod’s keys (or key) folder. Workshop mods in modlist.html add their keys for you on the next start.3
Match the versions
Players must have the same version of each mod as the server. Keep Automatic Updates on, restart the server after mod updates and ask players to update in the Launcher.
4
Unload extra mods
Players should load only the server’s mods. Joining from the Launcher shows the required mods and offers to set them up.
5
Restart
Restart the server after changing keys.
Allow optional mods
To let players use a mod or not, as they like (for example a sound or interface mod), add it to [Advanced] Optional Client-Side Mods on Startup as@workshopID;. The server adds its key but doesn’t load the mod. For an uploaded optional mod, copy its .bikey to keys/ and don’t add it to any mod variable.
Mods in [Advanced] Server-Side Only Mods run only on the server and players don’t need them while verifySignatures is on.
Should I turn signature checks off?
You can setverifySignatures = 0; in server.cfg to turn the check off. Players can then join with any mods, including cheats. Keep it at 2 on public servers.
Frequently asked questions
Why are players kicked even though they have the right mods?
The versions differ, or the key on the server is from an older version of the mod. Update the mod on both sides and replace the key.What does the signature check do with server-side mods?
Nothing for players. Server-side mods are not sent to players, so they don’t need the mod or a matching key.Is “v2 signatures” a separate setting?
No.verifySignatures = 2; is the setting. Older guides mention version 1, which is obsolete.
Related guides
Arma 3 server guide
Every Arma 3 page in one place.
Install mods
modlist.html and keys.
Mods not loading
Fix modlist and folder problems.
BattlEye filters
Script restriction kicks.
server.cfg explained
verifySignatures and other lines.
Checked against the official Bohemia Interactive addon signatures page and server config page on 31 October 2026; panel steps tested on our Game Panel (Arma 3 dedicated server 2.22). Details may change with game updates.
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Last Updated: October 2026