> ## 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 Arma 3 Server

> How to set a password on an Arma 3 server: enter Server Password on the Startup page and restart. The panel writes it to server.cfg. Change player slots too.

To set a password on a FREAKHOSTING Arma 3 server, open **Startup**, type it in **Server Password** and restart the server. The panel writes it to the `password` line of `server.cfg` at every start, so set it on **Startup**, not in the file. Leave the field empty for a public server. Players enter the password when they join.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel page |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 2 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING Arma 3 server | **Startup** |

## How to set or change the server password

**1. Open Startup**

Open your server in the [Game Panel](https://games.freakhosting.com) and click **Startup**.

**2. Enter the password**

Type the password in **Server Password**. Click outside the field to save it.

**3. Restart the server**

[Restart](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md). The new password applies from the next start.

**4. Join with the password**

In the Arma 3 Launcher or the server browser, join the server and enter the password when asked.

To remove the password, clear **Server Password** and restart.

## How to change the number of player slots

**Max Players** on the same page sets `maxPlayers` in `server.cfg` at every start. The default is `32`. The real limit is the lower of this number and the number of playable slots in the mission.

## Three different Arma 3 passwords

| Password | Where | What it does |
| - | - | - |
| Server password | **Startup** > **Server Password** | Players need it to join |
| Admin password | `passwordAdmin` in `server.cfg` | Lets you log in as admin in game with `#login`. See [become admin](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/arma-3/how-to-become-admin-on-your-arma-3-server.md). |
| RCon password | **Startup** > **RCon Password** | For BattlEye RCon tools. See [BattlEye RCon](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/arma-3/how-to-set-up-battleye-rcon-on-arma-3.md). |

Use a different value for each. Anyone with the admin password can kick, ban and change missions.

## Fixes when the password doesn't work

1. **Restart after a change.** The server reads the password only when it starts.
2. **Don't edit the password in server.cfg.** The panel replaces it with the **Server Password** value at the next start.
3. **Type it exactly.** Retype it instead of pasting, so no space is copied, and match capital letters.
4. **Check the server.** Compare the address you join with the address on the **Console** page.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I hide my Arma 3 server from the server list?

A password keeps strangers out, but the server still shows in the list. Players without the password can't join.

### Do headless clients need the password?

No extra step. Headless clients started by the panel use the **Server Password** automatically. See [headless clients](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/arma-3/setting-up-a-headless-client.md).

### Where can I see the current server password?

On **Startup** in **Server Password**. The `password` line in `server.cfg` shows the same value after the server has started.

## Related guides

> [card] [Arma 3 server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/arma-3/arma-3-server-hosting-guide.md)
>
> Every Arma 3 page in one place.

> [card] [Getting started](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/arma-3/getting-started-with-your-arma-3-server.md)
>
> First setup and joining.

> [card] [Become admin](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/arma-3/how-to-become-admin-on-your-arma-3-server.md)
>
> passwordAdmin and #login.

> [card] [Not showing in the list](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/arma-3/arma-3-server-not-showing-in-list.md)
>
> Find your server or join by IP.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 31 October 2026 (Arma 3 dedicated server 2.22). 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:** October 2026


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