> ## 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 Assetto Corsa Server

> How to set an Assetto Corsa server password and admin password on FREAKHOSTING: use Server Password and Admin Password on Startup, then restart.

To set a password on your FREAKHOSTING Assetto Corsa server, open **Startup** in the Game Panel, type it into **Server Password** and restart the server. To set your admin password, change **Admin Password** on the same page. The panel writes both into `cfg/server_cfg.ini` (`PASSWORD` and `ADMIN_PASSWORD`) every time the server starts, so always change them on **Startup**, not in the file.

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

## The two passwords

| Startup variable | Written to | What it does | Rules |
| - | - | - | - |
| **Server Password** | `PASSWORD` | Players must enter it to join. Empty means anyone can join. | Optional, up to 40 characters |
| **Admin Password** | `ADMIN_PASSWORD` | You type it in game with `/admin` to get admin rights | Required, up to 40 characters |

## 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 into **Server Password**. Click outside the field to save it.

**3. Restart the server**

[Restart the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md). On start, the panel writes the new value to `PASSWORD=` in `cfg/server_cfg.ini`.

**4. Tell your players**

Players enter the password when they join your server from the online list.

![Assetto Corsa Startup page showing the Server Password and Admin Password fields](https://mintcdn.com/freakhostingltd/PUDZTTTrBjlnr5Ut/images/games/assetto-corsa/ac-startup.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=PUDZTTTrBjlnr5Ut\&q=85\&s=52e0fe19e2c3308f2262f1e0d2d46265)

Server Password and Admin Password on the Startup page

## How to remove the password

Clear the **Server Password** field, click outside it and restart. The server is then open to everyone again.

## How to set your admin password

Every new server comes with an admin password already filled in. Replace it with your own:

**1. Change Admin Password**

On **Startup**, replace the value in **Admin Password** with a password only you and your admins know. It can't be empty.

**2. Restart**

Restart the server so the new password is written to `ADMIN_PASSWORD=`.

**3. Log in as admin in game**

Join the server and type this in the chat:

```text theme={null}
/admin <your admin password>
```

Example: `/admin MyRaceNight2026`. See [admin commands](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/assetto-corsa/server-admin-commands.md) for what you can do next.

## Why editing PASSWORD in server\_cfg.ini doesn't stick

On every start the panel overwrites `PASSWORD`, `ADMIN_PASSWORD` and the port lines in `cfg/server_cfg.ini` with the values from **Startup**. A password typed straight into the file is replaced at the next start. Use **Startup** instead. Everything else in the file, such as `NAME` or `TRACK`, stays as you set it.

## Frequently asked questions

### How do I find my Assetto Corsa admin password?

Open **Startup** in the Game Panel. The **Admin Password** field holds the current value.

### Why does my server password not work?

Check that you restarted after changing it and that players type it exactly, including capital letters. If a player still can't join, see [not showing in the lobby](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/assetto-corsa/assetto-corsa-server-not-showing-in-lobby.md).

### Can I make the server private without a password?

You can limit who joins with `LOCKED_ENTRY_LIST=1` and drivers' Steam IDs in `entry_list.ini`. See [entry\_list.ini explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/assetto-corsa/understanding-entrylistini.md).

### Do admins need the server password too?

Yes. If a server password is set, everyone enters it to join. The admin password only gives admin rights once you are on the server.

## Related guides

> **[Assetto Corsa server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/assetto-corsa/assetto-corsa-server-hosting-guide.md)**
>
> Every Assetto Corsa page in one place.

> **[Admin commands](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/assetto-corsa/server-admin-commands.md)**
>
> Kick, ban and skip sessions.

> **[Getting started](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/assetto-corsa/getting-started-with-your-assetto-corsa-server.md)**
>
> Name, track and joining.

> **[server\_cfg.ini explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/assetto-corsa/assetto-corsa-server-cfg-ini-explained.md)**
>
> Which lines the panel overwrites.

> **[Startup variables](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-configure-startup-variables.md)**
>
> How the Startup page works.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 30 October 2026 (Assetto Corsa dedicated server, official Kunos acServer on Linux). 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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