> ## 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 CS 1.6 Server (and RCON)

> Set a password on your Counter-Strike 1.6 server with Server password in Game settings, set an RCON password, and learn how players join a private server.

To set a password on a FREAKHOSTING Counter-Strike 1.6 server, open **Game settings**, click **Set** next to **Server password** in the **Server** section, enter the password, click **Review and save** and restart. Players then type `password "yourpassword"` in the game console before they connect. **RCON password**, in the same section, protects remote console (`rcon`) commands and is not set on a new server.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel page |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 3 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING Counter-Strike 1.6 server | **Game settings** |

## Server password or RCON password?

| | **Server password** | **RCON password** |
| - | - | - |
| Cvar | `sv_password` | `rcon_password` |
| Who needs it | Every player who joins | Only you and trusted admins |
| What it does | Makes the server private | Lets you run server commands with `rcon` from the game or an RCON tool |
| Default | Not set (public server) | Not set (RCON off) |

## How to set the server password

**1. Open Game settings**

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

**2. Set Server password**

In **Server**, click **Set** next to **Server password** and enter the password. "Players need this to join. Leave empty for a public server."

**3. Review and save**

Click **Review and save**, then **Save changes**. The review hides passwords and other secrets.

**4. Restart**

[Restart the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md) so the password is used.

To make the server public again, remove the password from **Server password**, save and restart.

## How players join a server with a password

Open the game console (usually the `~` key) and type:

```text theme={null}
password "yourpassword"
connect 203.0.113.10:27015
```

Use your server's address from the **Copy address** card on the **Console** page. Players who join from the server browser are asked for the password.

## How to set and use the RCON password

**1. Set RCON password**

In **Game settings** > **Server**, click **Set** next to **RCON password**. Use a long password: "anyone with it controls the server."

**2. Save and restart**

Click **Review and save**, **Save changes**, then restart.

**3. Use rcon in game**

Join your server, open the console and type:

```text theme={null}
rcon_password "yourrconpassword"
rcon status
```

Any server command works after `rcon`, for example `rcon changelevel de_nuke`.

You don't need RCON to run commands yourself: the Game Panel [console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md) runs them directly. For in-game admin rights without sharing the RCON password, add [AMX Mod X admins](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-16/how-to-add-admins-to-your-cs-16-server.md) instead.

## Frequently asked questions

### Why is my CS 1.6 password not working?

The server hasn't been restarted since you saved, or the player typed it differently (check capital letters and spaces). Set it again in **Game settings**, save, restart and share the exact password.

### Can I see the password after I set it?

The review dialog hides passwords. The RCON password is saved as the `rcon_password` line in `cstrike/server.cfg`, which you can open in **Files**.

### Is it safe to give friends the RCON password?

No. RCON gives full control of the server. Give friends AMX Mod X admin flags in `users.ini` instead.

### Can I restrict RCON to my IP address?

ReHLDS has `rcon_adduser <ipaddress/CIDR>`: once at least one address is listed, only those addresses can use RCON. `rcon_users` lists them and `rcon_deluser` removes one.

## Related guides

> **[CS 1.6 server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-16/counter-strike-16-server-hosting-guide.md)**
>
> Every Counter-Strike 1.6 page in one place.

> **[Game settings](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-16/how-to-use-cs-16-game-settings.md)**
>
> Every server.cfg setting in the panel.

> **[Add admins](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-16/how-to-add-admins-to-your-cs-16-server.md)**
>
> Admin rights without RCON.

> **[Can't connect](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-16/cs-16-cant-connect-to-server.md)**
>
> Password and joining problems.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 30 October 2026 (Counter-Strike 1.6 on ReHLDS 3.14 with AMX Mod X 1.10). RCON commands checked against the [ReHLDS README](https://github.com/rehlds/ReHLDS) and the [Valve Developer Community](https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Rcon) on 30 October 2026.

> [!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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