> ## 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 a Counter-Strike: Source Server

> Set a password on a Counter-Strike: Source server: enter Server password in Game settings, save and restart. Players type password in the console first.

To set a password on a FREAKHOSTING Counter-Strike: Source server, open **Game settings**, click **Set** next to **Server password** under **Server**, enter the password, save and restart. Players then type `password "yourpassword"` in the game console before `connect`, or enter it when the game asks. Leave the field empty for a public server.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel page |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 2 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING CS:S server | **Game settings** |

## How to set the server password

**1. Open Game settings**

Click **Game settings** under **GAME SETTINGS**.

**2. Set Server password**

Under **Server**, click **Set** next to **Server password** and type the password. Use letters and numbers; avoid quotes and spaces.

**3. Save**

Save and confirm with **Save changes**. The review window hides passwords, so you won't see the value in the line list.

**4. Restart**

[Restart the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md). The password is written to `server.cfg` as `sv_password`.

To change the password without a restart, type it in the [console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md). It applies to the next players who join, but is lost at the next start unless you also save it in **Game settings**:

```
sv_password "newpassword"
```

## How players join a passworded server

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

```
password "yourpassword"
connect 203.0.113.10:27015
```

From the server browser, the game asks for the password when you join.

## How to remove the password

Clear **Server password** in **Game settings**, save and restart. The server is public again.

## Server password and RCON password are different

| Password | Who uses it | What it allows |
| - | - | - |
| **Server password** (`sv_password`) | Players | Joining the server |
| **RCON password** (`rcon_password`) | You and trusted admins | Running server commands with `rcon` |

Never use the same value for both. Anyone with the RCON password controls the server.

## Frequently asked questions

### Why does my password not work?

Check that you restarted after saving, that you typed it with the same capital letters, and that you didn't add spaces. In the console, type `sv_password` to see whether one is set.

### Can I give some players a reserved slot instead of a password?

Not in the base game. SourceMod admins with the `a` flag get reserved slot access. See [add admins](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-source/adding-sourcemod-admins-in-css.md).

### Does a password hide my server from the list?

No. A passworded server still shows in the server browser, with a lock icon.

## Related guides

> [card] [CS:S server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-source/counter-strike-source-server-hosting-guide.md)
>
> Every CS:S page in one place.

> [card] [Game settings](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-source/configuring-css-game-settings.md)
>
> Every field explained.

> [card] [War server](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-source/cs-source-setting-up-a-css-war-server.md)
>
> Private match servers.

> [card] [Console commands](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-source/css-server-console-commands-and-cvars.md)
>
> `sv_password`, `rcon` and more.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 31 October 2026 (Counter-Strike: Source 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:** October 2026


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