> ## 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:GO Server (sv_password)

> Set a password on a CS:GO server: add sv_password to csgo/cfg/server.cfg in Files and restart. Players join with password and connect in the game console.

To set a password on a FREAKHOSTING CS:GO server, open **Files**, edit `csgo/cfg/server.cfg`, add `sv_password "YourPassword"` and restart the server. Players then type `password YourPassword` in the CS:GO console before `connect 203.0.113.10:27015`, using your own address. To remove the password, delete the line or set `sv_password ""` and restart.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel page |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 5 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING CS:GO server | **Files** |

## Before you start

* Your server has no password by default. Anyone with the address can join.
* The join password (`sv_password`) is not the same as the RCON password (`rcon_password`). Use different values. See [set up RCON](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/how-to-set-up-rcon-on-your-csgo-server.md).

## How to add a password to your CS:GO server

**1. Open server.cfg**

In the [Game Panel](https://games.freakhosting.com), click **Files**, go to `csgo/cfg/` and open `server.cfg`.

**2. Add sv\_password**

Add this line on its own line:

```cfg theme={null}
sv_password "YourPassword"
```

Save the file.

**3. Restart the server**

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

## How players join a password-protected CS:GO server

**1. Open the console**

Turn on the developer console in the CS:GO game settings, then press the console key.

**2. Enter the password**

Type `password YourPassword` and press Enter.

**3. Connect**

Type `connect` with the IP and port from the panel, for example `connect 203.0.113.10:27015`.

## Password tips

| Do | Avoid |
| - | - |
| Use letters and numbers, for example `Friday2026` | Spaces and quotes inside the password |
| Share it only with your players | Reusing your RCON or Steam password |
| Change it after someone leaves your group | Posting it in public chats |

## How to remove the password

Delete the `sv_password` line, or change it to `sv_password ""`, save and restart the server.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I change the CS:GO server password without a restart?

Yes. Type `sv_password "NewPassword"` in the panel [console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md). It applies until the server restarts, so also update `server.cfg` to keep it.

### Do players already on the server get kicked when I set a password?

The password is checked when players connect. To make everyone rejoin with it, restart the server.

### Is a password enough to keep my server private?

It stops people joining without it. Your server can still appear in the server list, but only players with the password can join.

## Related guides

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

> [card] [Set up RCON](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/how-to-set-up-rcon-on-your-csgo-server.md)
>
> Remote admin password.

> [card] [server.cfg explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/csgo-server-cfg-explained.md)
>
> Every default line.

> [card] [Getting started](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/getting-started-with-your-csgo-server.md)
>
> Full first-time setup.

> [card] [File Manager](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-file-manager.md)
>
> Edit files in the panel.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 3 November 2026 (Counter-Strike: Global Offensive legacy, version 1.38.8.1). 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:** November 2026


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