Skip to main content
To make yourself admin on a FREAKHOSTING MTA:SA server, type addaccount <name> <password> in the Game Panel Console, stop the server, and add <object name="user.<name>"></object> to the Admin group in mods/deathmatch/acl.xml. Start the server, join, and type /login <name> <password>. If the login is refused because of serial protection, type authserial <name> in the console and log in again.

​
Before you start

  • Your server must have been started once, so acl.xml exists.
  • Pick an account name without spaces and a strong password you don’t use anywhere else.

​
How to make yourself admin

1

Create an account

With the server running, open the Console and type:
For example addaccount alex S3cure-Pass.
2

Stop the server

Stop the server. The server can overwrite acl.xml while it runs, so always edit it with the server stopped.
3

Open acl.xml

In the File Manager, open mods/deathmatch/acl.xml.
4

Add yourself to the Admin group

Find <group name="Admin">. Below the <object name="resource.admin"> lines, add a line with user. followed by your account name:
Save the file.
5

Start the server and log in

Start the server, join it and type /login alex S3cure-Pass in chat (or login alex S3cure-Pass in the F8 console).
6

Authorise your serial

The Admin group is protected by serial on our servers. If your login is refused, type this in the panel console, then log in again:
7

Open the admin panel

Once logged in as admin, open the admin panel with the admin command. The server usually tells you to press P.

​
What is serial protection?

Every MTA player has a serial, an ID for their PC. With ACL groups protected by serial set to Admin (the value on our servers), an admin account only works from serials you have approved. A stolen admin password is then useless on another PC. Players can see their own serial with the serial command in the F8 console. We recommend you keep serial protection on; the panel warns that turning it off can also affect your server’s visibility in the master list.

​
How to add more admins or moderators

Repeat the steps for each person, with their own account. For less power, add them to SuperModerator or Moderator instead of Admin. See acl.xml explained.

​
How to remove an admin

Stop the server, delete their user.<name> line from acl.xml and start the server. To delete the account itself, type delaccount <name> in the console. To change a password, use chgpass <name> <newpassword>.

​
Frequently asked questions

​
Why does the admin panel not open?

You are not logged in, your account isn’t in the Admin group, or the admin resource isn’t running. Type start admin in the console and log in again.

​
I edited acl.xml but my changes are gone. Why?

The file was edited while the server was running and the server wrote its own copy back. Stop the server, edit again and start it.

​
Can I make someone admin without restarting?

Yes, but restarting is safer. After editing, reloadacl in the console reloads the ACL. If the server overwrote your edit, stop it and edit again.

​
Is there an admin page in the Game Panel?

No. Admins are managed in acl.xml and in game through the admin panel.

MTA server guide

Every MTA page in one place.

acl.xml explained

Groups, rights and requests.

Console commands

Every server command.

Console warnings

What fresh-server warnings mean.
Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team on our Game Panel on 2 November 2026 (MTA:SA server 1.6, 64-bit). Steps may differ slightly if the game changes. Admin steps checked against the official Multi Theft Auto wiki.

​
Need Extra Help?

If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:

​
Save on Your Hosting

Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code KB20 at checkout for 20% off your first order!
Last Updated: November 2026