> ## 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 Make Yourself Admin on Your MTA Server > Make yourself admin on MTA:SA: run addaccount in the console, add user. to the Admin group in acl.xml, then log in in game and authorise your serial. To make yourself admin on a FREAKHOSTING MTA:SA server, type `addaccount ` in the Game Panel **Console**, stop the server, and add `` to the `Admin` group in `mods/deathmatch/acl.xml`. Start the server, join, and type `/login `. If the login is refused because of serial protection, type `authserial ` in the console and log in again. | Fact | Value | | - | - | | Create the account | `addaccount ` (server console) | | Admin list | `` in `mods/deathmatch/acl.xml` | | Log in in game | `/login ` | | Serial protection | On for the `Admin` group; approve with `authserial ` | | Open the admin panel | `admin` command (or the key the server tells you, usually **P**) | ## 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md) and type: ``` addaccount ``` For example `addaccount alex S3cure-Pass`. **2. Stop the server** [Stop the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md). 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-file-manager.md), open `mods/deathmatch/acl.xml`. **4. Add yourself to the Admin group** Find ``. Below the `` lines, add a line with `user.` followed by your account name: ```xml theme={null} ``` 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: ``` authserial alex ``` **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. | Command | What it does | | - | - | | `authserial ` | Approves the last serial that tried to log in to the account. | | `authserial list` | Lists the approved serials. | | `authserial remove` | Removes the newest approved serial. | | `authserial httppass` | Gives a 7-digit code to add to your password for web interface logins. | 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/multi-theft-auto/configuring-acl-xml.md). ## How to remove an admin Stop the server, delete their `user.` line from `acl.xml` and start the server. To delete the account itself, type `delaccount ` in the console. To change a password, use `chgpass `. ## 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. ## Related guides > [card] [MTA server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/multi-theft-auto/multi-theft-auto-server-hosting-guide.md) > > Every MTA page in one place. > [card] [acl.xml explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/multi-theft-auto/configuring-acl-xml.md) > > Groups, rights and requests. > [card] [Console commands](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/multi-theft-auto/mta-server-console-commands.md) > > Every server command. > [card] [Console warnings](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/multi-theft-auto/common-mta-server-console-warnings.md) > > What fresh-server warnings mean. *** > [!NOTE] > > **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](https://wiki.multitheftauto.com/wiki/Resource:Admin). > [!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 This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.