> ## 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 Ban and Unban Players on an open.mp Server

> Ban and unban players on open.mp: log in to RCON, use /rcon ban or /rcon banip to ban, /rcon unbanip to unban, or edit bans.json and run /rcon reloadbans.

To ban a player on an open.mp server, log in to RCON in game with `/rcon login yourpassword`, then type `/rcon ban [ID]` for a player who is online or `/rcon banip [IP]` for an IP address. To unban, type `/rcon unbanip [IP]`. Bans are stored in `bans.json` in your server's files; after editing that file by hand, run `/rcon reloadbans`.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Needs |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 2 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING open.mp server | RCON turned on |

## Before you start

* Turn on **Enable RCON** in **Game settings** and restart. See [RCON and admin login](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/open-mp/open-mp-rcon-commands-and-admin-login.md).
* Log in in game with `/rcon login yourpassword`.
* Find the player's ID and IP with `/rcon players`.

## How to kick or ban a player

| Command | What it does | Example |
| - | - | - |
| `/rcon kick [ID]` | Removes the player; they can rejoin | `/rcon kick 7` |
| `/rcon ban [ID]` | Bans a player who is online | `/rcon ban 7` |
| `/rcon banip [IP]` | Bans an IP address, even if nobody is using it now | `/rcon banip 203.0.113.25` |
| `/rcon banip [range]` | Bans a range with a wildcard | `/rcon banip 203.0.113.*` |

Commands come from the [open.mp server documentation](https://open.mp/docs/server/ControllingServer). Use wildcard range bans with care: they can block innocent players on the same network.

## How to unban a player

**1. Find the IP**

Open **Files** and open `bans.json`. Each ban lists the IP, date, time, player name and reason. Note the IP you want to unban.

**2. Unban in game**

Log in to RCON and type `/rcon unbanip [IP]`, for example `/rcon unbanip 203.0.113.25`.

## How to edit bans.json by hand

You can also remove or add bans in `bans.json` with the [File Manager](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-file-manager.md). The server only reads this file when it starts, so after saving, either restart the server or type `/rcon reloadbans` while logged in to RCON. Keep the file valid JSON (quotes, commas and brackets), and make a [backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md) first.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does /rcon ban ban the IP or the name?

open.mp bans store the player's IP address with their name. A player who changes IP can come back, so many gamemodes add their own account bans.

### How do I see who is banned?

Open `bans.json` in **Files**. It lists every ban with the IP, date, time, name and reason.

### Can my gamemode's admins ban players?

Yes, if the gamemode has its own admin commands. Scripts ban with the `Ban` or `BanEx` functions, which add to the same ban list. Check your gamemode's documentation.

## Related guides

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

> [card] [RCON and admin login](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/open-mp/open-mp-rcon-commands-and-admin-login.md)
>
> Turn on RCON and every command.

> [card] [Set a password](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/open-mp/how-to-set-a-password-on-your-open-mp-server.md)
>
> Only let invited players in.

> [card] [Change server settings](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/open-mp/how-to-change-open-mp-server-settings.md)
>
> Game settings and presets.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 3 November 2026 (open.mp server 1.6.7.3218), with commands checked against the [official open.mp documentation](https://open.mp/docs/server/ControllingServer). 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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