> ## 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 a SA-MP Server

> How to ban and unban players on SA-MP: log in to RCON, use /rcon ban or /rcon banip, and unban with /rcon unbanip or by editing samp.ban and running reloadbans.

To ban a player on a SA-MP server, log in to RCON in game with `/rcon login <password>` and type `/rcon ban <player ID>`, or `/rcon banip <IP>` to ban an address. SA-MP bans by IP address and stores bans in the `samp.ban` file. To unban, type `/rcon unbanip <IP>`, or delete the line from `samp.ban` in **Files** and run `/rcon reloadbans`.

| Fact | Value |
| - | - |
| Ban type | IP address |
| Ban file | `samp.ban` |
| Needs | RCON login (**Rcon password** on **Startup**) |
| Survives a restart | Yes, bans are saved in the ban file |

## Before you start

* Log in to RCON in game. See [RCON commands](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/samp/samp-rcon-commands.md).
* Use `/rcon players` to see who is online, with their IP address.

## How to kick or ban a player

| Goal | Command | Example |
| - | - | - |
| Kick a player (they can rejoin) | `/rcon kick <ID>` | `/rcon kick 3` |
| Ban a player who is online | `/rcon ban <ID>` | `/rcon ban 3` |
| Ban an IP address | `/rcon banip <IP>` | `/rcon banip 203.0.113.25` |
| Ban a range of addresses | `/rcon banip` with `*` | `/rcon banip 203.0.113.*` |

`/rcon ban` bans the player's IP address, so it also blocks anyone else who connects from that address.

## How to unban a player

### With a command

**1. Find the IP address**

Open `samp.ban` in **Files** and find the player's IP address.

**2. Unban the address**

In game, logged in to RCON, type:

```text theme={null}
/rcon unbanip 203.0.113.25
```

### By editing the ban file

**1. Open samp.ban**

In the [Game Panel](https://games.freakhosting.com), open your server, click **Files** and open `samp.ban`.

**2. Delete the line**

Delete the player's line and save the file. See the [File Manager guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-file-manager.md).

**3. Reload the bans**

The server reads `samp.ban` only when it starts. Run `/rcon reloadbans` in game, or [restart the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md).

## How to ban someone who is offline

Add their IP address with `/rcon banip <IP>`. You need to know the address; `/rcon players` shows it while they are online, so note it before they leave.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does my gamemode have its own ban system?

Many roleplay and freeroam gamemodes keep their own bans, often by account name in a database. Those are separate from `samp.ban`. Unban those players with the gamemode's own command or tool.

### Why can a banned player still join?

Their IP address has probably changed. RCON bans are by IP only. Ban the new address, or use your gamemode's account bans.

### Can I see the reason for a ban?

When a script bans with `BanEx`, the reason is saved with the ban. Open `samp.ban` to see it.

### Who can ban players?

Anyone logged in to RCON, and admins of your gamemode if it has an admin system. Keep the **Rcon password** private.

## Related guides

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

> [card] [RCON commands](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/samp/samp-rcon-commands.md)
>
> Log in as admin.

> [card] [Set a server password](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/samp/how-to-set-a-password-on-your-samp-server.md)
>
> Only let friends join.

> [card] [Server logs](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-read-server-logs.md)
>
> Read your server's log files.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Checked against the official [open.mp RCON documentation](https://open.mp/docs/server/ControllingServer)** and the [SA-MP wiki](https://sampwiki.blast.hk/wiki/Controlling_Your_Server) on 3 November 2026 (SA-MP 0.3.7-R2). Commands may differ slightly if your gamemode changes them.

> [!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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