> ## 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 SA-MP Server

> How to set a SA-MP server password: add a password line to server.cfg and restart, or use /rcon password in game. Remove it with /rcon password 0.

To set a password on a FREAKHOSTING SA-MP server, open `server.cfg` in **Files**, add a line such as `password mysecret` and restart the server. Only players who enter that password can join. As an RCON admin you can also set it in game with `/rcon password mysecret` and remove it with `/rcon password 0`; that change lasts until the next restart.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel page |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 3 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING SA-MP server | **Files** |

## Server password or RCON password?

| | Server password | RCON password |
| - | - | - |
| What it does | Locks the server: players need it to join | Logs a player in as admin |
| Where to set it | `password` line in `server.cfg` | **Rcon password** on **Startup** |
| Used with | The launcher's password prompt | `/rcon login <password>` in game |

Never use your RCON password as the server password. Anyone who can join would then be able to log in as admin.

## How to set a password in server.cfg

**1. Open server.cfg**

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

**2. Add the password line**

A new server has no `password` line. Add one, for example:

```text theme={null}
password mysecret
```

**3. Save and restart**

Save the file and [restart the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md). The password stays set after every restart.

**4. Test it**

Connect with the open.mp launcher. It asks for the password before you join. See [connect to your server](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/samp/how-to-connect-to-a-samp-server.md).

To remove the password for good, delete the `password` line and restart.

## How to set or remove the password in game

Log in to RCON first (`/rcon login <your RCON password>`). Then:

| Goal | Command |
| - | - |
| Set or change the password | `/rcon password mysecret` |
| Remove the password | `/rcon password 0` |

Changes made in game last until the server restarts. Then the server uses the `password` line in `server.cfg` again. See [RCON commands](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/samp/samp-rcon-commands.md).

## How to change the RCON password

Open **Startup**, type a new value in **Rcon password**, click outside the field (it saves on its own) and restart. Don't change `rcon_password` in `server.cfg`: the panel writes the **Startup** value there at every start. The field can't be empty.

![SA-MP Startup page showing the Rcon password variable used for the admin login](https://mintcdn.com/freakhostingltd/m3ZOEtGPuZd9DW2_/images/games/samp/samp-startup.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=m3ZOEtGPuZd9DW2_\&q=85\&s=e5b91dcc2e020a53f72eb7f8f44d93e4)

The Rcon password variable on the Startup page

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I make my SA-MP server private without a password?

Turn off the server list with `announce 0` so the server isn't advertised. Players with the address can still join, so use a `password` for real privacy.

### Does a password hide my server from the server list?

No. A server with a password can still be listed when `announce 1` is set. Players who filter the open.mp launcher to **Unpassworded Servers** won't see it.

### I forgot my server password. How do I find it?

Open `server.cfg` in **Files** and look at the `password` line.

### Why is my old password still asked after I deleted the line?

The server reads `server.cfg` only when it starts. Restart it after you save.

## 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)
>
> Admin login and commands.

> [card] [server.cfg explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/samp/samp-server-cfg-explained.md)
>
> Every setting and its default.

> [card] [Connect to your server](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/samp/how-to-connect-to-a-samp-server.md)
>
> Join with the password prompt.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 3 November 2026 (SA-MP 0.3.7-R2 Linux server). Password commands checked against the official [open.mp documentation](https://open.mp/docs/server/ControllingServer) on 3 November 2026. 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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