# How to Add a Whitelist to Your Arma Reforger Server (/docs/arma-reforger/adding-whitelist)





import { Step, Steps } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/steps';

A whitelist restricts your server to only approved players — anyone not on the list is denied access. This is stricter than a server password since it ties access to specific player identities.

Set Up a Whitelist [#set-up-a-whitelist]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Stop the server [#stop-the-server]

    In the [XGamingServer Panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com), go to **Console** and stop your server.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Open config.json [#open-configjson]

    Click **Files** in the sidebar and open `config.json` in the server root.

        <img alt="File Manager showing config.json" src={__img0} placeholder="blur" />
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Add the whitelist section [#add-the-whitelist-section]

    Add the `playerWhitelist` array inside the `game` block:

    ```json
    "game": {
      "playerWhitelist": [
        {
          "identityId": "player-identity-id-here",
          "name": "PlayerName"
        },
        {
          "identityId": "another-identity-id",
          "name": "AnotherPlayer"
        }
      ]
    }
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Save and start [#save-and-start]

    Click **Save Content** and start the server from **Console**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Finding Player Identity IDs [#finding-player-identity-ids]

Players need to provide their **Bohemia Interactive identity ID**. They can find it:

* In the Arma Reforger game launcher
* In their Bohemia Interactive account profile
* Via the server logs once they attempt to connect

Managing the Whitelist [#managing-the-whitelist]

| Action                  | Steps                                                         |
| ----------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Add a player**        | Stop server → edit `config.json` → add new entry → restart    |
| **Remove a player**     | Stop server → edit `config.json` → delete the entry → restart |
| **Disable temporarily** | Comment out or empty the `playerWhitelist` array              |

Whitelist vs Password [#whitelist-vs-password]

| Approach      | When to Use                                                                     |
| ------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Whitelist** | Private groups, competitive events, milsim units — strict identity-based access |
| **Password**  | Semi-private servers where you trust shared passwords — easier to manage        |
| **Both**      | Maximum security — even whitelisted players need the password                   |

> **Tip:** For small private groups, a [server password](/docs/arma-reforger/server-password) is usually enough. Use whitelisting for larger or more security-sensitive communities.

> **Note:** Bohemia identity IDs are tied to accounts, not Steam IDs. Make sure players give you the correct ID type.

Related Guides [#related-guides]

* [Server Configuration](/docs/arma-reforger/server-config)
* [Set a Password](/docs/arma-reforger/server-password)
* [Ban Players](/docs/arma-reforger/ban-players)