# How to Get a BeamMP Auth Key for Your Server (/docs/beammp/auth-key)



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

Every BeamMP server requires an **Auth Key** to function. The key links your server to your BeamMP account via the Keymaster dashboard. Without a valid key, the server process starts but refuses connections and won't register with the BeamMP backend.

What the Auth Key Does [#what-the-auth-key-does]

The Auth Key authenticates your server with BeamMP's master server infrastructure. When your server starts, it sends the key to BeamMP's backend. If valid, the backend:

* Registers the server for the public browser (if `Private = false`)
* Enables player connections via the BeamMP client
* Associates your server with your Discord-linked BeamMP account

If the key is missing, invalid, or already in use on another instance, the backend rejects the server and no players can connect.

Generating a Key [#generating-a-key]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Log in to Keymaster [#log-in-to-keymaster]

    Open [beammp.com/keymaster](https://beammp.com/keymaster) and authenticate with your **Discord** account. This is the only login method — BeamMP doesn't have its own account system.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Create a new key [#create-a-new-key]

    Click **Keys** in the sidebar, then the green **+** button. Enter a label to identify this key (e.g., "XGaming Server 1"). The label is just for your reference — it's not shown to players.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Copy the key [#copy-the-key]

    The key appears once. Copy it immediately — you can view it again later from the Keys page, but it's easier to copy now.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Adding the Key to Your Server [#adding-the-key-to-your-server]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Via the Panel (Recommended) [#via-the-panel-recommended]

    1. Log in to the [XGamingServer Panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com)
    2. Select your BeamMP server
    3. Click **Startup** in the sidebar
    4. Find the **Auth Key** field
    5. Paste your key
    6. Restart your server from **Console**
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Via Config File [#via-config-file]

    In `ServerConfig.toml`:

    ```toml
    AuthKey = "your-key-here"
    ```
  </Step>
</Steps>

Key Limits & Rules [#key-limits--rules]

| Rule                      | Detail                                                                                                                                |
| ------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **One key per server**    | A key can only be active on one server process at a time. Starting a second server with the same key disconnects the first.           |
| **Keys per account**      | Each Discord account has a limited number of keys (typically 2–5 depending on account age/status)                                     |
| **Key sharing**           | Never share your key. Anyone with it can run a server under your identity — and any violations (ToS, abuse) are tied to YOUR account. |
| **Revoking a key**        | Delete it on the Keymaster page. The server using it immediately loses backend access.                                                |
| **Expired/inactive keys** | Keys don't expire by time, but can be invalidated if BeamMP detects abuse or your Discord account is banned.                          |

Troubleshooting Auth Key Errors [#troubleshooting-auth-key-errors]

| Console Message                                     | Cause                                                             | Fix                                                                                                  |
| --------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `No AuthKey Specified`                              | The `AuthKey` field in config is empty                            | Paste your key in **Startup** or `ServerConfig.toml`                                                 |
| `Backend system refused server! Check your AuthKey` | Key is invalid, revoked, or already running on another server     | Check Keymaster — is the key still there? Is another server using it? Generate a new one if needed.  |
| `[WARN] Backend failed to respond to a heartbeat`   | BeamMP backend is temporarily unreachable (maintenance or outage) | Wait 5–10 minutes and restart. Check [BeamMP Discord](https://discord.gg/beammp) for status updates. |
| Server starts but nobody can connect                | Key might be valid but `Private = true`                           | Set `Private = false` in config if you want browser listing                                          |

Related Guides [#related-guides]

* [Server Configuration](/docs/beammp/server-config)
* [Troubleshooting](/docs/beammp/fix-issues)