# How to Set a Password on Your Ground Branch Server (/docs/ground-branch/set-a-password)



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

Setting a server password restricts access to only players who know the password. This is essential for private tactical sessions, clan training nights, organized operations, or any situation where you want to control exactly who joins your Ground Branch server.

Setting Your Server Password [#setting-your-server-password]

<div className="fd-steps">
  <div className="fd-step">
    Open the XGamingServer panel [#1-open-the-xgamingserver-panel]

    Log in to the [XGamingServer panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com) and select your Ground Branch server.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Go to Startup [#2-go-to-startup]

    In the sidebar, click `Startup`.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Enter your password [#3-enter-your-password]

    Find the **Server Password** field and enter your desired password. This corresponds to the `-password=` startup parameter.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Save and restart [#4-save-and-restart]

    Save your changes and restart the server.

    Players will now be prompted to enter the password when they try to join your server from the server browser or via [direct connect](/docs/ground-branch/connect-to-your-server).
  </div>
</div>

How Password Protection Works [#how-password-protection-works]

* **Server browser** — Your server still appears in the Ground Branch server browser, but with a **lock icon** indicating it requires a password. Players can see the server name, map, and player count, but cannot join without the password.
* **Direct connect** — Players connecting via the console command will need to append the password: `open 198.137.23.46:7777?password=YourPassword`
* **Sharing the password** — Share your server password through Discord, your community website, or private messages. Avoid putting the password in your [server name](/docs/ground-branch/change-server-name).

Removing the Password [#removing-the-password]

<div className="fd-steps">
  <div className="fd-step">
    Open Startup settings [#1-open-startup-settings]

    Go to your server on the XGamingServer panel and click `Startup` in the sidebar.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Clear the password field [#2-clear-the-password-field]

    Find the **Server Password** field and clear it completely (leave it empty).
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Save and restart [#3-save-and-restart]

    Save your changes and restart the server. Your server will now be open to anyone.
  </div>
</div>

Server Password vs. Admin Password [#server-password-vs-admin-password]

Ground Branch has two separate passwords that serve different purposes:

| Password            | Purpose                                         | Set In                            |
| ------------------- | ----------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------- |
| **Server Password** | Controls who can **join** the server            | Startup → `-password=`            |
| **Admin Password**  | Controls who can **manage** the server via RCON | Startup → `-ServerAdminPassword=` |

These are completely independent — you can have one, both, or neither. Setting a server password does not affect [admin access](/docs/ground-branch/adding-admins), and vice versa.

> 💡 **Tip:** For organized operations, set the server password before the session and share it only with participants. Change the password afterward to prevent uninvited players from joining future sessions.

If you get stuck at any time, you can join our [Discord](https://discord.xgamingserver.com/).