# How to Set a Password on Your Nuclear Option Server (/docs/nuclear-option/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 ideal for private squadron training, organized events, competitive scrimmages, or any situation where you want to control who joins your Nuclear Option 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 Nuclear Option 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.
  </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 attempting to join your server.
  </div>
</div>

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

* **Server browser** — Your server still appears in the Nuclear Option server browser, but with a **lock icon** indicating it requires a password. Players can see the server name, player count, and mission, but cannot join without entering the correct password.
* **Direct connect** — Players connecting via direct IP will also be prompted for the password before joining.
* **Sharing the password** — Share your server password with your group through Discord, a private message, or your community website. Avoid putting the password in your [server name](/docs/nuclear-option/change-server-name) — that defeats the purpose of having one.

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 without requiring a password.
  </div>
</div>

Password via Config File [#password-via-config-file]

You can also manage the password through the server configuration file:

<div className="fd-steps">
  <div className="fd-step">
    Stop your server [#1-stop-your-server]

    Stop your server from the XGamingServer panel.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Navigate to Files [#2-navigate-to-files]

    In the sidebar, go to `Files`.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Edit the config file [#3-edit-the-config-file]

    Open the server configuration file and find the password setting. Set it to your desired password, or leave it blank to remove the password.
  </div>

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

    Save the file and start your server.

    > 📝 **Note:** If the password is set in both the Startup tab and the config file, the Startup tab value typically takes priority.
  </div>
</div>

When to Use a Password [#when-to-use-a-password]

Here are some common scenarios where a password is useful:

| Scenario              | Recommendation                                                        |
| --------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Public server**     | No password — let anyone join and grow your community                 |
| **Squadron training** | Set a password — share only with your squadron members                |
| **Competitive match** | Set a password — share with both teams before the match               |
| **Event server**      | Set a password — share with registered participants only              |
| **Testing**           | Set a password — keep the server private while you configure settings |

> 💡 **Tip:** For organized events, set the password before the session begins and share it only with participants. Change the password afterward to keep your server secure between sessions.

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