# How to Become an Admin on Your Project Zomboid Server (/docs/project-zomboid/become-admin)



Becoming an admin on your Project Zomboid server lets you manage players, spawn items, control weather, and maintain the server environment. This guide covers how to set up admin access.

Set Admin via In-Game Command [#set-admin-via-in-game-command]

If someone is already an admin on the server, they can promote other players:

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  <div className="fd-step">
    Connect to the server [#1-connect-to-the-server]

    Join your server and have the player you want to promote connect as well.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Open chat [#2-open-chat]

    Press **T** to open the chat window.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Set the access level [#3-set-the-access-level]

    Type the following command:

    ```
    /setaccesslevel "YourUsername" admin
    ```

    Replace `YourUsername` with the exact in-game name.
  </div>
</div>

Set Admin via Server Files [#set-admin-via-server-files]

If no one has admin access yet, you can set it through the server files.

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  <div className="fd-step">
    Open the server database [#1-open-the-server-database]

    On XGamingServer, go to **Files** in your panel. Navigate to:

    ```
    Zomboid/db/[servername].db
    ```
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Edit via console [#2-edit-via-console]

    Alternatively, use the **Console** in your panel. When the server starts, you can type:

    ```
    setaccesslevel "YourUsername" admin
    ```
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Restart if needed [#3-restart-if-needed]

    Some changes require a server restart from the **Dashboard**.
  </div>
</div>

Access Levels Explained [#access-levels-explained]

Project Zomboid has five access levels, each with different permissions:

| Level                | Permissions                                                      |
| -------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Admin**            | Full access — all commands, server management, player management |
| **Moderator**        | Kick/ban players, teleport, send server messages                 |
| **Overseer**         | Limited moderation — view player info, basic management          |
| **GM** (Game Master) | Spawn items, create hordes, manage gameplay elements             |
| **Observer**         | Invisibility, spectate players, view-only access                 |

Change or Remove Access [#change-or-remove-access]

To change someone's access level:

```
/setaccesslevel "Username" moderator
```

To remove admin access entirely:

```
/setaccesslevel "Username" none
```

Best Practices [#best-practices]

* **Don't give everyone admin** — use moderator or GM for most helpers
* **Keep a record** of who has elevated access
* **Use observer mode** to investigate reports without being seen
* **Always have at least two admins** in case one loses access

Related Guides [#related-guides]

See also: [Admin Commands](/docs/project-zomboid/admin-commands) | [Ban and Unban Players](/docs/project-zomboid/ban-players) | [Set a Password](/docs/project-zomboid/server-password)

If you need help, join our [Discord](https://discord.xgamingserver.com/).