# Set Up a Whitelist on Your Valheim Server (/docs/valheim/whitelist)



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

Valheim's whitelist (called the **permitted list**) restricts access to specific players. Unlike a password — which anyone with the password can use — the whitelist locks the server to specific Steam or PlayFab IDs.

How the Whitelist Works [#how-the-whitelist-works]

| State                                  | Who Can Join                      |
| -------------------------------------- | --------------------------------- |
| `permittedlist.txt` has entries        | **Only listed players** can join  |
| `permittedlist.txt` is empty / missing | Anyone with the password can join |

The whitelist accepts **SteamID64** (Steam players) or **PlayFab ID** (crossplay players).

Enable the Whitelist [#enable-the-whitelist]

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

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

  <Step>
    Open permittedlist.txt [#open-permittedlisttxt]

    Click **Files** in the sidebar and open `permittedlist.txt` in the server root. If it doesn't exist, create it.

    {/* Screenshot needed: File Manager showing permittedlist.txt */}
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Add player IDs [#add-player-ids]

    One ID per line:

    ```
    76561198012345678
    76561198087654321
    76561198011111111
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Start the server [#start-the-server]

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

Find a Player's ID [#find-a-players-id]

| Player Type                    | How to Find                                                                                                                       |
| ------------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Steam (PC)**                 | Press **F2** in-game while connected — shows all players' SteamID64. Or look up their profile at [steamid.io](https://steamid.io) |
| **Crossplay (Xbox/Game Pass)** | Press **F2** in-game to see PlayFab IDs, or check **Console** for connection logs                                                 |

Remove a Player [#remove-a-player]

Edit `permittedlist.txt`, delete the player's line, save, and restart the server.

Disable the Whitelist [#disable-the-whitelist]

To allow any player (with the password) to join again, either delete `permittedlist.txt` entirely or remove all entries from it.

Whitelist vs Password [#whitelist-vs-password]

| Feature          | Password                          | Whitelist                           |
| ---------------- | --------------------------------- | ----------------------------------- |
| **Protection**   | Anyone with the password can join | Only specific players can join      |
| **Sharing risk** | Passwords leak easily             | IDs are unique to each player       |
| **Management**   | One password for everyone         | Per-player control                  |
| **Best for**     | Semi-private friend groups        | Fully private / trusted communities |

> **Tip:** For maximum security, use **both** a password and a whitelist. The password prevents random connection attempts and the whitelist ensures only approved players get in.

Related Guides [#related-guides]

* [Set a Password](/docs/valheim/server-password)
* [Make Server Private](/docs/valheim/private-setup)
* [Admin Setup](/docs/valheim/admin-setup)
* [Ban & Kick Players](/docs/valheim/ban-and-kick-players)