How to Enable and Configure a Password on Your Garry's Mod Server

By default, your Garry's Mod server is open to anyone who finds it in the server browser. If you want to keep your sessions private, setting a server password is the easiest way to control who gets in. Only players who know the password will be able to connect.

This guide walks you through enabling and changing a server password using the RiverHosting panel, with no file editing required.

Before you start

• You need an active Garry's Mod server on your RiverHosting account.
• Log in to the RiverHosting panel at panel.riverhosting.com.
• Your server should be running so you can confirm the change takes effect.

1. Open the Server Config page

The Server Config page in your Garry's Mod server gives you a straightforward way to manage common settings, including the server password.

1. Go to panel.riverhosting.com and open your Garry's Mod server.
2. In the left-hand menu, click Server Config.
3. Look for the password field. It is usually labelled something like Server Password or sv_password.
4. Type the password you want players to use into that field.
5. Save your changes using the save button on the page.

2. Restart your server to apply the change

After saving the Server Config, you need to restart the server so the new password takes effect.

1. In the left-hand menu, click Console or use the restart button at the top of your server page.
2. Click Restart to reboot the server.
3. Wait for the server to come back online. This usually takes under a minute.

3. How players enter the password to join

When your server has a password set, players will see a prompt when they try to connect through the in-game server browser or by using a direct connection. They simply type the password and click connect.

To find your server's connection details, such as the IP address and port, go to the Network page in the left-hand menu. Share those details along with the password with the people you want to invite.

4. How to remove the password later

If you want to open your server to the public again, removing the password is just as easy.

1. Go back to Server Config in the left-hand menu.
2. Clear the password field so it is empty.
3. Save your changes.
4. Restart the server to apply the change.

Once the server restarts with no password set, anyone will be able to join without being prompted.

Troubleshooting

• Players can still join without a password. Make sure you restarted the server after saving. Changes to Server Config only apply after a restart.
• Players say the password is not working. Double-check the password in Server Config for any extra spaces or typos. Save and restart again if you make a correction.
• The Server Config page does not show a password field. Try refreshing the page. If the field is still missing, contact RiverHosting support for help.
• The server is not coming back online after a restart. Check the Console tab for any error messages that appear during startup.

Need help?

If you run into any issues setting up or removing your Garry's Mod server password, the RiverHosting support team is ready to help.