How to Change the Valheim Server Password

Changing the password of a Valheim server is useful when you want to give new players access, remove access from previous players, or improve the security of your server.

A Valheim dedicated server uses a password to prevent unauthorized players from joining.

This guide explains how to change the password of a Valheim server by editing the server startup configuration.

This guide is written for Valheim dedicated servers.

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What Is the Valheim Server Password? #

The server password is required when players attempt to join your Valheim server.

For example:

MySecretPassword

The password is separate from the server name and world name.

For example:

-name "My Valheim Server"
-world "MyWorld"
-password "MySecretPassword"

Changing the password does not change your world or player progress.

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Important: Choose a Secure Password #

Use a password that is difficult for other people to guess.

Avoid passwords such as:

12345

or:

valheim

Use a longer password containing a mixture of letters and numbers.

For example:

VikingWorld2026

Do not share your server password publicly if you want to keep the server private.

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How to Change the Valheim Server Password #

Step 1: Stop Your Valheim Server #

Stop the Valheim server completely.

Do not change the server password while the server is running.

Step 2: Open Your Server Files #

Open the File Manager in your Game Panel.

Find the startup configuration used by your Valheim server.

Depending on your setup, this may be a startup script or a startup configuration provided by your Game Panel.

Step 3: Find the -password Setting #

Look for:

-password

It may look similar to:

-password "OldPassword"

Step 4: Enter Your New Password #

Replace the existing password with your new password.

For example:

-password "MyNewPassword2026"

Keep the quotation marks if your password contains characters or spaces that require them.

Step 5: Save the Configuration #

Save your changes.

Make sure the configuration has finished saving before continuing.

Step 6: Start Your Valheim Server #

Start the Valheim server.

The new password will be required when players connect to the server.

Step 7: Give the New Password to Your Players #

Players who already know the old password will need the new password to connect.

Only share the new password with players you want to allow onto your server.

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Important Valheim Password Rules #

Valheim requires the server password to meet certain requirements.

The password must be at least 5 characters long.

The password also cannot contain the server name or world name.

For example, if your server is:

-name "My Valheim Server"

avoid using:

My Valheim Server

as the password.

Use a different password instead.

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Changing the Password Does Not Change Your World #

Changing:

-password

only changes the password required to join the server.

It does not change:

• Your world
• Your world seed
• Player progress
• Buildings
• Characters
• Server name
• World name

Your existing world will remain unchanged.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid #

Using a Password That Is Too Short #

Make sure your password is at least 5 characters long.

Using the Server Name as the Password #

Your password cannot contain the server name or world name.

Forgetting to Restart the Server #

The new password needs to be loaded by the server.

Stop and start the server after changing the configuration.

Sharing Your Password Publicly #

Avoid posting your server password in public places if the server is intended for private players.

Forgetting to Update Your Players #

Players using the old password will not be able to join after you change it.