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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.