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# How do I set a password on my Minecraft server?


# 🔒 How to Set a Password (Whitelist) for Your Minecraft Server

| **Quick Tip:** Looking for a Minecraft server? Visit [Empower Servers](https://empowerservers.com/) and use coupon code **GETSTARTED** for 50% off your first month.
* * ---

## 🧠 Can You Set a Password on Minecraft Servers?

Minecraft **does not support setting a password** for joining a server.  
However, you can **restrict access** by using a **whitelist**, which only allows specific players to connect.

✅ Whitelisting is the safest and most common way to make your server private.
* * ---

## 🛠️ How to Restrict Access with a Whitelist:

1. **Log into the [Control Panel](https://control.empowerservers.com/).**
    
2. **Click 'Manage'** next to your server.
    
    ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/8/5/b/c/85bc5985980c3800/image_3h5v0r.png)
    
3. **Navigate to 'File Management'.**
    
    ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/8/5/b/c/85bc5985980c3800/image_cvgzs8.png)
    
4. **Open the `server.properties` file.**
    
    ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/8/5/b/c/85bc5985980c3800/image_ukdnad.png)
    
5. **Set these two options:**

```
white-list=true
    enforce-whitelist=true
```
    
6. **Save the file and restart your server.**
    
---

## 👥 How to Add Players to the Whitelist

You can whitelist players using the **Console** or the **Players page**:

* **Console Command:**

```
whitelist add playername
```
---

## ❗ Important Security Notes

* **Never disable online mode** ( `online-mode=false`) unless you **know exactly what you're doing** — it disables Mojang authentication and opens your server to impersonators.
    
* Whitelisting is **the safest way** to control access without needing to run risky plugins or alter security settings.
    
* Always **keep your server and plugins up-to-date**.
---

## 📚 Related Guide:

> ✅ Visit [How to Enable Whitelist](https://chatgpt.com/en/article/how-to-enable-whitelist-11u0aci/) for a full step-by-step guide.
