Hardware FixRecommendedDevice not working? Your driver may be the problemCheck updates for common hardware issues.Fix DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix Now×
Skip to content
World desk9 min

How to Become an Admin on Your Arma Reforger Server

Add an Arma Reforger administrator safely: choose the right ID, edit game.admins, validate server_config.json, restart, and use #login without a password.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

To become an administrator, add your player’s IdentityId or SteamId to the admins array inside the game section of server_config.json, save valid JSON, and restart the server. After it starts again, a listed administrator can enter #login in chat without entering an admin password.

What actually grants administrator access

Arma Reforger reads the administrator list from the server’s server_config.json file. The relevant setting is game.admins. Every entry in that array must be a quoted JSON string containing either an accepted IdentityId or a SteamId.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Adding a name, Steam display name, character name, or an unquoted number does not grant access. The server must also load the changed file during startup, so editing the file while the server is running is not enough. A restart is required before the new list takes effect.

The official Bohemia Interactive Community wiki documents both accepted identifier types. Its example uses a 17-digit SteamID, while IdentityIds are also supported. Listed administrators can use #login without a password; users who are not in the list must use the configured password-based administrator login, if the server has one.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
TOZO A1 Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth 5.3 Light Weight in Ear Headphones | IPX5 Waterproof,2 Mics for AI Calls,Immersive Premium Sound Bass Headset with Charging Case,32 EQ via App Black
  • [Ultra-Lightweight Ear Buds Designed for Small Ears] Each earbud weighs only 3.7g and features a compact, ergonomic in-ear design made especially for small ears. Secure, low-profile, and comfortable for workouts, all-day wear or overnight sleeping.The ultra-slim profile sits flush in your ear with no hard edges poking or rubbing, so you can even sleep on your side without discomfort.
  • [Immersive Stereo Sound with TOZO OrigX Technology] TOZO OrigX tuning delivers clear vocals, balanced mids, and natural stereo sound for music, podcasts, and videos.
  • [Long Battery Life for Daily Use] Get up to 7 hours of playtime on a single charge, with up to 32 hours total using the charging case—ideal for workdays, commuting, and extended listening sessions.
  • [Bluetooth 5.3 & Stable Connection] Bluetooth 5.3 provides fast pairing, stable wireless performance, and reduced dropouts as you move around home or office.
  • [Deep Bass with Clear Vocals] High-performance drivers produce punchy bass while keeping vocals clean and detailed for everyday listening.

IdentityId or SteamId: which should you add?

Identifier Accepted in game.admins? Priority-queue treatment Practical consideration
IdentityId Yes IdentityIds receive the priority join queue treatment documented for the admin list. It is case-sensitive, so copy every character exactly.
SteamId Yes SteamIds do not currently receive the IdentityId priority-queue treatment. A SteamID64 is often easier to identify from an existing player record or Steam account information.

Use an IdentityId when priority-queue treatment matters or when your server’s records already identify the player that way. Use a SteamId when that is the identifier you can verify confidently. You can mix the two formats in one array, but each value still needs quotation marks.

Do not resolve conflicting third-party instructions by guessing. Some guides call for an in-game profile ID, others for a Bohemia identity value, and others for one SteamID64 per line. The official configuration documentation is the deciding reference: the array accepts IdentityIds and/or SteamIds. IdentityIds are case-sensitive; a capitalization change can make an otherwise correct entry fail.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Find the identifier you will add

Use the server log to locate an IdentityId

A practical way to obtain an IdentityId is to inspect the server log when the player joins or updates. A Bohemia forum report describes the value appearing in an “Updating player” log entry. Search the log for that event and copy the identity value exactly, without adding spaces or changing capitalization.

Logs vary by host and control panel. Download the current log, use the panel’s search function if available, and compare the value with the player’s account before placing it in the configuration. If multiple players appear in nearby entries, match the correct connection rather than copying the first identity value you see.

Use the server-side script API

On the server, the documented call BackendApi.GetPlayerIdentityId(playerId) can retrieve a player’s IdentityId when your server-side script already has that player ID. On a client, BackendApi.GetLocalIdentityId() returns the local client’s IdentityId. These methods are useful when you operate a scripted server or need a repeatable lookup instead of manually searching logs.

Rank #2
Sale
Smart Watch for Men Women Compatible with iPhone Samsung Android Phone 1.69 inch Full Touch Screen IP68 Waterproof Bluetooh Fitness Tracker Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor (Black)
  • 【IP68 Waterproof Multifunctinal Smart Watch】Torjalph fitness activity tracker smart watch is IP68 waterproof technology ,you can wear it when swimming,handwashing,it's rain-proof which means that you perform multiple exercise modes outside without worrying about sweat or rain corroding your fitness smart watch,and this watch equipped with a 230 mAh large capacity battery magnetic charging ,and this sports activity tracker watch can be used 5-7 days If fully charged.
  • 【Larger 1.83'' Full Screen Watch & Multi-dial Selection】1.83 inch full HD color touch screen smart watch for men / women provides excellent 240*284 resolution image quality ,This Bluetooth smart watch offers a better touch experience and remarkable immersion and ,more than 200 watch faces for you to choose from App"Da Fit ", you can change the dial style according to your mood to wear keeping the world on your wrist
  • 【Accurate Activity Tracker Smart Watch 】sports watch activity tracker uses sweat and dust resistant breathable silicone strap, our Fitness Tracker Smart Watch for Android iOS Phones supports 12 sports modes,walking,running,bicycle,swimming,badminton,basketball,football,rope skipping. This bluetooth calls smart watch for men women is lightweight and stylish, bringing more convenient and relaxing sports experience while also providing more protection.
  • 【Your 24 Hour Personal Daily Health Monitor】Fitness watch for women men full touch screen IP67 waterproof bluetooth smartwatch for Android iOS Phones with heart rate blood pressure monitor multifunction Andriod smart watch with steps counter sleep monitor sports fitness watch, monitoring blood oxygen saturation allows you to understand your physical condition in real time to track fitness progress ,to know your health status in time.
  • 【More Functions Bluetooth Call Smart Watch】This fitness activity smart watch full screen for iPhone and Android phones includes a bunch of new features including:The bluetooth smart watch can hang up the phone, receive and display WhatsAPP /Text /Facebook /Twitter /Messenger reminder.Support sedentary reminder, alarm clock, stopwatch, timer,weather information,music control, remote camera control compatible with Android 5.0 and above or iOS 9.0 and above smartphones.

The API calls return identifiers for your script context; they do not edit server_config.json for you. You still need to place the returned value in the JSON array, validate the file, and restart the server.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Use a SteamId when that is the verified value

The wiki’s configuration example demonstrates a 17-digit SteamID in the administrators array. If you use this route, copy the complete SteamID64 as one string. Do not insert spaces, line breaks inside the number, or punctuation. Treat it as text even though it contains only digits; JSON quoting is required.

RCON lookup: useful but not fully confirmed

Some operators report that an RCON players command lists connected players’ UIDs. The exact syntax and output are not confirmed by the official material available for this procedure, so treat RCON as an optional lookup path rather than the authority for your configuration. Verify any returned value against a server log or another trusted account record before adding it.

Back up and open server_config.json

  1. Stop or otherwise place the server in the maintenance state provided by your host. A backup made while the file is being rewritten can be incomplete.
  2. Download a copy of the current server_config.json before editing. Give the backup a dated name so you can restore the pre-change version if the server refuses to start.
  3. Open the live configuration in the host’s file manager, mounted server directory, or local editor, depending on how you administer the server.
  4. Locate the existing game object. If it already contains an admins property, edit that array rather than creating a second property with the same name.

Keep the file’s existing structure and indentation. Do not convert the entire document to a different format: Arma Reforger expects JSON, not YAML, an INI file, or a list of IDs pasted into a text field.

Add the administrator entry correctly

Each ID is enclosed in double quotation marks, entries are separated by commas, and the final entry has no trailing comma. This illustrative structure shows both accepted forms:

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
New Bee Guitar Cable 10ft Electric Instrument Bass AMP Cord
  • [Low Noise High Fidelity] New bee guitar cord with 22AWG oxygen-free-copper center conductors provides enhanced signal transfer, the PVC insulation material and the high-density stranded copper double shield provide noise rejection for quiet operation
  • [Ideal for Choice] New bee 1/4 straight and right angle metal connectors, ensures a secure connection in any instrument, pedal, or amp jack. L shape great fro on stage guitar stands
  • [Wide Compatible] Suitable for mixer, power amplifier, microphone, effector, decoder, equalizer, electoronic organ, electric guitar, electric bass and other electronic equipments. Widely used in the installation of smart home, karaoke speaker, professional stage audio, etc
  • [Easy Disassemble] Making incidental repairs quick and easy! Very nice, flexible cable
  • [Dont Hesite to Order] 24 hours customer services and professional technology team are standing by
{
  "game": {
    "admins": [
      "{{IDENTITY_ID}}",
      "{{STEAM_ID_64}}"
    ],
    "passwordAdmin": "use-your-existing-admin-password"
  }
}

The double-curly values in the example are template markers inside code. Replace them with the exact identifiers belonging to your administrators. Do not paste the braces into the live configuration. If your existing file contains other game settings, retain them and add the array at the appropriate level.

Adding one administrator to an existing list

Suppose the file already contains one quoted SteamId:

"admins": [
  "76561198000000000"
]

Add a comma after the existing entry, then put the new ID on the next line:

"admins": [
  "76561198000000000",
  "{{IDENTITY_ID}}"
]

The first value is an illustrative 17-digit SteamID format, not a recommendation to use that account. Replace it, and the template value, with IDs you have verified.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Common syntax errors

  • Missing quotes: 76561198000000000 is not the same as "76561198000000000". A Bohemia forum report describes an administrator ID causing errors until it was wrapped in quotation marks as a JSON string.
  • Trailing comma: JSON does not permit a comma after the final array entry. Remove the comma after the last ID.
  • Wrong brackets: admins must contain an array using square brackets. Curly braces create an object and do not represent the expected list.
  • Duplicate property: Two separate admins properties in the same game object can produce unpredictable results. Keep one array and merge the entries into it.
  • Wrong nesting: An admins array placed outside game is not the documented setting. Check the surrounding braces before saving.
  • Smart punctuation: Curly quotation marks copied from a formatted document are not JSON double quotes. Use the ordinary " character.
  • Accidental whitespace in an IdentityId: Leading or trailing spaces become part of the string. Remove them and preserve case.

Validate the JSON before restarting

Validation catches structural mistakes before the server attempts to load the file. Use a JSON validator in your editor or a local command-line parser, then inspect the validator’s line and column if it reports an error. Do not use a formatter that silently deletes unknown settings or rewrites the complete configuration without first keeping your backup.

Rank #4
BSIMB 15.6" Digital Family Calendar & Chore Chart, No Subscription Fees
  • Digital Family Calendar: BSIMB digital calendar wall touch screen puts an end to your chaotic life. Designed for busy families, the digital calendar keeps you organised and in step with your family. Assign different colours and tasks to each family member to make family scheduling easier and more intuitive.
  • Easy Setup and Auto-Sync: Plug in, connect to WLAN and auto-syn your electric calendar in minutes. Digital wall calendar compatible with Google calendar, iCloud calendar, Outlook calendar, Cozi calendar and Yahoo calendar. Add events directly on the device or through the ecalendar app. Electronic calendar stays current whether you're at work or traveling—no manual updates needed.
  • All-In-One Home Assistant: Smart calendar builds habits and encourage independence with personalised chores. Display daily meal plan to reduce the daily ‘What's for dinner?’ stress. To-do lists keep track of everything you want. Turning chores into valuable achievements with stars and rewards, making life easier and more enjoyable.
  • Manage Anytime Anywhere: BSIMB electronic calendar for family stay connected with the powerful ecalendar app. Access and manage your digital wall calendar anytime, anywhere with free features like stars & rewards, photo screensaver, chore charts, meals plans, to-do lists etc. Electronic planner paid features like Magic Import tailor advanced tools for users with special needs.
  • Stay in Touch with Loved Ones: Share photos or videos from your phone to electronic wall calendar with app, instantly update your life moment, and keep in touch with your family, especially those who are far away; you can also surprise your smart calendar digital wall by sending him a wish card; it's also great for keeping tech-illiterate elders in touch with the youngsters.

A successful parse only proves that the document is valid JSON. It does not prove that an ID belongs to the intended player. Confirm both conditions separately: first validate syntax, then compare every identifier against the player record you trust.

Restart and log in as the listed administrator

  1. Save the validated file in the server’s active configuration location.
  2. Start or restart the Arma Reforger server through the host panel, service manager, or launch method you normally use.
  3. Wait until the server has finished loading and is joinable. Configuration changes are read at startup according to third-party hosting documentation; a live edit without a restart will not reliably refresh the list.
  4. Join the server with the account whose identifier you added.
  5. Open chat and enter #login.

For a listed administrator, the documented behavior is that #login succeeds without a password. The command must be entered in the game chat channel used by your server. If the command is rejected, finish the troubleshooting checks below before changing unrelated settings.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

How passwordAdmin fits in

passwordAdmin is the password path for administrator login. It is distinct from the allow-list behavior of game.admins. A user who is already listed can log in with #login without supplying that password, while a user who is not listed may need the configured password-based path.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Do not publish the password in a public chat, configuration screenshot, or support ticket. If you rely on password login for non-listed operators, use a strong secret and rotate it when it is exposed. Adding a person to the array is usually easier to audit because access is tied to an identifier, but it does not remove the need to protect the configuration file itself.

Administrator-list limits and version behavior

The administrators list is capped at 20 unique IDs. Count unique values rather than lines: repeating the same IdentityId or SteamId does not create a second administrator slot, but it also provides no additional access. When the list is full, remove an obsolete entry before adding a new person.

The wiki records that BackendApi.IsListedServerAdmin was added in version 0.9.9.31. Scripts can use that check to determine whether a player is listed, regardless of whether the player has completed a login step. The wiki also records that password-free #login for listed administrators was added in version 1.0.0. If you operate an older server build, command behavior may differ; check the build running on the server before diagnosing a configuration change as a failure.

Troubleshoot a failed administrator login

Symptom Likely cause Correction
The server fails to start or reports a configuration error. Malformed JSON, missing quotation marks, a trailing comma, or incorrect braces. Restore the backup if necessary, correct the array, validate the complete file, and restart again.
#login asks for a password or is rejected. The account is not in the loaded list, the wrong identifier was used, or the server was not restarted. Verify the exact ID, check that it is inside game.admins, restart, and join again with the matching account.
An IdentityId appears correct but still does not match. IdentityIds are case-sensitive, or whitespace was copied with the value. Copy the IdentityId again from the log or API output and compare every character.
A Steam-based entry does not provide priority-queue treatment. That behavior is reserved for IdentityIds; SteamIds are accepted but do not currently receive it. Use the player’s verified IdentityId when priority-queue treatment is required.
Only some administrators can log in. One or more entries contain a typo, duplicate the wrong account, or exceed the 20-unique-ID cap. Audit the array one value at a time, remove duplicates and obsolete IDs, and keep the list at or below 20 unique entries.
The file looks correct in the panel, but the change has no effect. The edited file is not the active configuration, or the service loaded the previous version. Confirm the path used by the running instance, save the file there, and perform a full service restart.
A script cannot determine listed-admin status. The server build predates the documented IsListedServerAdmin addition, or the script is checking a different player ID. Confirm the server version and pass the player identifier expected by the API.

Manage access safely after the change

Keep a small, current list

Because the cap is 20 unique IDs, remove former moderators and inactive test accounts instead of accumulating historical entries. Maintain a private record that maps each identifier to a person and the date access was granted. That record is for your operations team; it does not belong in the JSON file.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Use the least ambiguous identifier

If an IdentityId and SteamId both point to the same person, choose one deliberately and document which format you used. IdentityIds are the better choice when queue priority is part of the requirement. SteamIds can be simpler when your existing player records expose a verified SteamID64 and queue priority is irrelevant.

Change one thing at a time

When adding several administrators, make one validated edit, restart, and test with an account that should be listed. If you change the password, scripts, and admin array simultaneously, a failed login becomes harder to diagnose. Keep the pre-change backup until every intended account has been tested.

Quick procedure

  1. Identify the player’s exact IdentityId or SteamId.
  2. Back up server_config.json.
  3. Open the game.admins array.
  4. Insert the identifier as a double-quoted string.
  5. Separate entries with commas and remove the final trailing comma.
  6. Validate the entire JSON document.
  7. Save it to the active server configuration path.
  8. Restart the server.
  9. Join with the matching account and enter #login in chat.
  10. If it fails, check the loaded file, identifier spelling and case, server version, and 20-ID limit before changing the password.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.