Players are asked for a password you never set on your Project Zomboid server

If players are asked for a password you never set, the Join password in the Server Settings editor is not empty. It is not a Game Settings row, which is why it is easy to miss. A common cause is a settings file you uploaded from another server, which brought its password with it. Clear the field, save and start.

Check and clear it

1. Stop the server. Open Settings, then Server Settings under Config files.
2. In Listing and joining, look at Join password. The field shows dots when it has a value.
3. To remove the password, clear the field. To change it, type a new one.
4. Click Save only or Save & start.

If the editor says No config files yet, start the server once first.

Why it was there

• You uploaded the <Server Name>.ini of an old server: How to upload your own Project Zomboid world. Check the file's Password= line if you want to look under Files.
• You set it earlier and forgot: How to set a join password on your Project Zomboid server.
• You switched Server Name to a world whose settings file has a password: each world has its own settings file: How to switch between Project Zomboid worlds on your server.

Not the same as the other passwords

The Admin Password and the RCON Password under Game Settings are not what players are asked for.

Players who are asked for a password they were given: it has to match exactly, capitals included: Players cannot join your Project Zomboid server.