ThisCalculator

Everyday

How to Become Admin on Your 7 Days to Die Server

Updated · Standard formula, shown below

How to Become Admin on Your 7 Days to Die Server

This guide shows you how to grant yourself admin rights on your own 7 Days to Die server, whether it’s a dedicated server you run yourself or a rented one from a hosting provider. You’ll learn the exact files to edit and the commands to run, so you can use admin tools like teleporting, spawning items, and banning players.

What You’ll Need

  • Access to the server’s file system (via FTP, a hosting control panel, or local files if you run the server on your own PC).
  • The server must be stopped before editing the admin config file, or changes may be overwritten.
  • Your Steam ID (17-digit number). Find it by going to https://steamid.io/ and entering your Steam profile URL, or use the Steam client: click your profile name → Account details → your Steam ID is shown near the top.

Step-by-Step

  1. Stop the server – If the server is running, shut it down cleanly through your hosting panel or by sending the shutdown command in the server console. This prevents the server from overwriting your edits.
  2. Locate the server config folder – The file you need is serveradmin.xml. It’s usually in the same folder as the server executable (for a dedicated server) or in a subfolder like 7DaysToDieServer_Data or Save. On a rented server, use the file manager in your hosting panel or connect via FTP.
  3. Back up the file – Copy serveradmin.xml to a safe location before editing. This lets you restore it if something goes wrong.
  4. Open the file – Use a text editor like Notepad++ (Windows) or nano (Linux). Do not use a word processor like Word.
  5. Find the admin section – Look for a line that starts with <admins>. It might look like: <admins></admins> or contain existing entries.
  6. Add your Steam ID – Inside the <admins> tags, add a line like this:
    <admin steamID="76561198000000000" permission_level="0" />
    Replace the number with your actual Steam ID. The permission_level="0" grants full admin rights. You can also use 1 for moderator (fewer permissions) or 2 for a basic helper.
  7. Save the file – Save your changes and close the editor.
  8. Restart the server – Start the server again. It will read the updated serveradmin.xml and grant you admin rights.
  9. Verify in-game – Join the server. Press F1 to open the console. Type admin and press Enter. You should see a list of admins including yourself. If you see your Steam ID, you’re done.
  10. Use admin commands – Open the console (F1) and type commands like give, teleport, or kick. For a full list, type help in the console.

Common Mistakes

  • Wrong Steam ID – Using your profile name instead of the numeric ID. The game only accepts the 17-digit Steam ID.
  • Editing while the server is running – The server may overwrite your changes on shutdown. Always stop the server first.
  • Incorrect XML syntax – Missing a slash, quote, or bracket can break the file. Double-check the line you added.
  • Editing the wrong file – Some hosts use a different config file for multiplayer servers. Ensure you’re editing serveradmin.xml, not serverconfig.xml (which contains game settings).
  • Not restarting the server – Changes only take effect after a restart.

Tips

  • Use permission_level="0" for full admin. Level 1 is moderator (can kick/ban but not use all commands), level 2 is for helpers (can’t ban).
  • Keep the backup of serveradmin.xml in case you need to revert.
  • If you run a dedicated server on your own PC, you can also add admins via the in-game console while the server is running, but the file method is more reliable.
  • To add multiple admins, just add multiple <admin> lines inside the <admins> tags.
  • After you become admin, you can use the admin command in-game to see all available admin commands.

Troubleshooting

  • I don’t see myself as admin – Check that you used the correct Steam ID and that the file is saved in UTF-8 encoding. Also verify the server actually restarted (check the console output).
  • Server won’t start after editing – Your XML is malformed. Restore the backup and try again, making sure the line is exactly like the example.
  • I can’t find serveradmin.xml – On some hosts, the file is generated only after the first server start. If it’s missing, start the server once, stop it, and then look again.
  • Changes keep reverting – Some hosting panels have a “configâ€� section where you must add admins through their interface. Check your host’s documentation.
  • I’m admin but can’t use commands – Make sure you’re typing commands in the console (F1) and not in the chat. Also, some commands require you to be in the game world, not the main menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I become admin without editing files?

If you own the server, you can also type admin add <SteamID> 0 in the server console while it’s running. However, this may not persist after a restart unless you also edit the file.

What does permission_level 0 mean?

It means full admin rights, including the ability to give items, teleport, kick/ban, and change game settings. Level 1 is moderator, level 2 is a basic user with limited commands.

Do I need to be on the same network as the server?

No, you can edit the file remotely via FTP or your hosting panel. You just need file access.

Will my admin rights work if I change my Steam ID?

No, admin rights are tied to your Steam ID. If you change it (e.g., new account), you’ll need to add the new ID.

Can I give admin to another player?

Yes, add their Steam ID to the <admins> section in serveradmin.xml.

What if I’m playing on a server I don’t own?

You cannot become admin unless the server owner grants you access. You’ll need to ask them to add you.

Related

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.