Change FiveM Server Name & Description in server.cfg

Updated 4 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

This guide shows you how to change your FiveM server’s public name and description by editing the server.cfg file. You’ll learn exactly which lines to modify, where to find the file, and how to verify the changes appear in the server browser. You’ll need access to your server’s files, either through a hosting panel (like TXAdmin or a game panel) or directly via FTP/SFTP.

What You’ll Need

Access to your FiveM server’s file system (via hosting panel, FTP, or local files).
A text editor (Notepad++, VS Code, or even Notepad on Windows).
Your server’s server.cfg file (usually in the root directory of your server).
Basic knowledge of how to save and upload files.

Step-by-Step

Locate your server.cfg file. This file is typically in the main folder of your FiveM server. If you use a hosting panel, look for a “File Manager” or “Config Files” section. If you use FTP, connect to your server and navigate to the root directory.
Open server.cfg with a text editor. Do not use a word processor like Microsoft Word; use a plain text editor to avoid adding hidden formatting.
Find the line that starts with sv_hostname. This line sets the server name that appears in the server browser. It might look like: sv_hostname "My Cool Server". If it doesn’t exist, you can add it anywhere in the file (usually near the top).
Change the server name. Replace the text inside the quotes with your new name. For example: sv_hostname "My Awesome Roleplay Server". Keep the name under 64 characters (the game limit).
Find the line that starts with sv_projectDesc or sv_description. This line sets the server description that shows when players click on your server. It might look like: sv_projectDesc "Welcome to our server!". If neither exists, you can add either one.
Change the description. Replace the text inside the quotes with your new description. For example: sv_projectDesc "A serious RP server with active staff and custom scripts.". Keep it under 500 characters.
Save the file. Save server.cfg after making your changes. Make sure the file remains with the .cfg extension and is saved as plain text (UTF-8 without BOM is best).
Restart your server. For the changes to take effect, you must restart your FiveM server. If you use a hosting panel, use the “Restart” button. If you run it manually, stop the server process and start it again.
Verify the changes. After the server is back online, search for your server in the FiveM server browser. The new name and description should appear. If not, check the console for errors and repeat the steps.

Common Mistakes

Using the wrong line name: Some guides mention sv_hostname but older versions may use sv_hostname only. For description, sv_projectDesc is the standard, but sv_description also works in some builds. Use whichever is present or add the correct one.
Forgetting to restart: Changes to server.cfg are only read at server start. If you don’t restart, nothing changes.
Editing the wrong file: Make sure you’re editing the server.cfg in the server’s root directory, not a backup or a template.
Leaving quotes unbalanced: If you forget a closing quote, the server may fail to start or ignore the line.
Using special characters: Some characters like % or & can cause issues in the config. Stick to letters, numbers, spaces, and basic punctuation.

Tips

Backup your server.cfg before editing. This way, if something breaks, you can restore the original.
Use a clear, searchable name. Include keywords like “RP” or “EU” to help players find your server.
Keep the description informative. Mention your server’s features, rules, and community links.
Test with a local server first. If you’re unsure, run a local server (using the FiveM artifacts) and test the changes there before applying them to your live server.
Check the server console after restart. If there are errors, they’ll show up there. Look for lines mentioning sv_hostname or sv_projectDesc.

Troubleshooting

Server won’t start after editing: This usually means a syntax error. Open server.cfg and check for missing quotes, extra spaces, or accidental characters. Compare with a backup.

Name changes but description doesn’t: Ensure you used the correct line. If sv_projectDesc doesn’t work, try sv_description. Some server builds use one or the other.

Changes appear but then revert: This can happen if you have a startup script that overwrites server.cfg or if you edited a cached copy. Check your hosting panel’s file manager to ensure you’re editing the live file.

Server name shows as “FiveM” or default: The server may be using a different config file. Some hosting panels allow you to specify a custom config path. Make sure the server.cfg you edited is the one being loaded.

Description shows as blank: Some server browsers truncate descriptions. Try shortening it to under 200 characters to see if that helps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the server name without restarting?

No, the server reads server.cfg only at startup. You must restart to apply changes.

Where is `server.cfg` located?

In the root directory of your FiveM server, alongside server.exe or run.sh. On hosting panels, it’s usually in the “File Manager” under the main folder.

What is the character limit for the server name?

The game limits the name to 64 characters. The description limit is 500 characters.

Can I use HTML or formatting in the description?

No, the description is plain text. HTML tags will show as literal text.

Why does my server name show as “Unknown”?

This often means the server didn’t read the sv_hostname line. Check for typos or ensure the line is not commented out with a #.

Do I need to edit `server.cfg` on the client side?

No, server.cfg is only on the server. Clients see the name and description you set there.

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