Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Playing with friends? Godlike.Host runs hosted ARK: Survival Evolved servers from 10 data-center locations, with free DDoS protection.
To let only approved players join an ARK server, enable exclusive join and add each approved player’s SteamID64 to the server’s exclusive-join list. Then restart the server. A hosting panel normally exposes exclusive join as a checkbox; a self-managed server uses the -exclusivejoin launch parameter. The account ID list and the launch setting are both required—adding names to a text file alone does not create a whitelist.
What an ARK whitelist actually does
ARK’s whitelist is an access control for server joins. It is based on the player’s SteamID64, not the name shown in ARK or Steam. When exclusive join is enabled, the server checks the connecting Steam account against the approved-ID list. An account whose ID is absent, mistyped or associated with a different Steam login is refused even if its display name looks correct.
There are two parts to the setup:
- Exclusive join enabled: a launch parameter on a self-run server or a similarly named setting in a hosting control panel.
- An ID list: a plain-text file containing one approved SteamID64 per line.
Both parts matter. If the list exists but exclusive join is off, the server is not restricted. If exclusive join is on but the server cannot find the correctly named list in the expected location, approved players may still be rejected.
Choose the setup route
| Server type | Where you configure it | Best approach | What can vary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented server with a control panel | Provider’s server-settings page and file manager | Turn on the panel’s whitelist or exclusive-join option, then edit the list file if the panel does not provide an ID editor. | The label may be “Whitelist,” “Enable Exclusive Join,” or another equivalent; the file manager path and restart control differ by provider. |
| Self-managed Windows server | Your startup script, shortcut, service definition or command line, plus the ARK server files | Add -exclusivejoin to the server launch command and create or edit the correct list file. |
The executable, working directory and service wrapper are installation-specific. |
| Self-managed Linux server | Your startup script or service unit, plus the ARK server files | Add -exclusivejoin to the launch arguments and edit the list file in the server installation. |
The service name, account and installation directory vary. |
Hosting guides from Survival Servers and Host Havoc describe the panel-checkbox route. Use the labels in your own panel rather than assuming that another provider’s screenshots or path names match your server.
#1 Best Overall
- Powerful Turbo Fan:CAGIWIRU Electric Air Duster have reached speed up to 130000RPM,Can efficient remove dust and debris.With LED light and Three Adjustable Speed to meet with different cleaning tasks.
- With Attached USB C Fasting Charging cable.Charing 3 hours,Enjoy up to 240 minutes of use on the lowest setting, For third speed can use for 25mins.with four charging options to meet with your needs.
- Wide Application:Upgraded attached 5 different nozzles,making it suitable for a variety of scenes, such as car,pet, pc, keyboards, and other electronic devices. It also serves for office and home clean duster.
- Handy Design & Portable:Cordless air duster electric nozzle is Light weight and small size, design and comfortable to hold and space saving, convenient to carry around. You can put it in your room or inside the car without taking up space.
- Warranty & Support: Our Electric air duster comes with 5 years warranty and 24/7 customer service. During this period, if you have any questions,pls kindly feel free to contact us.
Before you change anything
- Confirm that you administer the correct ARK instance. A machine can contain several maps or server installations, each with its own configuration files.
- Stop the server before editing files when your host recommends it. At minimum, do not edit while the server is simultaneously rewriting the same file.
- Record the current launch arguments and make a backup copy of any existing player-list file.
- Decide exactly which Steam accounts should have access. A display name is not a reliable identifier because names can change.
- Plan a test with one approved account and one account that is intentionally not listed. Do not use your only administrator account for the first test unless you have console or panel access to recover.
Step 1: Find every player’s SteamID64
ARK does not use a player’s display name for this whitelist. Obtain the 64-bit Steam account identifier for each person, and check every digit before saving it.
- Ask the player for their Steam profile URL, or search for the profile by its current name.
- Use a SteamID lookup service such as steamid.io to resolve the profile to a SteamID64 value.
- Have the player confirm that the returned profile is their account, especially when several profiles have similar names.
- Store the value in your server’s administrative notes. Do not substitute a nickname, vanity URL, SteamID3 value or another identifier format.
The player must later sign in with the same Steam account whose SteamID64 you entered. If a family member, alternate account or shared computer is involved, the computer is irrelevant; the account identity is what the server checks.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Step 2: Enable exclusive join
Using a hosting control panel
- Open the ARK server’s settings or configuration page.
- Look for a setting labelled Whitelist, Enable Exclusive Join or similar wording. The exact label is provider-specific.
- Enable the setting and save it. If the panel offers separate save and restart buttons, save first.
- Open the panel’s file manager or configuration-file editor and continue with the list-file step below.
- Restart the server from the panel after the file has been saved.
Some panels provide a player-ID field or an “add player” action instead of exposing the text file. If so, use the panel’s documented field and verify where it writes the IDs. Do not enable a second, unrelated access-control feature simply because it also contains the word “whitelist.”
Using a self-managed server
Add the standalone launch parameter -exclusivejoin to the command that starts the ARK server. Put it with the other server arguments, not in an in-game chat command. For a service-managed installation, edit the service or startup script that actually launches the running instance; changing a shortcut that the server never uses has no effect.
After editing the startup configuration, stop and start the server using the same method you normally use. A restart is required for the launch parameter to be read. If you run more than one ARK instance, apply the parameter to the specific instance that should be private and confirm that each instance points to its own intended files.
Step 3: Create or edit the exclusive-join list
The list is a plain-text file with one SteamID64 on each line. Do not put commas, quotation marks, player names or explanatory comments on the ID lines. A single wrong digit can block the intended player or, if it matches another account, grant access to the wrong account.
File naming is the least settled part of the available ARK whitelist instructions. Third-party guides and a community forum post that relays a developer answer use different names:
Rank #2
- Screen Cleaner is Your Screen’s New Bestfriend! - EVEO is proud to present a screen cleaner that’s perfectly suited for your TV. Meet your new screen cleaner, computer screen cleaner, laptop cleaner, iPad cleaner, Macbook,tv cleaner or any other electronic device. Our screen cleaner spray and wipe along with the included plush microfiber cloth, easily removes dust, fingerprints & other smudges on the screen’s surface. Clean effectively for a streak-free screen
- Gentle on your Screens - Our screen cleaner spray and wipes is compatible to be used even for the most sensitive LCD, LED, CRT, and OLED screens in proper use. Be at ease knowing that this product is compatible with all the major brands: LG, SONY, Samsung, Sharp, iPad, iPhone, Android screens, Kindle, PC monitors - we’ve got you covered! Can be used as LCD screen cleaner, tv cleaner, smart tv screen cleaner, and more
- Premium Super Soft Plush Microfiber Cloth - Included in this efficient screen cleaning kit. This screen cleaner spray and wipe has our signature plush microfiber cloth specially designed to comply with screens and monitors and leave them streak-free. Has been shown to effectively absorbs stubborn stains, zero streaks, and no fiber shedding. Always use this together with our screen cleaner for the best results
- Easy-to-Use Screen Cleaner Kit + microfiber cleaning cloth - The EVEO Screen Cleaning Kit will easily be your new favorite tool when it comes to taking care of the things you love most, quick and easy solution for a streak-free screen. Simply screw on the sprayer gun on the screen cleaner bottle. Spray the cleaning liquid onto the microfiber cloth, then wipe the screen until desired cleanliness & shine is achieved.
- Quality Screen Care Kit Worth Purchasing - Enjoy a convenient Screen Cleaner anytime, anywhere you need it. Your satisfaction is our top priority. We stand behind the quality of our products and that’s why, you shouldn’t be worrying at all. We manufacture the Best Screen Cleaner. and can be used for laptop cleaning kit, laptop screen cleaner, tv screen cleaner for smart tv. MacBook screen cleaner, monitor cleaner or screen cleaner spray for electronic devices with microfiber cleaning cloth
| Name reported by guides | How to treat it |
|---|---|
PlayersExclusiveJoinList.txt |
Reported by multiple hosting guides as the exclusive-join list. This is the most direct name to check first, but it is not confirmed by an official Studio Wildcard or ARK wiki page in the available documentation. |
PlayersJoinNoCheckList.txt |
Described by one guide as a join-check bypass list, not the exclusive-join allowlist. It may let listed players bypass checks such as slot limits rather than restrict the server to those players. |
AllowPlayerToJoinNoCheck.txt |
Another name reported by a guide. The wording suggests a bypass mechanism; do not assume it is interchangeable with the exclusive-join list. |
A forum post quoting an unnamed developer second-hand says to launch with -exclusivejoin and place the Steam IDs “with each SteamID on it’s own line” in the exclusivity-list file. The post also says the filename must include the .txt extension. Because the statement is not a directly published official reference and the guides disagree, verify the filename against the files supplied by your ARK build or your host’s current documentation.
Check the server’s actual folders
Guides also disagree about the directory. The locations most often reported are:
- Windows:
ShooterGameBinariesWin64 - Linux:
ark/ShooterGame/Binaries/Linux/
These are reported locations, not a guarantee for every installation, branch or hosting panel. Start from the directory containing the running server executable and search the installation for an existing player-list file. On a rented server, use the provider’s file manager or ask support which directory belongs to the active instance. Creating a correctly spelled file in an unused copy of the installation will not change the server.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Enter the IDs
- Open the existing exclusive-join list if one is present. If none exists, create the filename confirmed for your installation, including the
.txtextension. - Put one complete SteamID64 on each line.
- Remove leading or trailing spaces and do not add punctuation.
- Save the file as ordinary text, not a word-processing document. Check that your editor has not silently added a second extension such as
.txt.txt. - Review every line against the player’s resolved SteamID64 before restarting.
Keep a private copy of the list so that a panel reset, update or accidental overwrite does not remove your approved accounts. Do not publish the IDs in a public chat or paste them into an untrusted configuration-sharing site.
Step 4: Restart and confirm the restriction
Restart the server after both the exclusive-join setting and the list file are in place. The server reads launch parameters during startup, and a running process may not notice a newly edited list until it is restarted.
- Stop the ARK server cleanly through the panel, service manager or your normal shutdown command.
- Confirm that the process has fully stopped before replacing or saving files.
- Start the same instance again.
- Wait for the map and server to finish loading.
- Connect with a Steam account whose ID is on the list.
- Test with an account deliberately omitted from the list, if you can do so without disrupting other players.
- If the approved account is refused, leave the server running only long enough to collect the error or console message, then recheck the setting, filename, path and ID.
A successful test should demonstrate both sides of the rule: a listed account can join, while an unlisted account cannot. Merely seeing the file in a file manager is not proof that the active server loaded it.
Whitelist access is not administrator access
Joining the server and controlling the server are separate permissions. The administrator list is commonly stored in AllowedCheaterSteamIDs.txt, according to hosting documentation. Adding someone there grants admin capability; it does not, by itself, create an exclusive-join allowlist. Conversely, adding a player to the exclusive list lets that account enter but does not make the player an administrator.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallRank #3
- 【Large size】：Measuring 800 x 300 mm/ 31. 5×12 inches, which is wider and taller than others. Large mouse pad can perfectly fit your keyboard and mouse of any size, and there is also ample space for peripherals such as phones, tablets, etc.
- 【LED backlight mouse pad】：Blade Hawks RGB mouse pad provides 7 static modes and 7 dynamic modes will give you the options you are looking for. Power-off memory function remembers the last lighting mode you selected. The super glow fiber Chroma will give you a colorful gaming setup that you want.
- 【Anti-slip rubber base】：Made from Natural rubber, this gaming mousepad will firmly grip your desktop, allowing you to enjoy the ultimate precision in the games you are most passionate about. It also comes with a texture that enhances this ability even further.
- 【Smooth and waterproof surface】: Micro-textured cloth surface, for extremely precise mouse control and a smooth movement. When liquid splashes on the gaming mouse pad, it forms water droplets and slides down. Will not delay your work or gameplay.
- 【Plug and play】: This mouse and keyboard pad is powered by USB, plug and play, no driver required. One button control light modes. Press one time to change the lighting mode, press twice to change the brightness, press and hold about 3 seconds turn ON/OFF.
Keep the two lists separate and grant admin access only to people who need it. A player who should be allowed to build and play normally belongs in the exclusive-join list, not automatically in the administrator file.
Do not confuse exclusive join with join-check bypass
The names PlayersJoinNoCheckList.txt and AllowPlayerToJoinNoCheck.txt refer in some guides to a different behavior: listed players bypass particular join checks, such as a slot-limit check. That is not the same as saying “only these players may join.”
Use exclusive join when the requirement is “only approved Steam accounts can enter.” Use a no-check list only when you specifically need the bypass behavior documented for your server build. Because the available guides disagree about both names and semantics, confirm the effect in a controlled test before relying on either file for access control.
Troubleshooting an approved player who cannot join
Exclusive join was not enabled
Reopen the panel setting or inspect the actual startup command and confirm that -exclusivejoin is present. Restart after correcting it. A list file without this parameter does not enforce exclusivity.
The player used a different Steam account
Ask the player to sign in with the account whose SteamID64 you recorded. A second Steam account on the same computer has a different ID. Display-name changes do not change the account ID, but they can make it easy to look up the wrong profile.
The ID contains a typo or extra character
Compare the saved line character by character with the value returned by your lookup. Remove spaces, commas, quotation marks and copied punctuation. Check the first and last digits particularly carefully; one incorrect digit is enough to fail the match.
The filename or extension is wrong
Confirm the exact spelling and capitalization used by the active server installation. Make sure the file really ends in .txt and is not a rich-text document or a file with a hidden duplicate extension.
Rank #4
- 【Softer and More Comfortable】Vaydeer wrist rest has unique diamond pattern, which is the combination of softness and aesthetics. The materials of wrist rest are improved into higher quality memory foam and covered with silky smooth lycra. The computer wrist rest makes you as comfortable and cushiony as like rest your wrists on clouds.
- 【Ergonomic Wrist Saver】The wrist rests for keyboard and mouse comes with a 17.32×3.15×0.83 inch keyboard wrist pad and a 5.94×3.15×0.83 inch mouse wrist support. Based on ergonomic design, the unique concave shape is the perfect fit for your wrist joints. The wrist rest pad fits most computer keyboards and laptops, improve hand and wrist posture, release your wrist and arm stress.
- 【Non-Slip Rubber Bottom】Featuring an anti-skid silicone base on the bottom, this wrist keyboard support stays firmly in place on your desk, preventing the padding from sliding around, ensuring stable and consistent wrist support during extended computer sessions.
- 【Better Experience & Pain Relief】Our keyboard arm rest is beneficial to alleviate the soreness caused by direct contact and friction between your arm and a hard desk surface, reducing the risk of wrist fatigue or carpal tunnel. The soft texture of memory foam can evenly distribute the pressure around your wrists and provide good support with just enough give.
- 【Helpful in Multiple Scenarios】Whether you're working, studying, writing, typing, gaming, this keyboard and mouse rest combo is an essential accessory to add comfort and support to your hands and wrists. It’s also a great gift for men, women, family, friend, coworker, gamer, teacher, etc.
The file is in the wrong installation
If the machine hosts multiple maps or instances, verify the working directory of the process that is currently accepting connections. The Windows and Linux paths reported by guides are not universal, so use the active installation’s files and your provider’s current instructions.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThe change was made while the server was running
Stop and restart the instance after saving. If the server still behaves as before, inspect the startup log or panel status to ensure that the restart actually replaced the old process rather than reconnecting you to a still-running instance.
Another list was mistaken for the whitelist
Check that you edited the exclusive-join list, not AllowedCheaterSteamIDs.txt or a no-check list. Admin and bypass files do not substitute for the access list.
Removing or changing access safely
To revoke access, remove that account’s SteamID64 from the exclusive-join list and restart the server. If the person also appears in AllowedCheaterSteamIDs.txt, remove it there too if you are revoking administrator rights. To add a new player, append the verified ID on its own line, preserve the existing entries and restart.
Maintain a dated private backup before each change. When several people administer the server, use a change log that records who added or removed an ID and why, without publishing the IDs publicly. After a major ARK update or hosting-panel migration, recheck the launch parameter, filename and folder because updates can rename parameters or files.
What to verify after an ARK update or host migration
- The startup command still contains
-exclusivejoin, or the panel’s equivalent setting is still enabled. - The server is reading the same installation directory as before.
- The exclusive-join filename and
.txtextension still match the files shipped with that build. - Your IDs remain one per line and were not replaced by a panel reset.
- An approved and an unapproved test account produce the expected outcomes.
There is no published statistic that establishes how common ARK whitelist failures are, so treat each failure as an installation-specific configuration problem rather than assuming a universal path or file name.
Frequently asked questions
Can I whitelist a player by ARK or Steam display name?
No. The access check uses the SteamID64 associated with the account. Names can change and can identify multiple profiles.
Best Value
- 【No Drill Mounted】Cable management tray can be assembled in as little as 3 minutes or less-simply. Side clips easily clampe the edge of desk, pass through the holes on the sides, and secure excess cables with baskets. Desk cable management supports inward or outward installation to meet your needs in different scenarios, and provides you with great convenience when collecting and organizing wires.
- 【Rubber Pad Protects Desk】Wire organizer under desk built-in soft rubber pads on the clamp protect your desk from scratches, so you will not damage your furniture or office.
- 【Sturdy and Beautiful】Cord management under desk is made of high-quality carbon steel and holds about 15 lbs. The wire basket has 2 holes on each side of the tray to enable your cables to pass freely. Cable baskets are suitable for desk thickness use from 0.4" to 2.4".
- 【Space Saving & Keep Organized】Desk cable management tray holds all your power cords, outlet strips, USB hubs and computer transformers hidden from your feet, and the data cables will not enter the vacuum cleaner to keep your desk clean and tidy. Desk wire organizer is also suitable for use in the kitchen and outdoors.
- 【Reduce Safety Risks】Cable tray under desk keeps all plugs away from your kids, no more worry about tripping. Using 2 holes wire tray saves extra space, helps you easily cabling and wire protection. The mesh design is not easy to accumulate dust, but avoids safety accidents caused by messy wires.
Is adding a player to AllowedCheaterSteamIDs.txt enough?
No. That file is for administrator permission. Exclusive access requires the launch setting and the separate exclusive-join list.
Why does a no-check file not behave like a whitelist?
A no-check list is described as bypassing selected join checks, such as slot limits. It is not the rule that restricts entry to a defined set of IDs.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
How quickly does a list edit take effect?
Restart the server after editing. Relying on a live edit without a restart can leave the running process using its previous configuration.
Which filename should I use when guides disagree?
Check the active installation and your host’s current documentation first. PlayersExclusiveJoinList.txt is reported by multiple hosting guides for exclusive join, while other names are associated with join-check bypass behavior. Because no official reference was available to resolve every version difference, verify with a controlled approved/unapproved connection test.
Final verification checklist
- Every approved person’s SteamID64 was resolved from the correct profile.
- Exclusive join is enabled through the panel or
-exclusivejoin. - The list file name, extension and directory match the active server installation.
- Each ID occupies its own plain-text line with no extra characters.
- The server was restarted after the change.
- An approved account can connect and an unlisted account is rejected.
- Administrator IDs remain in their separate file and are granted only when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I whitelist a player by ARK or Steam display name?
No. The access check uses the SteamID64 associated with the account. Names can change and can identify multiple profiles.
Is adding a player to AllowedCheaterSteamIDs.txt enough?
No. That file is for administrator permission. Exclusive access requires the launch setting and the separate exclusive-join list.
Recommended Free Tools
Why does a no-check file not behave like a whitelist?
A no-check list is described as bypassing selected join checks, such as slot limits. It is not the rule that restricts entry to a defined set of IDs.
How quickly does a list edit take effect?
Restart the server after editing. Relying on a live edit without a restart can leave the running process using its previous configuration.
Which filename should I use when guides disagree?
Check the active installation and your host’s current documentation first. PlayersExclusiveJoinList.txt is reported by multiple hosting guides for exclusive join, while other names are associated with join-check bypass behavior. Verify with a controlled approved/unapproved connection test.
Quick Recap
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.
