How to Change Your Linux User Password from the Terminal

A quick security guide for Linux Mint (and most other Linux distributions)

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Why You Might Need This

After transferring data to a new computer—or simply as good security hygiene—changing your user password is a smart move. Maybe you shared your old password, transferred old files, or just want a fresh start.

Whatever the reason, doing this from the terminal is fast, secure, and works on almost any Linux system.

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The Simple Way (You Know Your Current Password)

Step 1: Open a terminal.

On most systems: Ctrl + Alt + T

Step 2: Type this command:

bash

passwd

Step 3: Follow the prompts:

• Enter your current password

• Enter your new password

• Re-enter your new password to confirm

That’s it. Your password is now changed.

Note: The command is passwd (with an ‘a’), not psswd or anything else. A common typo to watch out for!

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What If You Forgot Your Current Password?

If you’re locked out or don’t know your current password, don’t panic. Since you have physical access to the machine, you can reset it:

1. Reboot your computer

2. At the GRUB menu, press Shift or Esc repeatedly

3. Select “Advanced options” → “Recovery mode”

4. Choose “root” (Drop to root shell)

5. Remount the filesystem as read/write:

   bash

mount -o remount,rw /

1. Reset your password (replace yourusername with your actual username):

   bash

passwd yourusername

1. Reboot with reboot

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One More Thing: The Keyring

After changing your password, you might get pop-ups about an “unlocked keyring” or saved passwords not working.

Fix it by deleting the old keyring file (it will recreate itself):

bash

rm ~/.local/share/keyrings/login.keyring

Next time you log in, your system will ask for your new password to create a fresh keyring.

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Final Security Tip

Make your new password:

• At least 8–12 characters long

• A mix of letters, numbers, and symbols

• Not reused from other accounts

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