How to Change User Password in Ubuntu Quickly and Securely

Keeping your system credentials updated is one of the simplest ways to improve Linux security. Whether you are protecting a personal workstation or managing a server, knowing how to change Ubuntu password settings correctly is an essential skill for every user.

Ubuntu allows password changes through both the command line and graphical interface, making the process easy for beginners and advanced users alike.

Why You Should Change Passwords Regularly

Weak or reused passwords are among the most common causes of unauthorized access. Updating passwords regularly helps reduce the risk of compromised accounts, especially on shared systems or internet-facing servers.

Using a strong password with a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols can significantly improve account security.

Change Ubuntu Password Using Terminal

The fastest method to update your password in Ubuntu is through the terminal using the passwd command.

Open the terminal and run:

passwd

You will first be asked to enter your current password. After authentication, type the new password and confirm it.

Example workflow:

Changing password for username.
(current) UNIX password:
Enter new UNIX password:
Retype new UNIX password:
passwd: password updated successfully

For security reasons, Linux does not display characters while typing passwords.

The new password becomes active immediately after the process completes.

Change Another User’s Password in Ubuntu

System administrators and users with sudo privileges can also reset passwords for other accounts.

Use the following command:

sudo passwd username

Replace username with the target account name.

You will then be prompted to enter and confirm the new password for that user.

This method is commonly used on Linux servers when resetting forgotten credentials or managing multiple user accounts.

Change Ubuntu Password Through GUI

If you prefer a graphical interface instead of terminal commands, Ubuntu also provides password management directly from system settings.

Steps to Change Password from GUI

1. Open Settings
2. Navigate to System > Users
3. Click Unlock and authenticate
4. Select the user account
5. Click the Password field
6. Enter the current and new password
7. Save the changes

This method is beginner-friendly and works well for desktop users who are less comfortable using command-line tools.

Tips for Creating Strong Passwords

A secure password should:

• Contain at least 12–16 characters
• Include numbers and symbols
• Avoid dictionary words
• Be unique for every account

Password managers can also help generate and store strong credentials safely.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to change Ubuntu password settings is a basic but critical security practice for Linux users. Whether you use the terminal with the passwd command or Ubuntu’s graphical settings panel, updating passwords regularly helps protect your accounts and sensitive data from unauthorized access.

For better security, always use strong passwords and avoid reusing the same credentials across multiple systems.