In this article, I will share my personal experience and provide a detailed guide on what to do if you can’t remember your Linux password on a Mac terminal. Forgetting a password can be a frustrating and stressful experience, but fear not, there are steps you can take to regain access to your Linux system. So, let’s dive in!
Introduction
I remember the time when I couldn’t recall my Linux password on my Mac terminal. It was a moment of panic, as I thought I might have to reinstall the entire operating system and lose all my files. Thankfully, after doing some research and experimenting, I found a solution that worked for me, and I’m excited to share it with you.
Step 1: Boot into Single User Mode
The first step is to boot your Mac into Single User Mode. To do this, restart your Mac and hold down the Command (⌘) + S keys simultaneously. This will boot your Mac into a command-line interface, also known as Single User Mode.
Step 2: Mount the File System
Once you’re in Single User Mode, the next step is to mount the file system as read and write. To do this, type the following command:
mount -uw /
This command mounts the file system in read and write mode, allowing you to make changes to the system files.
Step 3: Reset the Password
Now that the file system is mounted, you can reset the Linux password. To do this, you need to modify the password file using the passwd command. Type the following command:
passwd [username]
Replace [username] with the username for which you want to reset the password. This command will prompt you to enter a new password. Enter your desired password and press Enter. You will be asked to confirm the password by entering it again.
Step 4: Reboot
After resetting the password, it’s time to reboot your Mac. Type the following command:
reboot
Your Mac will restart, and you should now be able to log in with the new password.
Conclusion
Forgetting your Linux password on a Mac terminal can be a daunting experience, but with the right steps, you can regain access to your system without losing any data. In this article, we discussed how to boot into Single User Mode, mount the file system, reset the password, and reboot your Mac. Remember to always keep your passwords in a safe place or use a reliable password manager to avoid such situations in the future. Happy Linuxing!