How to reset the Webmin root password from the command line?

Updated: 28 September 2026 · Applies to: Webmin 2.670 (package installation)

If you forgot the Webmin password, or Webmin refuses your login, you can set a new password from the command line on the server. Current Webmin versions include the command webmin passwd for this. You need SSH access as root or a user with sudo.

Reset the password

Log in to the server over SSH (use the provider console or Ucartz support if you cannot).
Run the command for the Webmin user, usually root:
```
sudo webmin passwd --user root
```
The command asks for the new password twice.
Log in at https://YOUR-SERVER-IP:10000 with the new password.

Choose which password you change

Unix password (recommended): the same password as the server account.
```
sudo webmin passwd --user root --unix
```
Webmin-only password: a password that is only valid in Webmin. Useful when the account has no Unix password, which is common for root on Ubuntu images.
```
sudo webmin passwd --user root --webmin-only
```

To set the password without a prompt, for example in a script, add --password NEW-PASSWORD. Passwords typed on the command line can stay in the shell history, so prefer the prompt.

Webmin was installed from a tar file

If the webmin command is not in your path (installation from a tar file instead of the package repository), run the copy in the installation folder, for example:

sudo /usr/local/webmin/bin/webmin passwd --user root

The folder can also be /usr/libexec/webmin or /usr/share/webmin; use ls to find bin/webmin.

Still cannot log in?

The page does not open at all: How to fix Webmin not opening on port 10000?.
The message says access is denied for your IP address: Webmin's IP access control blocks you. Remove the restriction as described in How to fix Webmin not opening on port 10000?, step 6.
Login works but sends you back to the login page: check that your server's date and time are correct (timedatectl) and clear the cookies for the address.
You tried many wrong passwords: Webmin can block an address after repeated failed logins. Wait a while, or try from another IP address, and open a support ticket if the block does not clear.

Protect the account

Use a long, unique password.
Allow only your own IP address to reach port 10000: How to change the Webmin port and allow only your IP address?.
Turn on two-factor authentication in Webmin (Webmin › Webmin Configuration › Two-Factor Authentication).

Frequently asked questions

Which user name do I use?
The one you reset: normally root.

Is my Webmin password the same as my SSH password?
Only if you set the Unix password (--unix).

Official documentation: Webmin documentation: changing a Webmin password when you can't log in.

Need a server for Webmin, or a hand with the setup?

Managed Webmin VPS: a KVM VPS with Webmin where updates, security and monitoring are handled for you.
KVM VPS with NVMe storage: full root access, so you can install and manage Webmin yourself.

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