---
title: "Change Your PostgreSQL Password on Linux"
source: "https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/change-postgres-user-password-on-linux-via-command-line/"
description: "Postgres change password on Linux and enhance the security of your database."
vertical: "Hosting"
date: "2020-04-02"
last_modified: "2026-07-02"
---

# Change Your PostgreSQL Password on Linux

PostgreSQL supports many client authentication methods, but in this case we’re only going to concern ourselves with two: **password** and **md5**.

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Note: The default authentication method for PostgreSQL is **ident**. If you’d like to [change the PostgreSQL authentication method from ident to md5, then visit the linked tutorial](https://www.liquidweb.com/blog/change-postgresql-authentication-method-from-ident-to-md5/)!

[![Change a Password for PostgreSQL on Linux via Command Line](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/change.postgresql.pw_.040220.jpg)](https://www.youtube.com/embed/1Qb_q7Utvlo?rel=)## Before Getting Started with Changing the PostgreSQL User Password

- These instructions are intended specifically for changing a password in PostgreSQL.
- I’ll be working from a Liquid Web Core Managed CentOS 7 server, and I’ll be logged in as root.
- PostgreSQL is installed per our tutorial on: [How to Install and Connect to PostgreSQL on CentOS 7](https://www.liquidweb.com/blog/how-to-install-and-connect-to-postgresql-on-centos-7/).

## Step #1: Switch to the PostgreSQL User: postgres

If you’re working from a default PostgreSQL installation, then PostgreSQL will be configured with the user **postgres**.

Since we’re logged in as **root**, and we’re assuming that root doesn’t have a user for PostgreSQL, switch to the default PostgreSQL user: **postgres**.

`su - postgres`

… then attempt a connection to PostgreSQL.

`psql`

… enter your password at the prompt.

`Password:`

… the correct, valid response will be similar to the following.

`psql (9.3.9)<br></br>Type "help" for help.`

`<br></br>`

`postgres=#`

## Step #2: Add/Change the PostgreSQL Password for the User: postgres

Use the following command to change the PostgreSQL user password for your current user, which is now **postgres**.

`password`

Enter your new password, and then enter it again to confirm it.

`Enter new password:<br></br>Enter it again:`

Now quit the PostgreSQL interface.

`q`

## Bonus Information!

You can do all of step one in exactly one command.

`su -c "psql" - postgres`