This article shows you how to create a user account without a password or an empty password on Linux.
Method-1: How to Create a User Without Password on Linux Using passwd Command
You can create a user without a password on Linux using the passwd command as follows.
Run the useradd command to create a user account.
# adduser mageshm
Once you have created the user, use the passwd command to remove the user’s password.
# passwd -f -u mageshm Unlocking password for user mageshm. passwd: Success
Details:
-f or --forceForce operation-u or --unlockUnlock the password for the named account (root only)
Method-1a:
Alternatively, you can use the -d option with the password command to remove the password for a user.
# passwd -d magi Removing password for user magi. passwd: Success
Details:
-d or --deleteDelete the password for the named account (root only)
Now, you’ve created a user with “disabled password”. But when you try to access it, it will ask for the password at the same time not allowing you to login.
You might get an error message like “Access denied”.
This is the expected behavior and you will not receive an error message such as “No password, you cannot login”.
Method-2: How to Create a User Without Password on Linux Using chpasswd Command
You can create a user with an empty password on Linux using the chpasswd command.
Run the below command to create a user account.
# adduser mageshm
Once you have created the user, use the below command to remove the user’s password. The -e option expects a hashed password, but you are given a simple password, which is why it is not taken.
# echo "mageshm:pass123" | chpasswd -e
Details:
-e or --encryptedSupplied passwords are encrypted
Method-3: How to Create an User Without Password on Linux Using useradd Command
You can create a password-free user on Linux using the useradd command.
The -p option expects a hashed password, but you are provided with a simple password, which is why it is not taken.
# useradd mageshm -s /bin/bash -p 'pass123'
Details:
-p or --passwordEncrypted password of the new account
Method-3a:
Alternatively, use the /sbin/nologin option with the useradd command to create a new user. This shell usually does not allow the user to log in to the computer.
# useradd -s /sbin/nologin mageshm
You will receive the following message when you attempt to switch the account from the root.
# su - mageshm This account is currently not available.
Details:
-s or --shellLogin shell of the new account
Method-3b:
Alternatively, use the /bin/false option with the useradd command to create a new user. This shell works exactly like the one above, and it does not allow the user to log in to the computer.
# useradd -s /bin/false mageshm
When you try to switch the account from the root you get nothing.
# su - mageshm
