PostgreSQL supports many client authentication methods, but in this case we’re only going to concern ourselves with two: password and md5.
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!
- Pre-Flight Check
- These instructions are intended specifically for changing a password in PostgreSQL.
- I’ll be working from a iaas 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.
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:
psql (9.3.9)
Type “help” for help.
postgres=#
Step #2: Add/Change the Password for the PostgreSQL User: postgres
Use the following command to change the 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:
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