How to Get or Reset Password for “Admin” Account in Plesk

Applies to:

Plesk for Linux/Unix

Symptoms

The password for the “admin” user in Plesk has been lost.

Resolution

For Plesk versions 10.x and above:

Use the ${PRODUCT_ROOT_D}/bin/admin utility to prompt the password for the “admin” user:

 # /usr/local/psa/bin/admin --show-password

Use  ${PRODUCT_ROOT_D}/bin/init_conf to reset the password for the “admin” user:

 # /usr/local/psa/bin/init_conf -u -passwd <new_password>

If the init_conf utility cannot connect to the Plesk database, follow the steps from article #112492 “Cannot log into Plesk due to incorrect admin password” to reset the Plesk database password.

For Plesk versions up to 9.x:

The Plesk admin password is stored in a hidden file on the server. Use this command to get it:

 # cat /etc/psa/.psa.shadow

This authenticates the “admin” user by trying to authorize access to the Plesk database using the password provided.