Switching to the Root User on Your Linux Server

To really get the most out of your Linux server, at some point you'll probably need to install something or change some configuration file that requires root/admin access. You can accomplish this by becoming the substitute user, super user, or switch user and basically lets you do any and everything on the server.

How you gain root/admin access depends on what kind of server you have:

Managed & Fully Managed Linux Servers

These servers use Gateway (more info) and cPanel.

First, you must enable root/admin access (more info). Then, when you're connected via SSH (more info), run the following command:

Now, enter your server's password. If you've forgotten it, you can reset it (more info).

You can now run commands as the root user.

All Other Linux Servers

When you're connected via SSH (more info), run the following command:

Now, enter your server's password. If you've forgotten it, you can reset it (more info).

You can now run commands as the root user.