How to reset VPS root password

Quick answer: If your service page in the Cloud2Y Client Area shows a password-reset (or "Change Root Password") option, use it — the VPS gets a new root password in a minute. If not, reset it yourself through the KVM Console using single-user/rescue mode, or open a ticket and we'll reset it for you.

Overview

The root password is stored inside the VPS's own OS, so a lost password doesn't lock you out permanently: the Client Area option (when available on your plan) or console-level access can always recover it. Note this is not the same as your Client Area password — that one is reset from the login page.

Before you start

• Access to the service page of your VPS.
• A new strong password prepared (long, unique, not reused anywhere).

Step-by-step guide

Option 1 — Client Area (if the option is shown on your service page):

1. Open My Services and click the VPS.
2. Use the password-reset / change-root-password control and confirm.
3. Wait a minute, then log in via SSH with the new password.

Option 2 — KVM Console (single-user mode, GRUB-based Linux):

1. Open the KVM Console from the service page and reboot the VPS.
2. At the GRUB menu press e, find the line starting with linux and append:

   init=/bin/bash

3. Boot with Ctrl+X. At the root shell remount and change the password:

   mount -o remount,rw /
   passwd root
   sync
   reboot -f

Common issues

• New password rejected over SSH? Some images ship with PermitRootLogin prohibit-password — password login for root is disabled in /etc/ssh/sshd_config; use SSH keys or adjust the setting via the KVM Console.
• No GRUB menu shown? Hold Shift (BIOS) or press Esc (UEFI) right after the reboot starts in the console window.
• Confused which password? Client Area login ≠ VPS root password. This article is about the VPS one.

When to contact support

If there's no reset option on your service page and the console method feels risky, open a support ticket from your registered account — we'll reset the root password for you after verification.

Frequently asked questions

Is the root password the same as my Client Area password?

No — the Client Area password logs you into cloud2y.com; the root password logs you into the server OS. They are reset in different places.

What if there is no reset button on my service page?

Reset it yourself via the KVM Console using single-user mode, or open a support ticket and we will reset it after verification.

Why does the new password not work over SSH?

Many OS images disable root password login in favor of SSH keys. Check PermitRootLogin and PasswordAuthentication in /etc/ssh/sshd_config via the KVM Console.

Related articles

• How to connect to VPS via SSH
• How to set up SSH keys
• How to reinstall VPS operating system
• How to secure your VPS after deployment

Need a hand? Contact Cloud2Y support →