Retrieving or Resetting the DirectAdmin Admin Password

If you have lost access to the DirectAdmin control panel, you can regain access via SSH. Because the DirectAdmin admin account is linked to a Linux system user, managing the password is straightforward.

Scenario 1: Retrieve the original password

If you have never manually changed the admin password since the installation, you can simply read it from the setup logs.

1. Log in via SSH as root.
2. Run the following command to view the setup details:

cat /usr/local/directadmin/scripts/setup.txt

Look for the line starting with adminpass=. This is your original password.

Scenario 2: Force a Password Reset

If you have changed the password previously and don't remember it, you can overwrite it using the standard Linux password command.

1. Log in via SSH as root.
2. Run the password change command for the user 'admin':

passwd admin

You will be prompted to enter a new password twice.
(Note: You will not see the characters while typing due to Linux security masking).