1. Introduction
Ubuntu is a popular Linux distribution used by many people worldwide, but users may sometimes encounter issues when entering their password or logging in. These problems can be particularly frustrating for beginners.
In this article, we will thoroughly explain the causes of login issues such as “unable to enter password” or “unable to log in” on Ubuntu and provide clear solutions. Our step-by-step guide ensures even beginners can follow along to troubleshoot and resolve these problems effectively.
This guide is especially helpful if you are experiencing any of the following issues:
- Your keyboard is unresponsive on the login screen.
- You cannot log in even though your password is correct.
- You are unsure of the cause and don’t know where to start troubleshooting.
By following this guide, you will be able to resolve password and login issues in Ubuntu and restore a smooth working environment.
2. Main Causes
There are several possible causes for the “unable to enter password” or “unable to log in” issues in Ubuntu. Below, we categorize them into three main areas for easier understanding.
Keyboard Configuration Issues
Problems related to keyboard settings are among the most common issues, especially for beginners. Please check the following points.
NumLock and CapsLock Settings
- NumLock
This key enables numerical input. If it is turned off, numbers cannot be entered. If your password includes numbers, ensure that NumLock is enabled on the login screen. - CapsLock
This key enables uppercase letters. If it is turned on, unintended uppercase letters may be entered. Since passwords are case-sensitive, always check the CapsLock status before entering your password.
Incorrect Keyboard Layout
During installation, Ubuntu sets a keyboard layout, but if it is incorrect, the input may not match what you expect.
Example: If you are using a Japanese keyboard but Ubuntu is set to an English keyboard layout, symbols like “@” or “:” may appear in unexpected positions.
User Account Issues
If there is an issue with your Ubuntu user account, you may not be able to log in even if you enter the correct password.
Checking if Your Account Exists
If the registered account has been deleted or accidentally disabled, logging in will not be possible.
User Permission Issues
If administrative privileges (such as sudo rights) are not properly configured, certain operations may be restricted, potentially affecting login.
System Configuration Issues
System-related problems can also cause issues with password entry or logging in.
Wayland Compatibility Issues
Wayland, the default display server for Ubuntu, can sometimes have compatibility problems with certain environments and drivers. This can result in login screen malfunctions.
Corrupted Configuration Files
System updates or incorrect operations may corrupt critical configuration files. If the files managing the login screen are damaged, you may not be able to proceed even if you enter the correct password.
3. Basic Troubleshooting Steps
If you cannot enter your password or log in to Ubuntu, start by checking the following basic troubleshooting steps. Many issues can be identified and resolved at this stage.
Checking Your Keyboard
NumLock and CapsLock Status
- NumLock Status
If your password includes numbers, NumLock must be turned on. If your keyboard has a NumLock indicator light, ensure it is lit. - Solution: Press the NumLock key once to enable it.
- CapsLock Status
Since passwords are case-sensitive, having CapsLock enabled may lead to incorrect input. - Solution: Check the CapsLock key and disable it if necessary.
Issues with External Keyboards
- If you are using a USB or wireless keyboard, ensure it is properly connected.
- Solution: Try unplugging and reconnecting the keyboard or using a different USB port.
Checking Keyboard Layout Settings
Verifying in the Graphical User Interface (GUI)
- On the login screen, check if you can select the correct keyboard layout option (e.g., English (US) or Japanese (JP)).
Checking and Modifying in the Terminal
You can check the current keyboard layout using the terminal.
- Check Current Settings
Run the following command to view your current layout.
localectl statusExample output:
System Locale: LANG=en_US.UTF-8
VC Keymap: us
X11 Layout: usIn this case, “us” (English) is correctly set.
- Change the Keyboard Layout
If necessary, modify the setting with the following command:
sudo dpkg-reconfigure keyboard-configurationFollow the instructions to select the correct keyboard layout.
Testing Keyboard Input on the Login Screen
- Using the On-Screen Keyboard
If you suspect a hardware issue, try using the on-screen keyboard from the accessibility options on the login screen. - Checking Login Behavior
If you cannot log in despite entering the correct password, try logging in as a guest user (if available) to check system settings and account status.
4. Solutions Using Recovery Mode
Recovery mode is a powerful tool in Ubuntu for troubleshooting system issues. This section explains how to use recovery mode to resolve problems related to password entry and login.
How to Enter Recovery Mode
Follow these steps to enter recovery mode:
- Restart your system
- During startup, press and hold the “Shift” key (or the “Esc” key on some systems) to access the GRUB boot menu.
- Select Recovery Mode
- In the GRUB menu, select “Advanced options for Ubuntu.”
- From the list of available options, choose the recovery mode entry (e.g., “Ubuntu, with Linux xxx-recovery mode”).
- Navigate the Recovery Mode Menu
- Once recovery mode starts, a menu appears with options such as:
- root (Drop to root shell prompt)
- fsck (Check and repair file system)
- network (Enable networking)
Resetting Your Password
In recovery mode, you can reset your password using the passwd command.
- Access the Root Shell Prompt
- Select “root” from the recovery menu to open a terminal with root privileges.
- Enable Write Mode
- By default, the root file system is mounted as read-only. Run the following command to enable write access:
mount -o remount,rw /
- Check Available User Accounts
- To list all user accounts on your system, use the following command:
ls /home
Take note of the username you need.
- Reset the Password
- Use the following command to reset your password:
passwd username
Enter a new password twice to confirm.
- Restart Your System
- After resetting the password, reboot your system:
reboot
Fixing User Account Issues
If the issue is related to your user account, you can create a new account or fix an existing one in recovery mode.
Creating a New User Account
- Run the following command to create a new user account:
adduser new_username- Grant administrative privileges to the new account:
usermod -aG sudo new_usernameUnlocking an Existing Account
- If the account is locked, unlock it with this command:
passwd -u usernameImportant Notes
- Be cautious when resetting passwords
Resetting a password may affect login credentials for other services such as SSH or FTP. Double-check your settings afterward. - Backup before making major changes
Before making changes in recovery mode, consider backing up important data to prevent data loss.
5. Fixing System Configuration Issues
If password entry or login issues are caused by system configuration problems, repairing specific settings can help. This section explains how to fix issues related to Wayland and xorg.conf.
Regenerating xorg.conf
If the xorg.conf file is corrupted, the login screen may not function properly. Follow these steps to regenerate it.
1. Backup the Existing Configuration
sudo mv /etc/X11/xorg.conf /etc/X11/xorg.conf.backup2. Generate a New xorg.conf File
sudo X -configureA new file named /etc/X11/xorg.conf.new will be created.
3. Apply the New Configuration
sudo mv /etc/X11/xorg.conf.new /etc/X11/xorg.conf4. Restart the System
sudo rebootDisabling Wayland
Wayland can cause login screen issues in some environments. Disabling it and switching to Xorg may resolve the problem.
1. Edit the Configuration File
sudo nano /etc/gdm3/custom.conf2. Modify the Wayland Setting
Find the following line:
#WaylandEnable=falseRemove the “#” at the beginning to uncomment it:
WaylandEnable=false3. Save and Exit
Press Ctrl + O to save, then Ctrl + X to exit.
4. Restart GDM
sudo systemctl restart gdm35. Reboot the System
sudo reboot6. FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Is it normal that no characters appear when entering a password?
A: Yes, this is normal. For security reasons, Ubuntu does not display characters or placeholder dots when entering passwords. Simply type your password and press Enter.
Q2: What if I can’t enter recovery mode?
A: Try the following:
- Press the “Shift” or “Esc” key at the correct time—right after the BIOS screen disappears.
- If the GRUB menu is hidden, disable “Secure Boot” in BIOS settings.
- Check your boot device order to ensure Ubuntu is set as the primary boot option.
7. Conclusion
Issues like “unable to enter password” or “unable to log in” can be frustrating, especially for beginners. However, by following the steps outlined in this guide, most problems can be resolved.
Key Takeaways
- Check keyboard settings – Ensure NumLock, CapsLock, and the correct keyboard layout are set.
- Use recovery mode – Reset passwords and fix user accounts when necessary.
- Repair system settings – Disable Wayland or regenerate xorg.conf to resolve display-related issues.
- Prevent future issues – Regularly back up your system and check your keyboard settings.
References
A help and support forum for Ubuntu Linux.…
