Get the Terminal to Show Asterisks When Typing Password

If you have used the terminal in Linux (or Mac), you will know that it does not show anything when you type a password. The lack of a feedback system means that you won’t know if you have typed a password, or have entered the correct number of characters. Here is how you can make the terminal show asterisks when you type a password.

1. Open a terminal and type:

sudo visudo

2. Scroll down the list until you find the line:

Defaults        env_reset

3. Append the word “pwfeedback” to the end of the line so it looks like:

Defaults        env_reset,pwfeedback

Save (ctrl +o) and exit (ctrl +x).

That’s it.

Damien

Damien Oh started writing tech articles since 2007 and has over 10 years of experience in the tech industry. He is proficient in Windows, Linux, Mac, Android and iOS, and worked as a part time WordPress Developer. He is currently the owner and Editor-in-Chief of Make Tech Easier.