4 Simple Ways to Linux Switch Users

Written by

Ojash

Reviewed by

Akshat

Last updated: July 12, 2024

Expert verified

Switching users in Linux is something you’ll need to do often, whether you’re running commands with higher privileges, accessing another user’s files, or testing settings. There’s a solution for every situation, and this post will show you how. I’ll guide you through using commands like su and sudo, as well as graphical interfaces, to Linux change user efficiently. You’ll also get tips on best practices for managing users securely. By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to handle user switching in Linux confidently.

When You Need to Switch the User?

Switching users in Linux is a common task for several important reasons. Here’s when you might need to change user Linux:

• Accessing Another User’s Files: If you need to access or manage files that belong to another user, you’ll need to switch to that user. This is useful for system administrators who need to troubleshoot issues or manage user accounts. By switching users, you can access the files and settings specific to that user.
• Testing User-Specific Settings: When configuring a system, you might need to test settings or applications from the perspective of different users. Switching users allows you to see exactly how changes affect each user, ensuring that everything works correctly for everyone.
• Running Commands with Different Permissions: Sometimes, you need to run a command that requires higher privileges than your current user account has. For example, installing software or changing system settings usually requires root access. In this case, you switch to the root user or you can also grant root permissions to users in Linux. For giving root permissions to users in Linux, explore this step-by-step guide.

Types of Users in Linux

Understanding the different types of users in Linux is essential for effective system management and security. Each user type has specific roles and permissions, designed to help maintain order and control over the system. In Linux, users can be broadly categorized into three main types: root users, regular users, and system users.

1. Root User: The root user is the most powerful user on a Linux system, with complete control to run any command, access any file, and change any setting. Use the root account only when necessary to avoid accidental changes that could harm the system.
2. Regular Users: Regular users have their own home directories and personal files. They can perform normal tasks like editing files and running programs but cannot make system-wide changes without permission. Create separate regular user accounts for different people to keep files and settings secure.
3. System Users: System users are special accounts created by the system to run services and manage tasks. They have limited permissions and usually do not have a home directory. Examples include users for web servers and databases. Avoid using system user accounts for regular tasks to keep services running securely.

How to Switch Users on Linux?

That was the quick answer. Below, we’ll dive into more details on this method along with 3 more methods.

1. su Command

The su (switch user) command in Linux is a powerful tool that allows users to switch from their current user account to another user account directly from the terminal. This command is particularly useful for system administrators and users who need to perform tasks with different user permissions without logging out and back in. Follow these steps to change user in Linux:

1. Open your Terminal window by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T.

2. Run the following command to switch users:

su - username

Replace the username with the name of the user you wish to switch to. Press enter.

3. You will be prompted for the password of the user account you are switching to. Enter the password and press enter. You can now execute commands and perform tasks as this user.

2. sudo Command

The sudo command stands for superuser do and allows a permitted user to execute a command as the superuser or another user, as specified in the sudoers file. This tool is essential for managing permissions and performing administrative tasks without switching from the current user account. Here is how to switch user in Linux using sudo command:

1. Access the Terminal through your Linux environment.
2. Execute the following command: 

sudo -u username

Replace username with the user you want to execute the command as, and command with the command you wish to run. If you omit username, the command runs as the superuser by default.

3. Enter your password if prompted.

Configuring sudo Permissions

1. Type the following command in the Terminal:

sudo visudo

This command opens the sudoers file in your default editor, which is configured for safe editing of this file.

2. Follow the syntax username ALL=(ALL:ALL) ALL to grant a user full sudo privileges or customize the command as needed for specific permissions.

3. Make sure to save your changes. The editor will check for syntax errors to ensure your sudoers configuration is correct.

3. Login Command

The login command offers a straightforward method for switching between user accounts by initiating a new session right from the terminal. This approach is especially useful for users who require a complete login process, including the loading of all environment variables and startup scripts associated with the new user. Follow these steps to switch user:

1. Begin by opening your Terminal. 
2. Run the following command:

sudo login username

Press Enter after typing the command.

3. After executing the command, you will be prompted to enter the password for that user account. Carefully type the password and press Enter.

4. Once you’ve successfully authenticated with the correct password, you’ll be logged into a new session as the specified user. This new session will have all the environment settings, variables, and startup scripts associated with that user, allowing you to work as if you had logged in from the beginning.

5. To end the session, you can simply type exit or press Ctrl + D. It will log you out of the current user session and return you to the previous state.

4. Graphical User Interface (GUI) Method

Linux distributions with a graphical user interface (GUI) offer a user-friendly way to switch between user accounts without using the command line. This method is ideal for users who prefer a visual approach to system administration. Here is how to switch user Linux using GUI:

1. Click on the system menu on your desktop environment located in the top right corner.

2. Look for an option labeled Switch User, Log Out, or something similar. Selecting this will Linux logout other user.

3. Selecting this will bring you to the login screen.

4. On the login screen, select the user you wish to switch to and enter their password.

5. Enter the user password.

4 Best Practices for Linux User Management 

Efficient user management is pivotal for safeguarding Linux systems against unauthorized access and ensuring operational integrity. The following best practices are essential for administrators aiming to enhance security and manage user privileges effectively.

1. 🔒 Conduct Periodic User Account Audits: Regularly review all user accounts on your system to verify their necessity. Immediate removal or deactivation of unused or outdated accounts is crucial for mitigating security risks and preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information. Read this guide to learn how to check login history in Linux to monitor system activity.
2. 🔑 Implement Robust Password Policies: Establish and enforce strong password policies that require complex, hard-to-guess passwords, which must be changed at regular intervals. This approach significantly reduces the likelihood of security breaches through compromised user credentials.
3. 👤 Restrict Sudo Privileges to Necessary Users: Grant sudo privileges solely to individuals who require administrative access for their roles. Minimizing the number of users with elevated privileges helps in preventing accidental or deliberate misuse of administrative powers.
4. 🛡 Utilize User Groups for Efficient Permission Management: Instead of managing file permissions on a per-user basis, leverage user groups to streamline permission assignment. This method facilitates the efficient allocation of access rights, adhering to the principle of least privilege and simplifying administrative tasks.

Linux Switch User: In a Nutshell

Switching users in Linux can be done using commands like su and sudo, or through graphical interfaces. Choose the right method for your needs: use su for full user switches, sudo for specific commands with elevated privileges, and GUI methods for a visual approach.

If you found this article helpful, I recommend checking out:

• How to add root permissions to a user in Linux, which will guide you on granting necessary administrative access safely.
• Another valuable read is how to unlock and lock user accounts, essential for managing user access and security.
• Lastly, exploring methods to change or set user passwords in Linux can help you maintain strong password policies and enhance overall system security.

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