We previously showed you how you can change the root user password on your jailbroken handset with an on-device terminal app like NewTerm. But since then, the process has changed slightly, especially if using modern rootless jailbreaks on iOS or iPadOS 15 and later, such as Dopamine or palera1n. Fortunately, we will share the updated process with you in today’s tutorial.
What you need to know
Although you may have seen modern jailbreaks being referred to as rootless, we can assure you that this has nothing to do with the root user password. Even your rootless jailbreak still has a root user password that can and should be changed from the default after jailbreaking for the first time.
A modern rootless jailbreak gets its name from the fact that the root file system isn’t remounted at the time of jailbreaking. That said, you can still run processes as a root user, which is why you should set a root user password.
While you can use your jailbreak without changing the root user password, the default password of alpine is well known and can be exploited by attackers who may attempt to SSH into your device and malicious changes without your knowledge. Setting a custom root user password is recommended to prevent this sort of access, thereby enhancing your jailbroken device’s security.
Once changed, you are the only person who will know the root user password for your device. You will use this password any time you SSH into your own device with a terminal app from another device.
If you’re running a modern rootless jailbreak such as Dopamine or palera1n on iOS 15 or later and you would like to change the root user password of your device, then you can read into the next section to learn about the steps to do so.
Changing an iPhone’s root user password with a mobile shell app
Changing your device’s root user password couldn’t be easier. Simply follow these steps:
1) Open your preferred package manager app and search for NewTerm 3 (available via the Chariz repository):
2) Download and install NewTerm 3 if you don’t already have it installed:
Note: The process to install apps varies from one package manager app to the next. Our images depict the process in Sileo.
3) Once installed, Launch the NewTerm app from the Home Screen:
4) Enter the following command in the Terminal interface, then tap the return key:
sudo passwd root
5) When asked to enter your mobile user password, type it in and tap the return key:
Note: The mobile user password is the one you set the very first time you jailbroke your device. The default password is alpine, unless you changed it previously, in which case you would use the changed password instead.
6) When asked to enter your old root user password, type it in and tap the return key:
Note: Again, your root user password should be alpine by default, unless you changed it previously, in which case you would use the changed password instead.
7) When asked to enter your new root user password, pick one not easily guessed, then type it in and tap the return key:
8) When asked to re-type your new root user password, type it in and tap the return key:
You should now see the prompt below, indicating that you have completed the root user password change:
Pro Tip: Do not forget the root user password you set. It may be beneficial to write it down somewhere, even if that’s your Notes app, so that you won’t forget it the next time you need it.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve changed your root user password to something other than the default, you’re far less likely to encounter any sort of SSH-based remote attack than someone who hasn’t.
These attacks are rare in nature, but should you befall such an attack, you’ll be sorry you didn’t do something as easy as change your root user password.
Also see: How to change the root user password on rootful jailbreaks with NewTerm
Were you successful in changing your root user password? Let us know in the comments section down below.