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Last active October 29, 2025 06:09
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Setup Ubuntu for PIN login
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README.md

Setup Ubuntu for PIN Login Instead of Long Password

  • Install packages if they aren't already installed.
sudo apt install libpam-pwdfile whois
  • Backup the Original PAM Configuration File
sudo cp /etc/pam.d/gdm-password /etc/pam.d/gdm-password_ORIGINAL
  • Create the Custom PIN File
echo "$(whoami):$(mkpasswd -5)" | sudo tee /etc/custompinfile
sudo chmod 400 /etc/custompinfile
  • Edit the PAM Configuration File to Enable the PIN file

Use your editor of choice with superuser privileges to edit the /ect/pam.d/gdm-password file to add auth sufficient pam_pwdfile.so pwdfile=/etc/custompinfile to the top of the file, similar to the following:

sudo vim /etc/pam.d/gdm-password

The top of your configuration file should look like the following:

#%PAM-1.0
auth    sufficient      pam_pwdfile.so  pwdfile=/etc/custompinfile
@benjaminoakes
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benjaminoakes commented Oct 16, 2025

@looeee said:

However, it might be possible to set things up so you enter the main password on the first login (after a reboot). This will unlock encrypted drives and keyring. Then use the pin screen lock only. I'll investigate this when I have more time.

That's what I do (see above). I may have different needs than you, but I know I at least don't need to provide a password for the keyring if I first log in with a password and then use PIN/fingerprint to unlock the screen.

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