How to Reset Nutanix Prism Password Easily

Forgetting or losing the password to the Nutanix Prism web console is a common issue, but there’s no need to worry. I will share a straightforward method to reset the Nutanix Prism password using the command line interface (NCLI).

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process to reset your Nutanix Prism password quickly and efficiently.

Managing a Nutanix HCI environment becomes extremely convenient when everything is accessed through Nutanix Prism, the unified console. However, one common situation almost every administrator faces at some point is forgetting or losing the Prism password. When this happens, regaining access may sound stressful, especially during live operations or emergencies.

In this detailed guide, I will walk you through how to reset Nutanix Prism passwords safely, how password expiration works, what the default credentials are, how to change passwords, and how to follow Nutanix password policies. The goal is to explain everything in a simple, human-natural, and professional tone so that even those who are new to Nutanix can follow along with confidence.

What Is Nutanix Prism?

Nutanix Prism is the central management interface used to operate the entire Nutanix Hyper-Converged Infrastructure (HCI). You can consider Prism as the “command center” of Nutanix HCI that allows administrators to control, monitor, troubleshoot, optimize, and automate all cluster tasks from one unified dashboard.

Core capabilities include:

• Managing Nutanix cluster resources
• Monitoring VM performance
• Creating, modifying, and deleting VMs
• Managing storage and compute resources
• Configuring network settings
• Applying upgrades and patches
• Viewing real-time analytics
• Setting role-based access controls (RBAC)

For a deeper understanding of Nutanix Prism, you can check our detailed guide: What is Nutanix Prism?

Understanding Nutanix Prism Password Requirements

Before resetting passwords, it is important to understand how Nutanix manages login credentials. Prism uses a local authentication model unless you integrate it with LDAP, AD, or other identity providers. The local admin account is always the primary recovery account for Prism.

Key points about Prism passwords

• The default administrator account is admin.
• Passwords must meet Nutanix security requirements (explained later in password policy).
• Expired passwords block Prism login until reset.
• Password changes do not affect CVM or Hypervisor passwords unless manually updated.
• Reset can be performed via Prism GUI or CVM command line.

Why You Need to Reset the Nutanix Prism Password

There are several reasons why you may need to reset your Nutanix Prism password:

Whether you’ve forgotten your credentials or are enhancing security, knowing how to reset the Nutanix Prism password is essential for maintaining access to the web console.

• Forgotten Password: If you or your team cannot recall the password.
• Security Reasons: Regularly updating passwords enhances security.
• Locked Account: Too many incorrect login attempts can lock you out.
• Admin Change: A previous administrator left without sharing credentials.

Nutanix Prism Default Password

When a Nutanix cluster is newly deployed, it uses a default password for the Prism management account. This is extremely important for first-time access.

Default Credentials

• Username: admin
• Default Password: nutanix/4u

You must change this default password immediately after the initial login because Nutanix enforces a security policy requiring password updates on first use.

Read more about: Default User Id and Password for Nutanix CVM, AHV and IPMI

Nutanix Prism Password Expiration

Nutanix enforces password expiration to maintain security across the cluster. When a password expires, Prism GUI login will fail even if the correct credentials are entered.

Password Expiration Behavior

• Prism prompts the user to update the password before it expires.
• If the password is not updated in time, the user will be locked out.
• Administrators can configure password expiration days.
• Expired passwords can be reset only through CVM or by another administrative user.

How to check password expiry

1. Log in to Prism Central or Prism Element.
2. Navigate to Settings → Authentication → Local Users.
3. Select the user account.
4. Review expiration details or modify the expiry time.

How to Change Nutanix Prism Password (When You Already Know the Current Password)

If you simply need to update the password while still logged in, follow these steps.

Steps to change password via Prism GUI

1. Log in to Nutanix Prism.
2. Select the user icon on the top right corner.
3. Choose Change Password.
4. Enter the current password.
5. Enter the new password based on Nutanix password policy.
6. Confirm and save your changes.

This option works only when you still have access. If the password is forgotten or expired, you must use the reset process explained below.

Nutanix Prism Password Reset (When Password Is Forgotten or Expired)

If you cannot log in to Prism GUI, then the only way to regain access is through the CVM (Controller Virtual Machine). The CVM acts as the heart of the cluster and allows low-level administrative operations.

Prerequisites for Resetting Nutanix Prism Password

Before you proceed with the reset process, ensure you have:

• SSH Access to a Nutanix CVM: You need to log in to any Nutanix CVM of the Nutanix cluster.
• Administrative Privileges: Only an CVM’s admin account can reset the password. [Default CVM admin ID is nutanix]
• Nutanix Cluster in Healthy State: Ensure your Nutanix cluster is up and running to execute commands successfully.

Reset Nutanix Prism Password Step by Step

Follow simple steps to reset your Nutanix Prism Web GUI console password:

Step 1: SSH into any Nutanix CVM

To reset the Nutanix CVM password – first, you need to connect to any Controller VM of the Nutanix cluster via SSH.
You can use (Putty, Terminal, or any SSH tool) and run following command:

system$ ssh nutanix@<cvm_IP>

Example: ssh nutanix@192.168.1.50

Important Note: Nutanix clusters use a unified authentication system, when changing password on one CVM, will automatically be synced across all CVMs in the cluster. This ensures consistency and simplifies password management process.

Step 2: Execute the Nutanix CVM Password Reset Command as mentioned below:

Once you are logged into the CVM, use the following command to reset the Nutanix Prism password for the admin account:

CVM$ ncli user reset-password user-name='admin' password= <New_Password>

Step 3: Confirm Password Reset

After executing the command, you should see a confirmation message that the password has been successfully reset.

Step 4: Log into Nutanix Prism Web Console

Now that the password has been reset, open your browser and navigate to the Nutanix Prism web console. Enter the following details:

• Username: admin
• Password: (Enter the new password you just set)

Step 5: Click Login to access the Prism interface.

Read Similar Post to know How to reset other Nutanix systems password:

1. How To Reset / Change Nutanix IPMI Password
2. Reset Nutanix Prism Central Password – CLI
3. How To Change Password of Nutanix CVM, AHV and IPMI

Best Practices for Managing Nutanix Prism Passwords

To prevent future password-related issues, consider implementing the following best practices:

• Use a Password Manager: Store your Nutanix Prism credentials securely.
• Regularly Update Passwords: Change passwords every few months for security.

How to View or Modify the Policy

1. Log in to Prism.
2. Go to Settings → Authentication → Password Policy.
3. Modify requirements based on security needs.
4. Save the configuration.

With strong password policies, Nutanix helps enterprises meet modern cybersecurity compliance standards.

Troubleshooting: When Prism Password Reset Does Not Work

Sometimes administrators may still face issues even after resetting the password. In such situations consider the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Confirm CVM clocks are synchronized

Time differences between CVMs may prevent login updates.

2. Validate cluster health

Use:

CVM$ cluster status

If CVMs show alerts, resolve them first.

3. Ensure ncli commands executed successfully

Check for errors during the password reset commands.

4. Reboot Prism services

Run:

CVM$ genesis restart

This restarts Prism services on the CVM.

Read more: Nutanix Prism web console is slow, not working, hanging issues troubleshooting

5. Verify replication to all CVMs

Password updates need time to sync across the cluster.

6. Try accessing both Prism Central and Prism Element

Sometimes one may update while the other delays.

If issues persist, you may contact Nutanix Support for advanced troubleshooting.F

Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)

Few common questions asked by Nutanix administrators related to Nutanix Prism reset password.

Conclusion

Resetting the Nutanix Prism password is a simple yet essential task for every Nutanix administrator. Whether you are updating an expired password, resetting a forgotten account, or modifying security policies, Nutanix provides a reliable and straightforward set of tools. By following the steps shared above, you can safely regain access to the console and manage your Nutanix HCI environment without disruption.

Key Takeaways

• Resetting your Nutanix Prism password is a simple process that requires SSH access to a Controller VM.
• Using the ncli user reset-password command allows quick and secure password updates.
• Always follow best security practices to manage your Nutanix credentials efficiently.
• If you encounter any issues, refer to the troubleshooting section above.
• Prism is the unified management console for all Nutanix operations.
• Default admin password is nutanix/4u.
• Password expiration is enforced to maintain security.
• Password resets are performed through CVM using ncli commands.
• Strong password policies help protect your Nutanix environment.
• Best practices ensure long-term security and smooth operations.

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