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FIX: Authentication token manipulation error on Raspberry Pi

2 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

Oftentimes we forget or misspell login passwords we use for various accounts and there’s usually a method to recover them. But what if the system won’t accept the default credentials?

This can be the case with Raspberry Pi users. Sometimes, at the first login, the system won’t recognize the default passwords (eg.pi, for Linux OS, orubuntu, for Ubuntu OS).

The commonerror messageisAuthentication token manipulation error. The only successful solution reported by the Raspberry community members is to tweak the password file in the image.

You will need another machine that runs on Windows, Mac, or Linux, where you can insert the SD card.

How do I fix authentication token manipulation error?

1. Modify the password file for Linux OS

Then put the card into the PC again and delete theinit=/bin/shcombination you added. Save the changes and insert the card into the Raspberry Pi. You should be able to use the newpassword.

Modify the password file for Ubuntu

Insert the SD card into the Raspberry Pi and you should be able to log in using theubuntuusername andpassword.

We hope that one of these solutions was helpful. If you have any suggestions related to this topic, please leave a comment in the dedicated section below.

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Milan Stanojevic

Windows Toubleshooting Expert

Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.

Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.

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Milan Stanojevic

Windows Toubleshooting Expert

Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.