Troubleshooting 'psql: fatal: Ident authentication failed for user postgres'

Learn how to resolve the "psql: fatal: Ident authentication failed for user postgres" error with easy-to-understand steps and tips.
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Troubleshooting "psql: fatal: Ident authentication failed for user postgres"

Encountering the "psql: fatal: Ident authentication failed for user postgres" error while trying to connect to your PostgreSQL database can be frustrating. This error generally indicates an authentication issue, where PostgreSQL fails to identify the user attempting to connect. Thankfully, resolving this issue is straightforward if you follow the right steps.

Understanding the Error

PostgreSQL employs different methods of authentication to ensure that only authorized users can access databases. One of these methods is Ident authentication, which relies on the operating system’s user information. When you run a psql command, PostgreSQL will check if the operating system user corresponds to the database user. If it cannot confirm the identity match, you receive the "Ident authentication failed" error.

Common Reasons and Fixes

Solution:

Look for an entry that resembles:

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Change the ident method to md5 or trust:

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Save the file and restart the PostgreSQL service:

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Ensure PostgreSQL User Exists

Sometimes, the issue might arise because the PostgreSQL user postgres does not exist or has a different name.

Solution:

Log in to your PostgreSQL server using an existing superuser:

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Check if the user postgres exists:

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If the user does not exist, create it:

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System User Match

The system user you're logged into should match the PostgreSQL user postgres.

Solution:

Either switch to the user postgres:

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Or, you can directly specify the PostgreSQL user when running psql:

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Conclusion

If the problem persists, double-check each configuration setting or consult the PostgreSQL documentation for deeper insights. Happy troubleshooting!