reset authelia otp in docker container

2 min read 24-01-2025

Authelia, a modern authentication server, enhances security with one-time passwords (OTP). But what happens when you need to reset your Authelia OTP? This guide walks you through resetting your Authelia OTP within a Docker container environment. This process requires access to the Authelia database. Remember to back up your database before making any changes.

Understanding Authelia's OTP Mechanism

Authelia uses a time-based OTP algorithm (like TOTP) to generate unique codes. These codes are linked to your user account within the Authelia database. Resetting your OTP essentially invalidates the old codes and generates a new set.

Prerequisites

Before proceeding, ensure you have the following:

Docker environment: Authelia must be running in a Docker container.
Database access: You'll need access to the database Authelia uses (typically PostgreSQL). Knowing the database credentials is crucial.
Command-line interface (CLI): You'll be using the command line to interact with the database. This could be psql for PostgreSQL.
Backup: A recent backup of your Authelia database is strongly recommended. This safeguards against accidental data loss.

Methods for Resetting Authelia OTP

There are two primary methods for resetting your Authelia OTP:

Method 1: Using the Database Directly (Recommended)

This method involves directly manipulating the Authelia database using SQL commands. It's the most reliable way to reset your OTP.

Access the database: Connect to your Authelia database using your preferred CLI tool. Remember to use the correct credentials (hostname, port, database name, username, password). For PostgreSQL, you might use a command like this:
```
psql "host=your_db_host port=your_db_port dbname=your_db_name user=your_db_user password=your_db_password"
```
Identify your user: Determine the ID of your user account. The specific query will depend on your database schema, but it might look something like this:
```
SELECT id FROM users WHERE username = 'your_username';
```
Replace 'your_username' with your actual username. Note the id returned.
Reset the OTP secret: Now, update the totp_secret field in the users table to NULL. This effectively disables the old OTP. Use a query similar to this, replacing your_user_id with the ID from the previous step:
```
UPDATE users SET totp_secret = NULL WHERE id = your_user_id;
```
Reconnect to Authelia: Restart the Authelia container or reload its configuration to apply the changes. You'll now be prompted to set up a new OTP.

Method 2: Through the Authelia Web UI (If Applicable)

Some versions of Authelia might offer a way to reset your OTP through the web interface. Check your Authelia's administration settings. Look for options related to user management or two-factor authentication. This option is not always present.

Important Considerations

Security: Protect your database credentials carefully. Avoid exposing them in scripts or configuration files.
Backup: Always back up your database before making any changes. This precaution prevents irreversible data loss.
Schema variations: The exact SQL commands may differ slightly based on your Authelia version and database schema. Consult the Authelia documentation for your specific version.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues, check the following:

Database connection: Verify your database credentials are correct.
User ID: Ensure you've correctly identified your user ID.
Permissions: Make sure you have the necessary permissions to update the database.
Authelia logs: Examine the Authelia logs for any error messages.

By following these steps, you can successfully reset your Authelia OTP within your Docker container environment and regain access to your secured resources. Remember to prioritize database security and always back up your data.