PostgreSQL Database Error Code 28P01: How to Fix It

Medium 10-30 minutes High Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
28P01
Brand
PostgreSQL
Product Type
database
Severity
High
DIY Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Fix Time
10-30 minutes
PostgreSQL error code 28P01 indicates an authentication failure, typically caused by an incorrect password, username, or database connection configuration. This error prevents users from connecting to the PostgreSQL database server and requires immediate attention to restore database access.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 28P01

  1. Verify Username and Password

    Always use strong passwords and avoid hardcoding credentials in application code

  2. Check Database Name and Host

  3. Review pg_hba.conf Configuration

    Backup pg_hba.conf before making changes and restart PostgreSQL service after modifications

  4. Reset User Password

    Use strong passwords with a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters

  5. Check User Privileges and Roles

  6. Test Connection with psql

  7. Restart PostgreSQL Service

    Restarting the database service will temporarily disconnect all active connections
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When to Call a Professional

Contact a database administrator or PostgreSQL expert if you cannot access any administrative accounts, if the issue persists after following all steps, or if you're dealing with a production database and are not comfortable making configuration changes that could affect other users.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes PostgreSQL error 28P01?
Error 28P01 is caused by authentication failures, typically due to incorrect passwords, usernames, misconfigured pg_hba.conf file, expired passwords, or insufficient user privileges to connect to the specified database.
How do I reset a forgotten PostgreSQL password?
Connect as the postgres superuser and use the ALTER USER command: ALTER USER username PASSWORD 'newpassword'; If you've lost the postgres password, you may need to temporarily change pg_hba.conf to use 'trust' authentication, restart PostgreSQL, reset the password, then restore proper authentication.
Where is the pg_hba.conf file located?
The pg_hba.conf file is typically located in the PostgreSQL data directory. Common locations include /var/lib/postgresql/data/ on Linux, C:\Program Files\PostgreSQL\version\data\ on Windows, or /usr/local/var/postgres/ on macOS. You can find the exact location by running SHOW hba_file; in psql.
Can I connect to PostgreSQL without a password?
Yes, but only for development purposes. You can configure pg_hba.conf to use 'trust' authentication method, which allows connections without passwords. However, this is highly insecure and should never be used in production environments.
Why does my connection work locally but fail remotely?
This is often due to pg_hba.conf configuration differences between local and remote connections. Check that host-based authentication is properly configured for your IP address and that PostgreSQL is configured to listen on the correct network interfaces in postgresql.conf.

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