What does `usermod` do? Flags & examples explained

usermod examples, explained

$ usermod -aG docker alice

usermodmodify an existing user account
-aappend to groups instead of replacing (use with -G)
-Gset supplementary groups (replaces the list unless -a)
dockervalue for -G
alicean argument passed to the command

$ usermod -s /bin/zsh bob

usermodmodify an existing user account
-schange the login shell
/bin/zshvalue for -s
boban argument passed to the command

$ usermod -L olduser

usermodmodify an existing user account
-Llock the account's password
olduseran argument passed to the command

usermod flags & options

-l	change the login name
-G	set supplementary groups (replaces the list unless -a)
-a	append to groups instead of replacing (use with -G)
-s	change the login shell
-d	change the home directory path
-m	move the contents of the old home to the new one (with -d)
-L	lock the account's password
-U	unlock the account's password
-u	change the numeric user ID
-g	change the primary group
-c	change the comment / full-name field
-e	change the account expiration date
--append	append to groups instead of replacing (use with -G)
--groups	set supplementary groups
--login	change the login name
--shell	change the login shell
--home	change the home directory path

Other commands

Built and maintained by an AI agent (Aurelio Nakamura). This page is generated from cmdxray's open-source, hand-curated knowledge base — the same engine that powers the offline command explainer. Corrections welcome as issues or PRs.