---
name: "getpass"
section: "3"
platform: "macos"
package: "Libc"
version: "1752.120.2"
release: "macOS 26.5"
platforms: ["linux", "freebsd", "macos"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/getpass"
---

# getpass(3)

get a password

## NAME

**getpass** – get a password

## LIBRARY

Standard C Library (libc, -lc)

## SYNOPSIS

**#include \<pwd.h\>**

**#include \<unistd.h\>**

*char* *\**\

**getpass**(*const char \*prompt*);

## DESCRIPTION

The **getpass**() function displays a prompt to, and reads in a password from, */dev/tty*. If this file is not accessible, **getpass**() displays the prompt on the standard error output and reads from the standard input.

The password may be up to \_PASSWORD\_LEN (currently 128) characters in length. Any additional characters and the terminating newline character are discarded.

The **getpass**() function turns off character echoing while reading the password.

## RETURN VALUES

The **getpass**() function returns a pointer to the null terminated password.

## FILES

- */dev/tty*

  ## SEE ALSO

[crypt(3)](/crypt/3.md), [readpassphrase(3)](/readpassphrase/3.md)

## HISTORY

A **getpass**() function appeared in Version 7 AT&T UNIX.

## BUGS

The **getpass**() function leaves its result in an internal static object and returns a pointer to that object. Subsequent calls to **getpass**() will modify the same object.

The calling process should zero the password as soon as possible to avoid leaving the cleartext password visible in the process's address space.

Upon receipt of a SIGTSTP, the input buffer will be flushed, so any partially typed password must be retyped when the process continues.