Posted on 2025-09-18

The whimsical traveling gnome from Amélie has become an internet meme symbolizing frustration with repetitive, seemingly pointless tasks—like endlessly re-entering a keyring password.

The Annoying Traveling Gnome: Why the GNOME Keyring Prompt Drives Users Away from Linux

In the world of Linux distributions like Ubuntu and Linux Mint, the GNOME Keyring serves as a built-in credential manager. It securely stores passwords, encryption keys, Wi-Fi credentials, SSH keys, and application logins.

Yet for many—especially novices, elderly users, or those with disabilities—this helpful feature often appears as an intrusive prompt asking for a "keyring password" right after login or when opening certain apps.

This dialog can feel redundant, especially when users already rely on their browser's password manager (Chrome, Firefox, etc.).

The Overplayed Importance of the GNOME Keyring

Prioritizing Accessibility Over Rigid Security

Proponents argue the keyring protects credentials if a device is compromised. However, for casual home users who:

• Don't use a dedicated password manager
• Store credentials only in the browser (already encrypted and often synced)
• Use 2FA elsewhere

…the keyring adds little real security while creating significant usability friction.

For novice, elderly, or disabled users, that extra prompt can be a deal-breaker:

• Confusion → mistaken for a system error
• Forgotten password → locked credentials
• Cognitive/motor/visual challenges → amplified difficulty
• Screen readers (e.g., Orca) → inconsistent handling

Linux's accessibility has improved, but enforcing mandatory extra steps contradicts the goal of an inclusive, empowering OS.

In low-risk environments (home laptop, casual browsing), the usability cost far outweighs the marginal security gain. Choice should be the default—not compulsion.

How to Disable the GNOME Keyring in Ubuntu

Ubuntu (e.g., 24.04 LTS and later) integrates the keyring tightly via the Seahorse app ("Passwords and Keys").

Method 1: Set a Blank Password (Recommended for Most Users)

1. Open Passwords and Keys (search in Activities or run seahorse in terminal).
2. In the sidebar, find the Login keyring (under "Passwords").
3. Right-click Login → Change Password.
4. Enter your current keyring password (usually your login password) in "Old Password".
5. Leave New Password and Confirm blank → click Continue.
6. Confirm the security warning.

Prompts disappear while keeping keyring functionality for apps that need it.
(Warning: Credentials are stored unencrypted—suitable only for low-risk setups.)

Method 2: Complete Removal

# Delete keyring files
cd ~/.local/share/keyrings
rm login.keyring   # or rm * if you're sure

# Or uninstall the package entirely
sudo apt remove gnome-keyring

# Reboot
reboot

For persistent Chrome prompts, edit the desktop file:
Add --password-store=basic to the command line.

Test afterward—some Wi-Fi/SSH credentials may need re-entry.

How to Disable the GNOME Keyring in Linux Mint

Linux Mint (e.g., Mint 22 based on Ubuntu 24.04) follows a similar process, often on Cinnamon or MATE.

Method 1: Set a Blank Password (Simplest)

1. Menu → Accessories → Passwords and Keys (or search).
2. Right-click the Login keyring.
3. Change Password → old password → leave new blank → confirm.

Method 2: Delete Files & Remove Package

• Navigate: /home/yourusername/.local/share/keyrings
• Delete files (e.g., login.keyring, user.keystore).

Or use Synaptic:

sudo apt install synaptic   # if not installed

→ Search gnome-keyring-pkcs11 → mark for removal → apply → reboot.

Same browser fix applies: --password-store=basic.

The Persistent Problem: Updates Bring It Back

Even after disabling, system updates often re-enable the keyring as default. Permanent solutions (holding packages, PAM edits) are too advanced for many users—undermining user choice and accessibility.

We urge GNOME, Cinnamon, MATE, and distro maintainers:

Make the keyring opt-in, not mandatory.

Linux should be a refuge from imposed complexity—not mirror proprietary systems' rigidity. A single unexpected prompt can alienate novices, elderly users, and people with disabilities.

Conclusion: Empowering Users Through Simplicity

Disabling the GNOME Keyring often restores a seamless experience—until the next upgrade.

The deeper issue is clear: Linux must better balance security with inclusivity. For many, browser-only management is enough. Respecting that choice without judgment would welcome far more users.

If you're setting up Linux for vulnerable users (novices, elderly, disabled), apply these tweaks early. Let's build an open-source world that's truly for everyone—starting by removing unnecessary barriers to the basics.