diff --git a/pkg/rootless/rootless_linux.go b/pkg/rootless/rootless_linux.go
index b2677f7d93..baceebee3c 100644
--- a/pkg/rootless/rootless_linux.go
+++ b/pkg/rootless/rootless_linux.go
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ func GetRootlessUID() int {
 		u, _ := strconv.Atoi(uidEnv)
 		return u
 	}
-	return os.Getuid()
+	return os.Geteuid()
 }
 
 func tryMappingTool(tool string, pid int, hostID int, mappings []idtools.IDMap) error {