Reset My Penn State Account Password (I Forgot It)

Issue

I've forgotten the password for my Penn State Account - I need to reset it.

Environment

• LionPATH, WorkDay, Office 365 Apps, Canvas, PSU email
  
• Any other Penn State resources that require Penn State user ID and password to log in
• Forgotten Password. (If you know your password, see knowledge article Change My Penn State Account Password.)

Resolution

Quick Start:

NOTE: If you know your current password and just want to change it, go to the Change Password page - it's quicker.

1. Go to the Forgot Password page on the Penn State Account Management website.*
   
   
2. Review knowledge article After You Change Your Penn State Account Password for additional steps you may need to take and help with any issues you may encounter as a result of changing your password.
   

Detailed Instructions:

NOTE: If you're planning to use your mobile device to do this, you may find it easier to do on a laptop or desktop computer.

1. For tips on choosing a strong password, visit Choosing Your Penn State Account Password.
   
   
2. Go to the Forgot Password page on the Penn State Account Management website.
   
   
3. Under Choose Account:  Enter your user ID (Example: abc123) and click Continue.
   
   • Note that your user ID does not include @psu.edu.
   • Make sure your CapsLock is off - your user ID is all lower case.
     
     
4. Under Verify Identity: 
   
   
   • If you have a recovery email address and/or phone number associated with your Penn State account, choose where the system will send a verification code to confirm your identity:
     
     1. If you want to receive an email:
        
        1. Click the email account to select it. Be sure you recognize and can access the email account that's partially displayed.
           
        2. Click Send. A message on the screen says Password Reset Email Sent to x*******y@abc.com 
           
        3. Log in to that email account and look for an email with the subject line Request to Reset Penn State Password. If you can't find the email, see knowledge base article I didn't receive automated email I was expecting.
           
        4. Open the email and copy the verification code it contains; then continue with Step 4, below.
           
           
     2. If you want to receive a text message:
        
        1. Click a phone number to select it. Be sure you recognize and can access the phone number that's partially displayed, and that it's a smartphone or basic cellphone able to receive SMS text messages (not a landline).
           
        2. Click Text Me.
           
        3. Open the text message on the phone you selected and note the verification code it contains.
           If you didn't receive a text message, click Resend Code and try again. 
           If that doesn't work, choose an email address instead, if that's an option.
           
           
   • If neither of the above methods of verification work for you:
     
     1. Call the IT Service Desk and ask them to reset your password.
        
     2. Once your password has been reset, follow the instructions in knowledge base article Update the Recovery Email Address for Your Penn State Access Account.
        
        
5. Under Enter Verification Code:  Enter the Verification Code in the box provided and click Continue.  
   
   
   
   
6. Under Reset Password:
   
   1. Enter your new password the New Password box.  
        
      
      
   2. Note that your password must meet the criteria listed on the right side of your screen.
      
      • If the password you enter fails to meet one of the criterion, an X is displayed next to that requirement.
      • If the password you enter meets a given criterion, a check mark is displayed next to that requirement.
        
        
        
   3. Confirm your new password by entering it a second time in the Confirm New Password box.
      
   4. Click Continue. The following message is displayed: Penn State Password Successfully Updated. If an error message indicates that your ability to reset your password has been locked, or you need further assistance, contact the IT Service Desk.
   
   
   
7. Update your recovery email address:
   
   Your recovery email address is a non-PSU email address you provide as part of your contact information.  It allows you to recover your account or reset your password without assistance from the IT Service Desk.  
   
   If you don't have a recovery email address associated with your Penn State Account, or need to change it, follow the instructions in knowledge base article Update the Recovery Email Address for Your Penn State Access Account.
   
   

   If you don't have a non-PSU email address, we recommend you add a mobile phone number that can receive texts.  To add a mobile phone number, please follow the knowledge base article Add or Change Phone Number on My Penn State Account.
   
   

8. Review knowledge article After You Change Your Penn State Account Password to learn about additional steps you may need to take.

Additional Resources:

• Choosing, Changing, and Protecting Your Penn State Account Password
• After You Change Your Penn State Account Password
• Sync My Penn State Computer Password to My New Penn State Account Password
• I changed my password and now I can't log in to my computer