I Have a Problem with My NetID Password. What Should I Do?
I forgot my NetID password, or I never set one in the first place, or the system won't accept it or won't let me change it.
This article applies to: NetIDs
Passwords are kept in an encrypted database and cannot be looked up by anyone.
If you previously set your password's security questions, you can go to the Forgot Password page to reset your password. If you are enrolled in Two-Step Login, after answering the security questions, you will also be required to authenticate as usual with Two-Step Login.
This option isn't available if any of the following happened:
- You forgot your password and hadn't set your security questions.
- Someone stole your NetID password by tricking you into giving it away, guessing it, snooping on a non-secure wireless network, or some other means, then they changed it so that they could take control of your accounts to steal Cornell resources (e.g., look at data you have access to, use your email to send spam).
- The IT Security Office determined that your password has been compromised, and they scrambled it to stop further abuse. (For more information and a possible automated recovery option, see If the Security Office Locks Your Account After Detecting It's Compromised.)
In these cases, you will need to request a new activation code so that you can reset your password. To make this request, contact the IT Service Desk to set up a video chat. During the chat, you will need to provide proof of identity: your Cornell ID card or your valid government-issued photo ID card, such as a driver's license or passport.
As soon as you have reset your password, you should consider setting up your password's security questions so that if you have trouble with your password again, you can set a new password yourself.
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