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Change Your NetID Password

This article applies to: NetIDs , Security & Policy

Cornell’s password / passphrase requirements are changing in Fall 2025. The new requirements outlined at Create a Strong Passphrase for your Device, NetID, and Other Cornell Services will better align with current security standards and best practices. 

Until 9/30/2025, the previous requirements will be in place and continue to be shown on the Manage Your NetID website.

For tips on creating or choosing a new passphrase, visit Create a Strong Passphrase for your Device, NetID, and Other Cornell Services.

Change your NetID Password

To change your password:

  1. Go to the Manage Your NetID web page, then click Change your Password. Log in with your NetID and password and authenticate as required.

  2. On the Choose a New Password for Your NetID page, type your Current Password, then type your new passphrase in the New Password and Confirm New Password fields. 

    Image of Manage My NetID webpage with heading "Choose a new password for your NetID" and fields for Current, New Password, and Confirm New Password, with Change Password button below.

    The Change Your Password page includes a summary of the password rules, with links for further help and information. For more about strong passwords, visit Create a Strong Passphrase for your Device, NetID, and Other Cornell Services.

  3. Click Change Password. A message will tell you whether your password change was successful. If not, the message will explain what's wrong and you can retry changing your password.

To help ensure your Cornell-managed device syncs its device sign-in passphrase with your new passphrase:

  • On Cornell-managed Windows devices, if you connect to CU VPN before changing your NetID passphrase, your device passphrase should automatically sync with your NetID passphrase.
  • On Cornell CIT Service Group managed Mac devices, if JAMF Connect is installed, the Mac sign-in passphrase should automatically sync with your new NetID passphrase.
  • On older Mac devices that do not have JAMF Connect, or if your device has not synced your sign-in passphrase with your NetID passphrase as you expected, you may need to contact your college or unit's IT support for assistance syncing the sign-in passphrase with your new NetID passphrase.

Set a Recovery Email Address

All Cornell account holders should set up a secure, non-Cornell email address where they can receive an email that provides a special link to reset a forgotten or lost Cornell NetID password. 

For more about setting up a recovery email address, visit Set a NetID Recovery Email Address.

Unable to change your password?

Visit I Have a Problem with My Password. What Should I Do?

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