I forgot my password

Almost every account has a "Forgot password?" link that does this safely. Here's where to find it and what to expect.

1. Find the right place to reset

Go to the actual website of the account you can't get into:

• Email: gmail.com, outlook.com, yahoo.com, aol.com, etc.
• Bank: type your bank's name into Google and click their official result.
• Microsoft / Office: account.microsoft.com
• Apple ID: appleid.apple.com
• Facebook, Amazon, etc: go to the site directly, not through a link in an email.

2. Click "Forgot password?" or "Need help signing in?"

Every site puts this link right under the sign-in box. It might also say:

• "Trouble signing in?"
• "Can't access your account?"
• "Reset password"

3. Follow the steps they give you

The site will usually:

1. Ask for your email or phone number on the account.
2. Send you a code by text or email.
3. Have you enter that code on the site.
4. Let you pick a new password.

4. Pick a password you'll actually remember

• Three random words stuck together work great: OrangeBicycleLemon.
• Don't use the same password on more than one account.
• Write it down somewhere safe (a paper notebook is fine — better than reusing the same password everywhere).
• Even better: ask us about a password manager. They're free or cheap and remember everything for you.

What if you can't reset it yourself?

If the reset codes aren't arriving, or the email/phone on the account is one you don't use anymore, that's a tougher situation. Don't keep trying — too many failed attempts will lock you out for hours.

Send us a message and tell us what account it is. We can usually help you through the account recovery process.