What to Do When You Forget Your UW NetID Password

Have You Set Your Secret Questions Yet?

Correctly answering your secret questions is the easiest way to prove your identity, but you do need to set them up in advance. Once you get a new password (or remember your old one), you can set your secret questions from the Manage Your UW NetID Resources Web page.

When you forget your password you will no longer be able to access UW NetID services including email, MyUW, and logons to Uniform Access accounts. The easiest method to reset your password is to do it online.

Resetting Your Password Online

To reset a forgotten password online go to the Reset Your Password page. Important: You must be able to verify who you are. There are two ways to do this.

Answer your secret questions. If you do not have secret questions already set up, please consider doing so once you get a new password.
or
Enter your identification number and code. Different groups use different IDs and codes and not everyone will have a number and code that works. If you do not fall into one of the following groups, you may have to call or visit the Service Center to reset your password.
- Student Applicants:
  - System key
  - Private access code (PAC)
    This information was mailed to you from the Admissions Office when you first applied. If you don't have this information, contact the Admissions Office, Schmitz Hall, 206-543-9686.
- Students and Recent Alumni:
  - Student number (the number on your student Husky Card)
  - Private access code (PAC)
    If you don't have this information, contact the Registration Office, 225 Schmitz Hall, 206-543-8580.
- Faculty, staff, and clinicians who have taken a class at the UW since 1983:
  - Student number and
  - Student Private Access Code (PAC)
    If you don't have this information, contact the Registration Office, 225 Schmitz Hall, 206-543-8580.
Note: Staff members who have never been students and need to reset their password should visit the Service Center in person or call the Service Center at 206-543-8580. See below.

Resetting Your Password In Person

Anyone with a UW NetID can come to the UW Technology Service Center (Service Center) in Mary Gates Hall to have their password reset. You will be required to show photo identification. Once your identity has been verified, the Service Center staff will give you a temporary UW NetID password which you can then change to something known only to you.

The Service Center is open between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., except holidays. The Service Center is located in Suite #011 on the ground floor of Mary Gates Hall.

Resetting Your Password Over The Telephone

Current UW faculty, staff, and clinicians who are unable to reset their password online can call the UW Technology Service Center at (Voice) 206.221.5000, (TTY) 206-685-5352. You will be asked a series of questions to establish your identity.

For other groups, including students, student applicants, and alumni, it is more difficult for the Service Center to verify your identity over the phone and is therefore prefered that you either use the online system or come in to the Service Center in person. If this policy is a hardship for you, please call the Service Center to work something out.

Help

To get help or make comments about the information on this page, use the Send a Question to UW Technology Web site.