- Reset my McGill password with Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR)

OVERVIEW

Target audience: McGill community

Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR) is a Microsoft feature that allows you to securely reset your McGill password if you forget it or are locked out of your account.

In this article:

Steps to reset your McGill password
I need to reset my password but did not set up 2FA
My account is locked:
- Because of security concerns
- After repeated unsuccessful sign-in attempts
Quick reference

IMPORTANT:

Starting January 28, 2027 text messages (SMS) and phone calls will no longer be available as an authentication method when signing in to McGill services or for resetting your password through Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR).

What do you need to do? If you currently use text messages (SMS) or phone calls to verify your identity, you will need to switch to another authentication method before January 28, 2027.

Microsoft Authenticator is McGill's recommended and IT-supported option. You can also choose another available method.

Steps to reset your McGill password:

NOTE:

If you have more than one McGill email address (e.g., @mcgill.ca and @mail.mcgill.ca) the password reset applies only to the email address you enter.

If you use two-factor authentication (2FA), you can usually reset your password or unlock your account if it has not been locked for security reasons. If it has been locked for security reasons, please see the section below.

In a web browser, go to https://passwordreset.microsoftonline.com/
Enter your McGill email address and click Next.
Choose the option that applies to you and click Next.
- I forgot my password
- I know my password, but still can't sign in
Verify your identity by selecting the authentication methods you set up for 2FA. Follow the steps on-screen to verify your identity.
Once the two-factor authentication process is complete you will either:
1. be prompted to enter your new password. Enter your new password and click Finish.
2. see a pop-up message confirming that you can now get back into your account.

IMPORTANT:

If you changed your password, make sure to follow the Password reset checklist - next steps to update any saved passwords on your devices.

I need to reset my password but I did not set up 2FA

If you know your McGill password, you can change it using Microsoft's MySign-Ins:

Got to https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info/password/change
Enter your new password
Click Submit
Follow the Password Reset check list - next steps

Note: It may take a few minutes for your password change to take effect on all McGill systems.

If you do not know your McGill password:

Retirees and alumni: Contact the IT Service Desk
Applicants and guests (e.g., parents, or student guardians): You can either:
- Contact Service Point at 514-398-7878
- Visit the ServicePoint Minerva Access Help page, and follow the instructions under the Other Users section.

My account is locked

Accounts may be locked for one of the following reasons:

1. Your account was locked due to security concern

If you see the following message when attempting to sign in, you must contact the IT Service Desk for assistance:

"Your account has been locked. Contact your support person to unlock it, then try again."

Note: For security reasons, the IT Service Desk cannot reset passwords, reset two-factor authentication (2FA) methods, or unlock accounts through chat. You must contact them by phone, virtual walk-in, or in person at the McLennan Library. They will verify your identity before assisting you.

2. Your account was locked after multiple unsuccessful sign-in attempts

IMPORTANT: Accounts are locked for 1 hour after 10 unsuccessful sign-in attempts.

How to unlock your account:

1. If you have 2FA enabled: If you have enabled account recovery methods, you may be able to use them to unlock your account immediately without waiting for the lockout period to end. Follow the steps to reset your McGill password, and select the "I know my password, but still can't sign in" option.
2. If you do not have 2FA enabled: You must wait 1 hour (60 minutes) for your account to unlock. There is no option to unlock your account earlier. Do not attempt to sign in until the full 60 minutes has passed, as additional attempts may extend the lockout period.

When should I contact the IT Service Desk?

If you have waited the full 60 minutes and are still unable to sign in.
For assistance with unlocking your account due to security concerns.
To have your 2FA methods reset so you can configure them on a new device.

Reminder: IT Service Desk cannot reset passwords, reset two-factor authentication (2FA) methods, or unlock accounts through chat.

Quick reference

Issue	Try this first	Contact the IT Service Desk when
Forgot your password	Reset my McGill password or unlock my account	Your attempt to recover your account does not work. You are a retiree or alumni who has not enabled 2FA or account recovery methods.
Need to update 2FA	View and modify your 2FA and SSPR account settings	You cannot access your 2FA methods.
Locked account	Use account recovery if you have it enabled OR wait 1 hour, then try again	You waited the full 1 hour and still cannot sign in.