I've Forgotten My Password - What Now?

Forgetting a password is really common, and most websites make it easy to reset. Here's how to do it for different things.

Most websites have a "Forgot Password" or "Reset Password" link. Here's how to use it:

1. Go to the website's login page
2. Look for a link that says "Forgot Password", "Reset Password", or "Can't access your account?"
3. Click on it
4. Enter your email address (the one you used to sign up)
5. Check your email - they'll send you a link to reset your password
6. Click the link in the email
7. Enter a new password (make it strong but easy to remember!)
8. Log in with your new password

Can't find the email? Check your spam or junk folder - sometimes these emails end up there.

Gmail (Google):

1. Go to gmail.com
2. Click "Forgot password?"
3. Enter your email address
4. Follow the instructions (they might send a code to your phone or another email)

Outlook/Hotmail (Microsoft):

1. Go to outlook.com
2. Click "Forgot my password"
3. Enter your email address
4. Follow the instructions

Other email providers: Look for a "Forgot Password" link on their login page.

Windows:

• If you're signed in to a Microsoft account, you can reset it online at account.microsoft.com
• If you're using a local account, you might need to use a password reset disk (if you made one) or contact support

Mac:

• If you're signed in to an Apple ID, you can reset it at appleid.apple.com
• If you're using a local account, you might be able to reset it using your Apple ID

Stuck? Give us a call - we can help you reset it!

iPhone:

• If you've forgotten your passcode, you might need to erase your phone and set it up again
• This will delete everything, so make sure you have a backup first!
• You can do this through iTunes (on a computer) or iCloud
• If you're signed in to iCloud, you can reset your Apple ID password at appleid.apple.com

Android:

• If you've forgotten your PIN, pattern, or password, you can reset it using your Google account
• After several wrong attempts, you'll see "Forgot pattern" or "Forgot PIN"
• Enter your Google account details to reset it

Important: Resetting your phone password might delete your data. If you're not sure, call us first and we can help.

To avoid forgetting passwords:

• Write them down safely: Keep a list in a safe place (like a locked drawer)
• Use a password manager: This remembers all your passwords for you - you only need to remember one master password
• Use a pattern: Create passwords that follow a pattern you'll remember (like "MyDog2024!Gmail" for Gmail)
• Use the same password for less important things: It's okay to use the same password for things that aren't important (like newsletters), but use unique passwords for important things (like your bank)

Learn more about creating strong passwords.

If you can't reset your password because:

• You don't have access to the email address you used to sign up
• The "Forgot Password" link doesn't work
• You're locked out of your device

Don't worry - we can help! Call us on 0808 123 2820 and we'll guide you through it or help you get back in.

Q: How long does it take to reset a password?
A: Usually just a few minutes! You'll get an email with a link, click it, and set a new password.

Q: Will I lose my data if I reset my password?
A: Usually not! Resetting a password just changes how you log in - it doesn't delete your files, photos, or emails.

Q: What if I don't remember which email I used?
A: Try the emails you use most often. If you're really stuck, give us a call and we can help you figure it out.

If you're stuck or worried about resetting your password, we're here to help. Call us on 0808 123 2820 and we'll guide you through it step by step.