Reset your University password or unlock your account

As we move closer to the exam period, it’s important that you’re prepared on what to do if you forget your University password or have been locked out of your account.

The easiest and quickest way to reset your password or unlock your account at any time of day or night is to use the University’s online Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR) service. This can be done using any device connected to the internet.

SSPR confirms your identity using the details you’ve already have registered for multi-factor authentication (MFA). The service requires two-step verification, so you'll need to have registered at least two different ways of authenticating before you can use the service. For example, your mobile telephone number and your personal email address.

Visit this page to see what methods you've registered for MFA, update or add a new method.

How do I reset my password? 

• Enter your University student email address and complete the captcha form. 
• Select the option for ‘I’ve forgotten my password’.
• You'll be asked to verify your identity using the methods you setup for MFA.
• Select a method and follow the onscreen instructions, then either enter in the passcode you're sent (for example via email or SMS) or approve the request on your authenticator app. You will need to do this twice, using two different methods.
• Once done, create your new password.

Find further information about using SSPR in our Knowledge Base. 

What is the University's password policy?

We encourage you to use longer and simpler passwords rather than shorter ones that include random/special characters which make them harder to remember. Longer passwords are much more difficult for cyber criminals to crack.

To set a strong password, follow these rules:

• Maintain a (different) strong password for access to each system or service you use; don't reuse your University password elsewhere.
• Your password must be at least 14 characters long.
• The longer the password the better, length is preferable to complexity. A good approach is to use three or four simple words joined together without any intervening spaces.
• It shouldn't be something easily linked to you or that would be easy to guess by someone who knows you. It shouldn't contain personal details such as your name or D.O.B or names of family members or pets.
• Cannot include the word Birmingham, Bham, Brum or University.
• Your password must not contain words used in any previous password.

Our Password policy does mean that you're required to change your password every 6 months so you may receive an email from us asking you to change your password.

Remember, the University will never ask you to provide your password via email unless you have contacted IT Services first about a specific issue. If you receive an email from IT Services asking for your password, do not reply and delete the email.