Why set up password recovery?
If you forget your password, you can quickly reset it by clicking "Forgot my password" on the sign-in page. You'll need to verify your identity using 2 sign-in methods before you can change your password.
What happens if I don't?
Resetting your forgotten password takes longer and requires proof of identity when you can't do it yourself. You'll need to contact your local Password Resetter or the UIS Service Desk to get a Password Reset Token for the UIS Password Management App. You will need to answer some questions and provide proof of identity, such as a photo driving licence or passport.
Password management in future
The UIS Password App is being retired, and everyone will manage their passwords through their University Microsoft account. You will sill be able to ask your local Password Resetter or the UIS Service Desk to reset it for you if you can't set up password recovery, however, the process will take longer as you will have to go through security checks.
Password recovery is different to MFA
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Used when signing in. You need your password + one sign-in method.
Password recovery
Used when you forget your password. Passkeys and security keys don't work for password recovery. You need 2 of these 3 methods:
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A phone number (you don’t need a smartphone)
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An authentication app installed on a mobile device
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A UIS-provided hardware token (subject to eligibility)
Password recovery methods explained
Phone number(s)
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Get codes via SMS, WhatsApp, or voice call to a mobile or landline. No smartphone needed.
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You can choose "Phone" and "Office phone" using 2 different phone numbers as your 2 methods for password recovery.
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"Alternate phone" is not a password recovery method.
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Don't use your Teams phone number (if you have one) because you need to be signed-in to use it.
Authenticator app
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Sends a code to your mobile device.
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You don't have to use the Microsoft Authenticator app – that's just the label for the authentication app method. After you select "Microsoft Authenticator" you can select "I want to use a different authenticator app" to set up Google Authenticator or other apps
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Install it on multiple devices if you can, such as a phone and tablet.
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Do not pay for an authentication app! If you get asked to sign up for a free trial or make a payment, stop and contact the UIS Service Desk.
Hardware token provided by UIS
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A small device that generates codes.
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Only available to eligible users via UIS.
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The University provides hardware tokens if you work in a lab and can’t take in a mobile device, or you have special accessibility needs.
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We don't provide tokens because you choose not to use your personal device. You can set up 2 different phone numbers under "Phone" and "Office phone" instead of installing an app.
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Personal hardware tokens won't work because a UIS administrator needs to set up the hardware tokens.
How to set up password recovery
If you don't have a modern mobile device, or don't want to install an app on your personal device
Set up the "Phone" and "Office phone" methods (with 2 different phone numbers) for password recovery
If you have a modern mobile device
We recommend "Phone" and "Microsoft Authenticator" (or another authentication app) for password recovery.
Instructions
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Sign in with your University IT account
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Select "+ Add sign-in method"
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Set up 2 of the 3 sign-in methods used for password recovery
IMPORTANT: Stop using the old UIS Password Management App now.
How do I know that I’ve set it up correctly?
There is no confirmation message after you have set up password recovery. Password recovery is automatically enabled on your University IT account when you set up 2 of the required methods.
Get help setting up password recovery
Raise a support ticket, contact the UIS Service Desk (8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday), or use our Live Chat (24/7).
Forgotten your password?
I have set up password recovery in Microsoft
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Click "Forgot my password" on the Microsoft sign-in page, or
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Go to https://aka.ms/sspr
I have not set up password recovery in Microsoft
You’ll need to answer some questions and show proof of identity such as your photo driving licence or passport.
- Ask your local Password Resetter for a Password Reset Token to use with the UIS Password App, or
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Contact the UIS Service Desk (8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday), or
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Use our Live Chat (24/7) (you must have cookies enabled to see the Live Chat)