Change Your CNetID Password or Passphrase


Your CNetID and password allow you to access the University services, systems, and resources for which you are eligible. This article explains how to change your password in just a few steps.

Change Your Password If You Know Your Current Password

If you would like to watch a brief video about changing your password you can view it here. The following article is the transcript of the video in addition to screenshots.

You can change the password or passphrase associated with your CNetID with the MyAccount tool. Use your preferred web browser and navigate to myaccount.uchicago.edu.

  1. Log in using your CNetID and password.
  2. Under the Account Security section, select Change Password.
    Screen to change MyAccount Password
  3. You should now arrive at the Change Your Password page. There are two options to choose from:

    A standard password with a length of 12-18 characters can be used and must contain characters from three of the following categories:


    • Uppercase letters
    • Lowercase letters
    • Numbers (1, 2, 3, etc)
    • Symbols including: ! @ # $ % & * ( ) - + = _ | \ [ ] { } < > , . : ; / " ' ? ^ ` ~ 

    A passphrase consisting of 19-32 characters. It cannot match your CNetID, contain sensitive information, or match a previous passphrase you have used.

    Use the Change Password or Passphrase to update your login information. If you are struggling to choose a valid password, use the Check if valid password or Suggest a password options.

  4. After confirming your selection, select Submit to save your new password (or passphrase).
    Submit account button highlighted

Forgot Your Password or Passphrase

The great news is that even if you forget your password, you can still change it. If you don't know your CNetID, contact the ID & Privileges Office (IPO) at ipo.uchicago.edu. If you don't know your current CNetID password or passphrase, you may:

  1. Navigate to myaccount.uchicago.edu.
  2. Click on the Go to MyAccount button at the bottom of the page.
  3. Enter your CNetID in the login field.
  4. Click on Forgot your Password? You will be asked to answer your Security Question.

Can't Answer Your Security Question

If you're unable to answer your security question and don't remember your password or passphrase, please bring a photo ID to the IPO for assistance. The IPO is located at 1100 E. 57th Street, Room 100F in the Regenstein Library.

Once you successfully change your password (or passphrase), you'll need to wait about one hour for the update to take place on all of your account services, such as email and the wireless network.

Locked Out of Your Account

If you have been locked out of your account, you must contact IT Services Service Desk at 773.702.5800. They can help you regain access to your account or direct you to IT Security if you need to speak to someone from that team before your account can be unlocked.