HOME / FAQ /

Passwords

Who can claim or manage my HarvardKey?

The short answer is YOU (and only you).  Per Harvard's Information Security Policy you may not share your password or access credentials with anyone. HUIT or any IT service at Harvard cannot reset your password for you.  The HarvardKey system is totally self-service - so that you are in control of all aspects of your own access.  Please do not share your HarvardKey information with any other person, even a trusted individual in your life.

I have a HUID, but after I claimed my HarvardKey, my HUID password doesn’t work. Why?

As part of Harvard’s “one identity for life” paradigm, your HarvardKey password automatically replaces your HUID password so you don’t have to remember extra credentials. While your HarvardKey login name and password will get you access to all the applications and resources as your HUID, if you ever need to log in to an app or service using your HUID as the login name, simply use the password associated with your HarvardKey.

If you're ever confused about which login type gets you into which application at Harvard, you may want to check this Read more about I have a HUID, but after I claimed my HarvardKey, my HUID password doesn’t work. Why?

I tried to log in several times, but failed and am now locked out. Now what?

Harvard's authentication system will allow you to try again in two hours. However, if you enter an incorrect password again, you will be locked out for another two hours. Depending on circumstances, it may be faster and easier for you to request a new password; follow these links to request a new password for HarvardKey users and for users who log in using HUID.

If you find that you're getting locked out frequently, it may be because you're not sure about which login type Read more about I tried to log in several times, but failed and am now locked out. Now what?

I forgot my login name or password and asked to have it sent to me, but never received an email.

If you request this information via the HarvardKey account management page, it is sent to the primary (and alternate, if you added one) recovery email address that you specified in your HarvardKey preferences. If you added two recovery addresses, be sure to check both addresses for this email. If you are no longer able to check your recovery email address(es), contact the HUIT Service Desk at 617.495.7777 or ithelp@harvard.edu.

I just did my annual password reset. Do I have to do it again when I claim my HarvardKey?

Yes, you'll have to reset your password when you claim your HarvardKey.  But once you set your new HarvardKey password, you will no longer be subject to the annual change requrement. (Please remember, however, that it's important to change your password if you ever feel that your account may have been compromised or your password exposed to others — even unintentionally.)

After you change your password, you'll want to make sure that you update that password anywhere that it might be stored, such as in your email preferences or apps on your phone or tablet — particularly since Read more about I just did my annual password reset. Do I have to do it again when I claim my HarvardKey?

How can I change or reset my password?

How you reset your password depends on the login type you use. See the list below for links to help you reset or remember your password. If you're not sure which login type you use or need, contact the HUIT Service Desk at ithelp@harvard.edu.

When and how should I change my password?

Although HarvardKey holders are not required to change passwords at any specific interval, you must change your password if you ever feel that your account may have been compromised or your password exposed to others, even unintentionally.

You can change your password at any time in the HarvardKey self-service portal. Simply visit key.harvard.edu and select the "Manage Your Account" option. After you change your password, you'll want to make sure that you update that password anywhere that it might be stored, such as in your email preferences Read more about When and how should I change my password?

Why don't I have to set security questions for HarvardKey?

Harvard University’s requirement that all HarvardKey holders use a strong password helps keep your account secure without the need for difficult-to-remember security questions. However, please remember that it's important to change your password if you ever feel that your account may have been compromised or your password exposed to others, even unintentionally.