Password Help

If you’re looking for help finding out what the password requirements are for your Cal Poly account, please visit Password/Passphrase Requirements.

Problem

"I can't log in to my Cal Poly account." or "I need to reset my password."

Solutions

View the instructions below for assistance with your Cal Poly account password, based on your situation…

If you have a new Cal Poly account and have never logged in to your account, to get started you need a temporary password:

Call the ITS Service Desk Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at 805-756-7000. If you are unable to call, for example, if you reside out of the United States, submit a General Help request with your Cal Poly username and a good time to reach you.
The ITS Service Desk will provide you with a temporary password that expires in three (3) days from the time it is issued.
Please follow the Change or reset known password instructions below to complete your password reset.

If you can't log in to your Cal Poly account or your password is not working, your account may be locked. Accounts temporarily lock after four (4) incorrect password attempts. Accounts automatically unlock after 33 minutes. If you need help, contact the ITS Service Desk Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at 805-756-7000.

I Forgot My Password…

If you have forgotten your password:

Log in to the Cal Poly Password Manager.
Enter your Cal Poly username and click the Go button.
Click on Re-activate your account by answering your security questions.
Answer the three security questions. Click the Next button.
Enter your new password, then retype the new password for verification. Click the Next button.
Either set new security questions and answers OR check the Keep my previous answers box. Click the Next button.
Register your cell phone # for PolyAlert or check the Opt Out button, if you don't want to receive campus emergency notifications. Click the Next button.
Check the boxes to agree to the Responsible Use Policy and the Confidentiality-Security Agreement. Click the Agree button.
Click the Finish button.

I Know My Current Password and it is Not Expired…

If you know your current Cal Poly password and it has not expired:

Log in to the My Cal Poly Portal.
Go to the Personal Info tab > Cal Poly Password > click the Change Password button.
Enter your old or temporary password - the password used to log into the My Cal Poly portal.
Enter your new password, then retype the new password for verification. Click the Next button.
Answer the three security questions. Click the Next button.
Register your cell phone # for PolyAlert or check the Opt Out button, if you don't want to receive campus emergency notifications. Click the Next button.
Check the boxes to agree to the Responsible Use Policy and the Confidentiality-Security Agreement. Click the Agree button.
Click the Finish button.

After you reset your password, don’t forget to update your old password anywhere it may be saved to prevent a temporary lock on your Cal Poly account, including:

All devices including desktops, laptops, and mobile devices (phones, tablets, etc.).
If you have a Cal Poly-owned Mac computer, learn how to re-sync Mac password.
Email programs
Wi-Fi settings
Password managers
Web browsers

If your password has expired or you are unable to reset your password:

Call the ITS Service Desk Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at 805-756-7000 for an assisted password change.
The ITS Service Desk will provide you with a temporary password that expires in three (3) days from the time it is issued.
Please follow the above Change or reset known password instructions to complete your password reset.