10 Easy Ways to Reset Any Password

Corroft

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posted on 10 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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In the event you forget a password for your computer, email, or social media accounts, you can reset your password directly through the system or application you’re using. In most cases, you can reset your password by answering a series of security questions or by requesting an email that contains a password reset link.

Things You Should Know

Forgetting a password isn't too big of a deal for most platforms, since you can click a link to recover it.
For many sites, like Google and Apple ID, you can use a different verified account to recover your original account's password.
If you don't have another account, like for Google or Apple ID, you can also get a phone call, text message, or email with the recovery code.

Resetting Google Password

Navigate to the Google Accounts login page at https://accounts.google.com/ServiceLogin.

Click on “Need Help?” below the sign-in section.

Select “I don’t know my password.”

Enter your Gmail address into the field provided and click on “Continue.”

Type the characters provided to you on-screen by Google and click “Continue.”

Enter the last password you recall using for your Google account. If you don’t remember any previous passwords, click on “I don’t know.”

Follow the on-screen prompts to reset your password with Google. Google may require you to answer a series of security questions to verify your identity; such as your phone number, the name of your first pet, your current address, etc.

Enter a new password for your Google account. The password you choose will be applicable for all Google products you use with that particular username. EXPERT TIP Brandon Phipps Brandon Phipps Technology Specialist Brandon Phipps is a Technology Specialist based in Bakersfield, CA. He is the owner of Second Star Technologies and specializes in Managed IT Services for small and mid-sized businesses in Bakersfield, CA. With over 23 years of experience, he offers expert cloud computing, cybersecurity, and network management solutions. Brandon is a committed community member and coach who leads and innovates in tech and sports coaching. His dedication to local businesses and communities is evident in his hands-on, tailored approach to IT solutions. Brandon Phipps Brandon Phipps Technology Specialist Secure your digital life with online password best practices. Choose a long, easy-to-remember passphrase as your password. You should also avoid using the same password for multiple services or websites. Use web browser password managers to create and securely store your passwords.

Resetting Apple ID Password

Navigate to the “My Apple ID” home page at https://appleid.apple.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MyAppleId.woa/.

Click on “Reset your password” on the right side of the Web page.

Enter your Apple ID and click on “Next.”

Select “Answer security questions” and click on “Next.”

Select your birth date and click on “Next.”

Answer all security questions displayed on-screen. You may be asked to provide the name of your favorite sport, your favorite teacher, etc.

Enter a new password and click on “Reset Password.” Your password will now be changed.

Resetting Windows 8 Password

Go to the Microsoft Live password reset Web page at account.live.com/password/reset. Contact your system administrator to reset your password if your computer resides on a domain.

Select “I forgot my password” and click on “Next.”

Type the username for your Microsoft account and the characters displayed on-screen.

Click on “Next.”

Follow the on-screen prompts provided by Microsoft to reset your password. If you still cannot sign in to Windows 8 as a result of having an incorrect password, you will be required to reinstall Windows 8 on your computer.

Resetting Windows 7 Password

Insert your password reset disk into the drive of your Windows 7 computer. Contact your system administrator to reset the password if your computer resides on a domain or workgroup. If your Windows 7 computer is not part of a domain or workgroup, and there are no other user accounts, you will be required to reinstall Windows.

Click on “Reset password.” The Password Reset Wizard will display on-screen.

Click on “Next” and select the drive into which your password reset disk has been inserted.

Click on “Next.”

Enter a new password into the fields provided, as well as a hint that will help you remember your new password.

Click on “Next” and then on “Finish.” Your Windows 7 password will now be reset.

Resetting Mac OS X Password

Insert the Mac OS X Install disk into your computer. If your computer is part of a domain, contact your system administrator to reset your password.

Restart your computer and hold down the “C” button to launch the Startup Manager.

Select a language and click on the right arrow button.

Select “Utilities” menu and click "Terminal".

Type "resetpassword" in Terminal. If using Mac OS X v10.3, select “Reset Password” from the “Installer” menu.

Click on the Mac OS X disk for which you want to reset your password.

Select the user account for which you want the password reset.

Enter a new password into the fields provided and click on “Save.”

Exit the Startup Manager and restart your computer. Your Mac OS X password will now be reset.

Resetting Facebook Password

Navigate to the main Facebook login page at https://www.facebook.com.

Click on “Forgot Password” located at the top right corner of your Facebook session.

Enter the username for your Facebook account and click on “Search.”

Follow the on-screen prompts to reset your password. Facebook will send you an email that contains a link that will allow you to reset and change your password.

Resetting Twitter Password

Navigate to Twitter’s website at https://twitter.com/.

Click on “Forgot password?” below the sign-in section.

Enter your email address or Twitter username and click on “Submit.” Twitter will immediately send you an email that contains a link you can use to reset your password.

Open the email from Twitter and click on the password reset link.

Enter a new Twitter password. Your password will now be reset. If the password reset link fails to reset your password, repeat the steps to receive a new email. Twitter’s password-reset emails are time-sensitive, and will need to be accessed immediately when resetting your password.

Resetting LinkedIn Password

Navigate to LinkedIn’s sign-in Web page at https://www.linkedin.com/uas/login.

Click on “Forgot password?”

Enter the email address you use for LinkedIn and click “Submit Address.” LinkedIn will send you an email that contains a password reset link.

Open the LinkedIn email and click on the password reset link provided.

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a new LinkedIn password. Reset your password within one day of receiving the password reset email, since the link will expire after that timeframe.