How do I use the self service password reset to recover my account?


Learn how to unlock your account or reset your password for your university account with Self Service Password Reset (SSPR).

The following guidance assumes you've previously completed the Self Service Password Reset (SSPR) registration process.

Important: If you have several devices (eg a laptop, mobile phone, tablet, etc), before you create a new password, you should make sure none of these will try to reconnect with your old password. To do this, you need to 'forget' the eduroam network on all your devices, and you may need to remove any saved passwords. 

Self-Service password reset(SSPR) options

Reset your password

If you have forgotten your University account password, follow the steps below to reset your password using Self Service Password Reset (SSPR).  If you have not registered for SSPR, you will need to contact the IT Service Desk to have your password reset.

  1. Navigate to https://aka.ms/sspr or click the 'Password Reset' link.
  2. In the 'User ID' field, enter your email address in the format "username@leeds.ac.uk". Enter the characters in the automated CAPTCHA image displayed, then click 'Next'.
    example of a captcha screen
  3. Select "I've forgotten my password" then click 'Next'.
    I've forgotten my password window
  4. Verification
    Verification is a two-step process, confirming you are the owner of the account, using two of the following:
    • Email to your alternative Email address.
    • Text to your registered Mobile number.
    • Answer the Security Questions.
    We have more information at the bottom of the article if you need help with verification. 
  5. Once you have completed the 2 verification steps, you will be prompted for a new password to be entered and confirmed.

    Important: The new password must meet the University password guidelines.

    Once you have entered and confirmed your password, click 'Finish'.
    verification window
  6. The final screen will confirm your password has been reset - please close your browser.
    account reset window
Unlock your account

If your University account has been locked due to too many bad password attempts, follow the steps below to unlock your account using Self Service Password Reset (SSPR).  If you have not registered for SSPR, you will need to contact the IT Service Desk to have your password reset.

  1. Navigate to https://aka.ms/sspr or click the 'Password Reset' link.
  2. In the 'User ID' field, enter your email address in the format "username@leeds.ac.uk". Enter the characters in the automated CAPTCHA image displayed then click 'Next'.
    login window with CAPTCHA
  3. Select "I know my password, but still can't sign in".
  4. Click 'Next'.
    verification window
  5. Verification
    Verification is a two-step process, confirming you are the owner of the account, using two of the following:
    • Email to your alternative Email address.
    • Text to your registered Mobile number.
    • Answer the Security Questions.
    We have more information at the bottom of the article if you need help with verification. 
  6. Once you have completed the 2 verification steps, the next screen will provide confirmation that your account has been successfully unlocked. Please close your browser.
    account unlocked window

Verification Methods

Email my alternate email
  • Choose "Email my alternate email", then select 'Email'.
  • Enter the verification code from the email into the box, and then select 'Next'.
verification window
Send a text to my mobile phone number
  • Choose "Send a text to my mobile phone number", enter your phone number, and then select 'Text'.
  • Enter the verification code from the text message into the box, then select 'Next'.

verification window

Answer my security questions (if you completed this section during registration)
  • Choose "Answer my security questions", provide answers to 3 random questions. Click 'Next'.
verification window