Password Reset
The password reset feature allows you to regain access to your account when you've forgotten your password. This process uses email verification to ensure security while providing a straightforward way to restore account access.
Password Reset Flow
1. Access Password Reset
- Navigate to the Login Page
- Click Forgot Password link
- You'll be redirected to the password reset form
2. Enter Your Email
- Provide the email address associated with your account
- Click submit to initiate the reset process
- The system will send a password reset link to your email
3. Check Your Email
- Check your email inbox for a message from the platform
- Look for an email with a one-time password (OTP) code
4. Enter OTP Code
- Find the verification code in your email
- Return to the password reset page
- Enter the OTP code in the verification field
- The code is time-limited for security purposes
5. Set New Password
- Enter your new password in the provided form
- Confirm your new password by typing it again
- Ensure your new password meets security requirements
6. Complete Reset
- Click Submit to save your new password
- You'll be redirected to the login page
- You can now log in with your new password
Validation & Security
Email Validation
The system validates that:
- The email address is properly formatted
- The email address exists in our system
- The account is active and eligible for password reset
Password Requirements
Your new password must meet these security criteria:
- Minimum length requirements
- Include a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters
- Cannot be identical to recent previous passwords
- Must be different from commonly used weak passwords
Error Scenarios & Solutions
Invalid Email for Reset
If you enter an email that's not in our system:
- You'll receive a message indicating the email wasn't found
- Double-check the email address for typos
- Try alternative email addresses you might have used
- Consider whether you might need to register a new account
Expired OTP Code
If your OTP code has expired:
- Return to the password reset form
- Enter your email address again to get a new OTP code
- Complete the process promptly after receiving the new code
- OTP codes typically expire within 15-30 minutes for security
Password Confirmation Mismatch
If your password confirmation doesn't match:
- Ensure both password fields contain identical text
- Check for typing errors or copy-paste issues
- Retype both fields carefully
Interruption Handling
Exit During Password Setting
If you exit the browser or navigate away while setting your new password:
- Your OTP code may still be valid if it hasn't expired
- You can return to the password reset page and enter the same OTP code
- If the OTP code has expired, you'll need to request a new one
Multiple Reset Requests
- You can request multiple password resets if needed
- Each new request generates a new OTP code and invalidates previous ones
- Use the most recently received OTP code from your email
Best Practices
Creating a Secure Password
When setting your new password:
- Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters
- Include numbers and special characters
- Make it at least 8-12 characters long
- Avoid using personal information like names or birthdates
- Consider using a passphrase with multiple words
Account Security
After resetting your password:
- Log in immediately to verify the new password works
- Update your password manager or secure notes
- Consider enabling any available two-factor authentication
- Regularly update your password for ongoing security
Email Security
- Ensure your email account itself is secure
- Use a strong password for your email account
- Don't share password reset emails with others
- Delete the reset email after successful password change
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Not Receiving Reset Email
If you don't receive the password reset email:
- Check your spam/junk folder
- Wait a few minutes as delivery may be delayed
- Verify you entered the correct email address
- Try requesting a new reset email
OTP Code Not Working
If entering the OTP code doesn't work:
- Double-check you entered the code exactly as received in your email
- Ensure you're using the most recent OTP code sent to you
- Check if the code has expired and request a new one
- Clear your browser cache and try again
Browser Compatibility
- Use a modern, updated web browser
- Ensure JavaScript is enabled
- Disable any browser extensions that might interfere
- Try using an incognito/private browsing window
After Successful Reset
Once you've successfully reset your password:
- Log in immediately with your new credentials
- Update stored passwords in any password managers
- Review account security settings in your profile
- Consider updating recovery information if needed
The password reset process is designed to balance security with accessibility, ensuring you can regain access to your account while maintaining protection against unauthorized access.