Questions
- I'm locked out of my Bowdoin account and can't fix it myself — what do I do?
- I forgot my password and can't reset it because I can't get into my Bowdoin email.
- I forgot my phone at home and can't sign in.
- I lost my phone and need access to my account right now.
- Can IT give me a temporary way to sign in?
- How do I get a temporary access code?
- I'm traveling without my authentication device and need to sign in.
- My only device broke and I never set up a backup method — how do I get access?
Environment
This article applies to all Bowdoin account holders — faculty, staff, and students — who use single sign-on and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to sign in.
- Use this article when you're locked out and can't resolve it yourself — either because you've forgotten your password and can't reach your Bowdoin email, or because you have no working authentication method available.
- This is not the right article if you can still sign in and simply want to change your password — see Resetting your Bowdoin account password in the Related Articles section.
- This is not the right article if you still have another enrolled device — see Set Up Okta Verify on a New or Replacement Device instead.
- This is not the right article if you simply want to add a backup method while you can still sign in — see Set Up Okta Verify on an Additional Device or Add a YubiKey Security Token to Your Bowdoin Account.
Resolution
Best prevention: set up a backup method now
The easiest way to avoid an emergency lockout is to have more than one way to sign in, and to keep a recovery email or phone on your account. If you set up a second method ahead of time, a lost or forgotten phone won't lock you out — you simply use your backup. We strongly recommend setting up at least two methods.
Set up a backup before you need it. Good backup options include a second device, a laptop or desktop, or a YubiKey security key. Adding a recovery email or phone also lets you reset a forgotten password yourself. Step-by-step instructions are in the Related Articles section.
Try to resolve it yourself first
Depending on what's set up on your account, you may be able to fix the problem without contacting IT:
- Forgot your password? If you have a recovery email or phone on your account, you can reset it yourself at login.bowdoin.edu. See Resetting your Bowdoin account password in the Related Articles section.
- Got a new or replacement device? If you still have access to your previous device, you can move Okta Verify yourself — see Set Up Okta Verify on a New or Replacement Device.
If you're locked out and can't resolve it yourself
If you can't reset your password (for example, you can't reach your Bowdoin email) or you have no working authentication method, Bowdoin IT can help you get back in. Because restoring access to a locked-out account lowers its normal protection, an assisted reset is done in person or by live video only, so we can confirm your identity first.
- Contact the Bowdoin College Service Desk (see the Additional Help section for current hours and options). If you need help right away, call (207) 725-3030.
- Tell the Service Desk that you're locked out and can't resolve it yourself — whether that's a forgotten password, a lost or forgotten device, or both.
- Complete a short in-person or live video identity check. For video, you'll need a device with a camera and a government or Bowdoin photo ID.
- Once your identity is verified, the Service Desk will reset your password, issue a temporary access code, or both, and give you instructions for signing back in.
- Set up a permanent authentication method and a recovery option immediately after you sign in — if you received temporary access, it lasts a maximum of 8 hours before it's removed automatically, so don't wait.
Identity verification cannot be skipped. The in-person or video check protects your account from anyone trying to impersonate you to gain access. The Service Desk will not reset a password or restore access without it, and cannot do so over email or by phone alone.
Temporary access is temporary — 8 hours maximum. Any temporary access code you receive is valid for up to 8 hours, after which the temporary access is removed automatically. It's meant only to get you back in long enough to set up a permanent method and recovery option. It is not a substitute for keeping a working sign-in method on your account, so please set one up before the 8 hours are up.
If you got an unexpected sign-in prompt
If you receive a sign-in or verification prompt you didn't request, do not approve it — it may mean someone else has your password. Deny the request and contact the Service Desk so we can help protect your account.
Additional Help
If you need further assistance, you have several options:
- Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
- Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
- In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
- Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
AI-assisted content: This article was drafted with the assistance of an AI writing tool and reviewed by Bowdoin IT staff for accuracy.