What logging in means and why you need to do it
Logging in means entering your username and password into a website or app to prove you are the person who owns that account. The website then remembers who you are while you use it, so it can show you your personal information — your messages, your settings, your saved documents, whatever that service stores for you.
Without logging in, a website has no way to know which account is yours. If you tried to check your email without logging in, the website would not know whose inbox to show you. Logging in is the security step that keeps your information private and separate from everyone else's.
Most websites and apps you use regularly — email, banking, social media, online shopping — require you to log in before you can do anything. Some websites let you browse without logging in, but you cannot save things, check your history, or change your settings until you do.
Key Takeaways
- Logging in means entering your username and password to prove your identity to a website or app.
- Your username is usually an email address or a name you chose, and your password is a secret code only you know.
- If you forget your password, most websites have a "Forgot password?" link that lets you reset it using your email.
- Never share your password with anyone, and do not type it into a website unless you typed the web address yourself or clicked a link you trust.
Finding the login page
The login page is usually at the top right corner of a website's home page. Look for a button or link that says "Log In", "Sign In", "Login", or sometimes just "Account". On a phone app, it is usually at the bottom of the screen in a menu bar, or at the top in a settings icon.
If you cannot find it, look for a person-shaped icon or a gear icon — these often open account menus. You can also try typing the website's address followed by /login — for example, if the website is example.com, try example.com/login. Many websites use that pattern.
If you are using a phone app and have never logged in before, the app usually shows the login screen when you first open it. You will not see the login button because you are already on the login page.
Entering your username and password correctly
Your username is how you identify yourself. It is usually the email address you signed up with, but some websites let you choose a different username instead. If you are not sure which one you used, check your email — the confirmation message from when you created the account will say what username is attached to it.
Your password is a secret code that only you should know. Type it exactly as you created it — passwords are case-sensitive, which means that "Password" and "password" are two different things. If you have a password manager (a program that stores your passwords safely), you can use it to fill in both fields automatically instead of typing them by hand.
After you type both your username and password, look for a button that says "Log In", "Sign In", or "Submit". Click or tap it. The website will then check whether your username and password match what it has on file. If they do, you are logged in. If they do not match, you will see an error message.
What to do if your password does not work
If you type your password and the website says it is wrong, the most common reason is that you typed it incorrectly. Passwords are very particular — one wrong letter, number, or symbol means the whole thing fails. Try typing it again slowly, or use a password manager if you have one set up.
If you have tried several times and are sure you are typing it right, look for a link that says "Forgot password?" or "Reset password". Click it. The website will ask you to enter your email address, then send you a message with a link to create a new password. Check your email (including your spam folder, in case it went there by mistake), click the link in that message, and follow the steps to set a new password.
Some websites also let you reset your password by answering security questions you set up when you created your account — questions like "What is your mother's maiden name?" or "What was the name of your first pet?" If the website offers this option, you can use it instead of checking your email.
Staying logged in and logging out
After you log in, most websites ask whether you want to stay logged in. If you check a box that says "Remember me" or "Keep me logged in", the website will remember you the next time you visit, and you will not have to type your password again. This is convenient on your own computer, but do not use it on a shared computer or a public computer at a library.
When you are done using a website, you should log out, especially if you are on a shared device. Look for a "Log Out" button, usually in the top right corner or in a menu. Click it. The website will forget who you are, and the next person to use that computer will not be able to see your information.
If you forget to log out and someone else uses the computer, they can see everything you can see — your messages, your payment information, your saved documents. On a shared computer, always log out when you are finished.
Recognizing fake login pages
Scammers sometimes create fake websites that look exactly like real ones, hoping you will type your password into them by mistake. If you do, they can use that password to access your real account. To stay safe, always type the website address yourself into the address bar at the top of your browser, rather than clicking a link in an email or text message.
Before you type your password, look at the web address in the address bar. It should match the website you are trying to log into — if you are logging into your bank, the address should start with your bank's real web address. If the address looks wrong or unfamiliar, do not type your password.
Real websites also use HTTPS (not just HTTP) in their address, and most browsers show a small lock icon next to the address to show it is find. If you do not see the lock, or if the address looks suspicious, close the page and start over by typing the address yourself.
Two-factor authentication and extra security
Some websites ask for more than just your password. They may send a code to your phone or email after you type your password, and ask you to type that code before you can log in. This is called two-factor authentication, and it makes your account much harder for someone else to break into, because they would need both your password and access to your phone or email.
If a website offers two-factor authentication, it is worth turning on, especially for important accounts like email, banking, or shopping. The extra step takes only a few seconds, and it protects you against someone using your password to log in without your permission.
When you set up two-factor authentication, the website usually gives you backup codes — a list of one-time passwords you can use if you lose access to your phone or email. Write these down or save them somewhere safe, separate from your password.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the website say my password is wrong when I know it is right?
Passwords are case-sensitive, so "Password" and "password" are different. Also check that you are not accidentally typing extra spaces before or after your password. If you have tried several times, use the "Forgot password?" link to reset it instead of guessing.
Is it safe to let my browser save my password?
It is safe on your own computer that only you use. Do not let the browser save your password on a shared computer, because anyone who uses that computer can log into your account. If you are on a shared device, always log out when you are finished.
What should I do if I think someone else logged into my account?
Change your password when ready using the "Forgot password?" link. If the account is important (email, banking, shopping), also check your account activity to see if anything was changed or purchased. Contact the website's support team if you see suspicious activity.
Can I use the same password for all my accounts?
It is not recommended. If one website gets hacked and your password is stolen, someone could use that same password to log into all your other accounts. Use different passwords for important accounts like email and banking, and a password manager to keep track of them.
What does "session expired" mean?
It means the website logged you out automatically because you were inactive for too long. This is a security feature — if you walk away from your computer, the website does not want to stay logged in forever. Just log back in by typing your password again.