Start with the most common fix: the caps lock key

The single most frequent cause of this error is caps lock being on without you realizing it. Passwords are case-sensitive, meaning that "MyPassword" is not the same as "mypassword" or "MYPASSWORD". Check the caps lock indicator on your keyboard — it is usually a light near the top left, or you will see a caps lock symbol appear when you type.

Turn caps lock off and try again. If that was the problem, you are back in. If not, move to the next step.

Key Takeaways

  • Caps lock being on is the most common reason for this error, so check your keyboard light before trying anything else.
  • Spaces, numbers, and special characters in your password must be typed exactly as you created them, including at the beginning or end.
  • If you cannot remember your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page rather than guessing repeatedly.
  • Clearing your browser cache and cookies can fix errors caused by outdated stored login information.
  • If the error persists after trying these steps, contact the website or service's support team with your username and the exact error message you see.

Check for spaces, numbers, and special characters you may have missed

Passwords often contain spaces, numbers, or symbols like exclamation marks, underscores, or hyphens. When you type your password, every character must match exactly — including spaces at the beginning or end that you might not see on the screen.

Type your password slowly and deliberately. If your password is something like "Blue-Sky-2024!", make sure you are typing the hyphens and the exclamation mark. If you are not sure whether there are spaces in your password, try typing it without any, then try again with spaces in different places.

Use the "Forgot Password" option instead of guessing

If you are not confident about your password, do not keep typing different versions. Most login pages have a "Forgot Password" or "Reset Password" link below the login button. Click that link instead.

You will usually be asked to enter your username or email address. The service will then send you a link or code to create a new password. This is faster and safer than trying multiple passwords, which can lock your account temporarily if you fail too many times.

Clear your browser's stored login information

Sometimes your browser stores an old or incorrect password and fills it in automatically. Even though the password looks right on the screen, it may not be what you actually typed. Clear your browser's cached passwords and try logging in again by typing the password manually.

In most browsers, go to Settings or Preferences, find Privacy or Security, and look for "Saved Passwords" or "Autofill". Find the website in question and delete the stored password. Then close the browser completely and open it again. When you log in, type your password by hand instead of letting the browser fill it in.

Confirm you are using the correct username format

Some services accept either your email address or a separate username. If you created an account with a username like "JSmith42" but you are trying to log in with your email address, the system will reject it — not because the password is wrong, but because the username does not match any account.

Check the login page to see what it is asking for. Does it say "Username" or "Email Address"? If you are not sure which one you used when you signed up, try both. If the service has a "Forgot Password" option, you can use that to confirm which username or email is associated with your account.

Check whether your account has been locked or suspended

If you have tried logging in many times with different passwords, the service may have temporarily locked your account as a security measure. The error message might still say "Username or Password Is Incorrect" even though the real issue is that the account is locked.

Wait at least 15 to 30 minutes before trying again. If the account remains locked, use the "Forgot Password" link to reset your password, which often unlocks the account at the same time. If that does not work, contact the service's support team and explain that you have been locked out.

Contact support with specific details

If you have tried all the steps above and still cannot log in, you will need to reach out to the website or service directly. Before you contact them, write down the exact error message you are seeing, the username you are trying to use, and the steps you have already taken.

Look for a "Contact Us" or "Support" link on the login page or the website's home page. Most services offer email support, a contact form, or a phone number. Provide your username (not your password) and the exact error message so they can look up your account and see what is happening on their end.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the error say "Username or Password Is Incorrect" instead of telling me which one is wrong?

Services do this on purpose for security. If they told you "that username does not exist", someone trying to break into accounts would know which usernames are real. By saying both might be wrong, they protect your account from being targeted.

Can I see my password while I am typing it?

Most login pages have a small eye icon next to the password field. Click it to show the password as you type so you can see whether you made a mistake. Click it again to hide the password.

What if I remember my password but the service says it is wrong?

You may be misremembering it, or the service may have reset your password for security reasons. Use "Forgot Password" to set a new one. If you have logged in successfully before, try the password you used most recently.

Will I lose my account if I keep getting this error?

No. Getting the error message does not delete your account. It just means you cannot log in right now. Use "Forgot Password" to regain access, or contact support if that does not work.

Is it safe to reset my password on a public computer?

It is safer to reset your password on a device you own and trust. If you must use a public computer, make sure to log out completely when you are done, and do not check the "Remember Me" box during login.