Change your Canvas password from your account settings

To change your Canvas password, log in to Canvas, click your profile icon in the top right corner, select Settings, then click Change Password. You'll enter your current password once, then type your new password twice to confirm it matches. Canvas will show you a green checkmark when the change is complete.

The entire process takes about two minutes. Your new password takes effect when ready — you don't need to log out and back in, though you can if you want to verify it worked. If you're on a school computer, you may see a prompt asking whether to save the new password to your browser; that's optional.

Key Takeaways

  • Log in to Canvas, click your profile icon in the top right, select Settings, then click Change Password.
  • You must know your current password to set a new one — Canvas requires it as a security check.
  • Your new password takes effect right away across all your devices and browsers.
  • If you've forgotten your current password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the Canvas login page instead of the Settings route.
  • Canvas passwords must be at least 8 characters and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers.

What Canvas requires in a new password

Canvas enforces a minimum of 8 characters and requires a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers. You cannot use a password you've used before on Canvas, and you cannot use your school username or email address as part of the password.

A password like Algebra2024 meets these rules. A password like algebra2024 (all lowercase except the number) does not. If Canvas rejects your new password, it will tell you which requirement you missed — read that message carefully, because it points to exactly what to fix.

If you've forgotten your current password

Do not try to change your password through Settings if you can't remember the old one — Canvas will ask for it and you'll get stuck. Instead, go to the Canvas login page and click Forgot Password. Enter the email address your school uses for Canvas (usually your school email), and Canvas will send you a reset link.

Check your email inbox and spam folder both. The reset link usually arrives within a few minutes. Click it, create a new password following Canvas's rules, and you're done. You can then log in with that new password.

Changing your password on a shared or school computer

If you're on a computer other people use, change your password when you're alone or when you can watch the screen. After you finish, log out of Canvas completely — don't just close the browser tab. This prevents the next person from accessing your account if they open Canvas.

If your school computer has a shared login (multiple students use the same account), changing the Canvas password won't affect that shared school login. Your Canvas password is separate. However, tell a teacher or IT staff if you think someone else has accessed your Canvas account without permission.

Password changes don't affect other school portals

Changing your Canvas password does not change your password for GoGuardian, Dade Schools portals, or any other school system. Each portal manages its own password separately. If you need to change a password in a different system, you'll follow that system's own process.

Some schools link Canvas to their main directory, so changing your school network password might change Canvas too — but this is rare and your school would have told you if it applies. When in doubt, assume each portal is separate.

What to do if the change doesn't work

If you click Change Password and nothing happens, or if you get an error message, try these steps in order: first, refresh the page and try again; second, log out completely and log back in, then try the change again; third, try a different browser (Chrome instead of Safari, for example).

If you still can't change it, contact your school's IT help desk or Canvas support through your school. They can see whether there's a technical problem on Canvas's end or whether something in your account is blocking the change. Have your school email address ready when you contact them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my Canvas password regularly?

Your school's policy determines this. Some schools require a password change every 90 days; others don't. Check your school's technology handbook or ask your IT department. Canvas itself doesn't force you to change it, but your school may have a rule.

Can I use the same password for Canvas and other school portals?

You can, but it's not recommended. If someone learns your Canvas password, they won't automatically have access to GoGuardian or your email. Using different passwords for different systems keeps one breach from opening all your accounts.

What if I change my password but can't log in afterward?

Wait a minute or two — sometimes the change takes a moment to sync across Canvas's servers. Then try logging in with your new password. If it still doesn't work, use the Forgot Password link to reset it again, or contact your school's IT help desk.

Will changing my Canvas password log me out on my phone or tablet?

Not when ready. Canvas may keep you logged in for a while, but eventually it will ask you to log in again with your new password. If you want to force it to ask right away, log out manually from the app or browser, then log back in with your new password.