Change your Workday password from the login screen or your profile settings

You can change your Workday password in two ways: directly from the login page if you remember your current password, or through your profile settings once you are logged in. The login page method takes about two minutes. The profile method gives you more control and lets you see your password history. Both routes work on desktop and mobile browsers.

Workday does not send you to change your password automatically unless your administrator requires it. You can change it whenever you want — many people do this when they suspect someone else knows it, when they use the same password elsewhere, or straightforward on a schedule.

Key Takeaways

  • You can reset your password from the Workday login page without signing in, or from your profile once you are logged in.
  • Workday passwords must be at least 12 characters and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
  • If you forget your password entirely, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it through your email or security questions.
  • Your company may require password changes every 90 days or enforce other rules — check with your HR or IT department if you see a message about this.
  • After you change your password, you will be logged out and must sign in again with the new one.

Change your password from the Workday login page

This method works if you remember your current password and have not yet signed in. Go to your company's Workday login page — your HR department or employee handbook will have the correct URL. Look for a link that says "Change Password" or "Reset Password" near the sign-in button, or sometimes below it.

Click that link. You will see a form asking for your username and current password. Enter both, then click "Next" or "Continue." Workday will then ask you to create a new password. Type it twice to confirm you did not make a typo. Your new password must be at least 12 characters long and must include at least one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number, and one special character (like ! @ # $ % or &). Click "Submit" or "Change Password" to finish. You will see a confirmation message, and you can then sign in with your new password.

Change your password from your profile settings

If you are already signed into Workday, you can change your password from inside your account. Look for your name or profile icon in the top right corner of the screen and click it. A menu will appear with options like "Profile," "Settings," or "Account." Click whichever one your company uses — it varies slightly by setup.

Once you are in your profile or settings area, look for a section called "Security," "Password," or "Change Password." Click on it. You will see a form asking for your current password first. Type it in, then enter your new password twice. Remember the same rules explore: at least 12 characters, with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and a special character. Click "Save" or "Update Password." Workday will log you out, and you will need to sign back in with your new password.

Password requirements and what makes a strong password

Workday enforces a minimum of 12 characters and requires all four character types: uppercase (A–Z), lowercase (a–z), numbers (0–9), and special characters (! @ # $ % ^ & * or similar). Your company may add stricter rules on top of these — for example, requiring 16 characters or forbidding passwords that contain your username or common words.

A strong password for Workday looks like "BlueSky#2024Rain" or "Coffee47!Morning$" — a mix of words, numbers, and symbols that you can remember but that would be hard for someone else to guess. Avoid using the same password across multiple sites, especially if you use it for banking or email. If you work in a sensitive role, your company may also require you to change your password every 90 days; your HR or IT team will tell you if this applies to you.

What to do if you forgot your password

If you cannot remember your current password and cannot sign in, go to your Workday login page and click "Forgot Password" or "Can't sign in?" below the sign-in button. Workday will ask you to enter your username or email address. Click "Next."

You will then see options to reset your password. Most companies set this up so you can receive a reset link by email — check your inbox (and spam folder) for a message from Workday. Click the link in that email, and it will take you to a page where you can create a new password. Some companies also let you answer security questions instead of using email. If neither option works, or if you do not receive an email, contact your HR department or IT help desk — they can reset your password for you or unlock your account if it has been locked after too many wrong attempts.

What happens after you change your password

Workday will log you out when ready after you change your password. You will need to sign back in using your new password. If you have the Workday mobile app on your phone, you will also be logged out there and will need to enter your new password the next time you open it.

If you are signed in on multiple devices or browsers at the same time, changing your password will log you out of all of them. This is a security feature — it makes sure that if someone else had access to your account, they lose it as soon as you change the password. You can then sign back in on each device you use.

Troubleshooting common password change problems

If you see an error saying your password does not meet requirements, check that it is at least 12 characters and includes uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and a special character. Workday will usually tell you which requirement you missed. If you are copying and pasting your password, try typing it manually instead — sometimes extra spaces get copied by accident.

If the password change page will not load, try a different browser or clear your browser cache and cookies. If you are on a company network, your IT department may have blocked certain characters in passwords — contact them if you cannot use a special character you want. If you see a message that your password was recently changed and you cannot change it again yet, your company has set a rule that you must wait a certain number of days between changes. This is usually 1 day, so try again tomorrow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same password I used before?

No. Workday keeps a history of your old passwords and will not let you reuse one from the past 5 to 12 changes, depending on your company's settings. This is a security rule to prevent you from cycling back to a password that may have been compromised.

What if my company requires me to change my password but I do not want to?

If your HR or IT department sends a message saying you must change your password, you will usually have a important date — often 30 days. After that important date, your account may be locked until you change it. Even if it is not required, changing your password every few months is a good security practice, especially if you share your login with anyone or use a similar password elsewhere.

Will changing my password affect my direct deposit or other benefits?

No. Your password only controls access to your Workday account. Changing it will not change your direct deposit, health insurance, 401(k), or any other benefits. Those are all tied to your employee ID and company records, not your password.

Can I change my password on the Workday mobile app?

Most companies allow password changes through the app, but the exact steps vary. Look for a menu icon (three horizontal lines) or your profile icon, then find "Settings" or "Security." If you cannot find the option, use a web browser instead — the web version always has a password change feature.

What should I do if I think someone else knows my password?

Change it when ready using the steps above. If you see activity in your Workday account that you did not do — like changes to your address, tax withholding, or direct deposit — contact your HR or IT department right away. They can check your account activity and help you find it.