The fastest way to reset your Workday password

Go to your Workday login page and click "Forgot Password" below the sign-in box. Enter your username or email address, and Workday will send you a reset link to the email on file. Click that link, create a new password, and you can log in when ready. The whole process takes about five minutes if your email is current.

If you do not receive the reset email within a few minutes, check your spam folder — it often lands there. If it is not there either, your email address in Workday may be outdated, and you will need to contact your HR department or Workday administrator to update it before you can reset on your own.

Key Takeaways

  • Click "Forgot Password" on the Workday login page and enter your username or email to start a reset.
  • Workday sends a reset link to the email address registered in your account, so check spam if you do not see it within a few minutes.
  • Your new password must meet Workday's requirements: at least 12 characters, including uppercase, lowercase, a number, and a special character.
  • If you cannot find the reset email or do not remember your username, contact your HR department or Workday administrator — they can reset it for you or update your email address.

Password requirements Workday enforces

Workday requires passwords to be at least 12 characters long and include at least one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number, and one special character (such as !, @, #, $, %, or &). Your new password cannot be the same as any of your last five passwords, and it cannot contain your username or common dictionary words.

If you create a password that does not meet these rules, Workday will reject it and ask you to try again. The error message will tell you which requirement you missed — for example, "Password must contain at least one special character." Write down what failed so you can fix it on your next attempt.

What to do if the reset email never arrives

First, wait five to ten minutes and check your spam or junk folder. Email providers sometimes flag password reset messages as suspicious. If the email is there, move it to your inbox and click the reset link.

If the email is not in spam either, your email address in Workday is likely wrong or outdated. This happens when someone changed jobs, switched email providers, or had their address updated incorrectly. Contact your HR department or Workday administrator and tell them your email address is not receiving reset messages. They can verify what email is on file and update it if needed. Once it is corrected, you can request a new reset link.

Resetting your password if you forgot your username

The "Forgot Password" page asks for either your username or your email address. If you remember your email but not your username, enter your email instead — Workday will send the reset link to that address. You do not need your username to reset your password.

If you do not remember your email address either, or if you are not sure which email is registered in Workday, contact your HR department or Workday administrator. They can look up your account, confirm your email, and either send you a reset link themselves or update your email address so you can request one.

Changing your password after you log back in

Once you reset your password and log in, you can change it again anytime without using the "Forgot Password" link. Click your profile icon or name in the top right corner of Workday, select "Account Settings" or "Change Password," and enter your current password followed by your new password twice. Workday will confirm the change when ready.

Changing your password this way is useful if you want to use a password you prefer, if you think someone else knows your current password, or if your company requires regular password updates. The same 12-character rule and special-character requirement explore.

When your Workday account is locked

If you enter the wrong password too many times in a row, Workday locks your account temporarily to prevent someone else from guessing your way in. The lock usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your company's settings. You will see a message saying your account is locked when you try to log in.

Wait 15 to 30 minutes and try again. If the account is still locked after that time, or if you locked yourself out and need access right away, contact your HR department or Workday administrator. They can unlock your account when ready without making you wait. Do not try to reset your password while the account is locked — the reset will not work until the lock expires or an administrator removes it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset my Workday password on my phone?

Yes. Go to the same Workday login page on your phone's browser, click "Forgot Password," and follow the same steps. The reset link works on any device. If you have the Workday mobile app, you can also tap "Forgot Password" within the app itself.

How long does the reset link stay active?

Reset links usually expire after 24 hours. If you click the link after 24 hours have passed, you will see an error message and will need to request a new reset link. Request a fresh one and use it within the same day.

What if I reset my password but still cannot log in?

Make sure you are using the new password you just created, not your old one. If you are still blocked, your account may be locked from too many failed attempts. Wait 15 to 30 minutes and try again, or contact your HR department to unlock it when ready.

Can I use the same password I used before?

No. Workday prevents you from reusing any of your last five passwords. If you try to use an old password, Workday will reject it and ask you to create a new one instead.