Reset your Workday password through the login screen

The fastest way to reset your Workday password is through the login page itself. Go to your company's Workday login URL (your HR or IT department can confirm the exact address if you do not have it bookmarked). On the login screen, look for a link that says "Forgot Password" or "Reset Password" — the exact wording varies by company setup.

Click that link and enter your username or the email address associated with your Workday account. Workday will send a password reset email to that address within a few minutes. Open the email, click the reset link, and you will be taken to a page where you can create a new password. The new password must meet your company's requirements — usually a minimum length, a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, and at least one number or symbol.

Once you set the new password, return to the login screen and sign in with your username and the password you just created. You should have access to Workday when ready. If the reset email does not arrive within five minutes, check your spam or junk folder, as some email systems filter password reset messages.

Key Takeaways

  • Click "Forgot Password" on your company's Workday login page and enter your username or email address to start a password reset.
  • Workday sends a reset link to your registered email address; check your spam folder if the email does not appear within five minutes.
  • Your new password must follow your company's requirements, which typically include a minimum length and a mix of character types.
  • If the self-service reset does not work, contact your company's IT help desk or HR department for manual password information.

What to do if you cannot access the email address on file

If you no longer have access to the email address linked to your Workday account — because you changed jobs, switched email providers, or the address is no longer active — the self-service reset will not work. In this case, you need to contact your company's IT help desk or HR department directly.

When you reach out, have your employee ID number ready, along with any other identifying information your company uses (hire date, department, manager name). The IT or HR team can verify your identity and either update your email address in the system or reset your password manually and send you a temporary one. This process usually takes one business day.

Reset your password if you are already logged in

If you are already signed into Workday but want to change your password for security reasons or because you forgot it and need to update it, you can do so from within the process. Look for your profile icon or name in the top right corner of the Workday screen and click it.

Select "Account Settings," "My Profile," or "Change Password" — the exact label depends on your company's Workday setup. You will be asked to enter your current password first, then type your new password twice to confirm it. Once you save the change, you are logged out and must sign back in with the new password on your next visit.

Password requirements and common rejection reasons

Workday passwords must meet specific rules set by your company, and the system will reject a new password if it does not comply. Most companies require at least 8 characters, a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, at least one number, and at least one special character (such as !, @, #, or $). Some companies add extra rules, like not allowing the same character twice in a row or not reusing any of your last five passwords.

If your new password is rejected, the system usually displays a message explaining which requirement you did not meet. Read that message carefully — it tells you exactly what to change. For example, if it says "Password must contain at least one special character," add a symbol like ! or @ to your password. If you are unsure whether a character counts as "special," try a different one from the list above.

What to do if you are locked out after multiple failed attempts

If you enter an incorrect password too many times in a row, Workday will lock your account temporarily to protect it from unauthorized access. The number of attempts allowed before lockout varies by company — typically between three and five wrong tries. When this happens, you will see a message saying your account is locked or temporarily unavailable.

Wait at least 15 to 30 minutes before trying again; most temporary lockouts expire automatically after this period. If the lockout persists after waiting, use the "Forgot Password" link to reset your password, which usually unlocks the account at the same time. If that does not work, contact your IT help desk and let them know you were locked out. They can unlock your account manually and may ask you to reset your password as a security precaution.

Resetting your password on a mobile device

The Workday mobile app works the same way as the web version for password resets. If you are using the app and need to reset your password, tap the "Forgot Password" or "Need Help Signing In" option on the login screen. Enter your username or email, and Workday will send a reset link to your registered email address.

Open the email on your phone or another device, click the reset link, create your new password, and return to the app to log in. If you prefer to reset your password on a computer instead, you can do that and then use the new password to sign into the app. Both methods work equally well — choose whichever is more convenient for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Workday password reset take?

The reset email usually arrives within a few minutes. Once you click the link and create a new password, you can log in when ready. If you contact IT or HR for a manual reset, it typically takes one business day.

Can I use a password I have used before?

Most companies set Workday to reject passwords you have used recently — usually your last three to five passwords. If the system rejects your new password, try a different one. You can always use an old password again after enough time has passed, but it is better to create something new.

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

Make sure you are using the correct username (not your email address, unless your company uses email as the username). Check that Caps Lock is off. If you still cannot log in after confirming these details, contact your IT help desk — there may be a separate issue with your account.

Do I need to reset my password on the mobile app separately?

No. Your Workday password is the same across all devices. Once you reset it on the web or through email, use that new password to log into the app. You do not need to reset it twice.

What should I do if I receive a password reset email I did not request?

Do not click the link. Instead, log into Workday with your current password and change it when ready through your account settings. Then contact your IT help desk to report the suspicious email. This may indicate someone tried to access your account.