You can reset your Handshake password at any time—whether you forgot it or just want to update it.
Choose the option that matches your current status:
I'm currently signed in to Handshake
Only users who registered without connecting to a school can update their password directly in Handshake.
If your account is linked to a school, log out and follow the steps below under “I’m currently signed out” instead.
To change your password while signed in:
1. Click on your account icon in the upper-right corner of the screen, then choose Settings from the dropdown.
2. Under the Account access section, enter your:
- Current password
- New password
- Password confirmation
Follow the password rules shown on screen (for example, minimum length and character mix).
Passwords on Handshake must:
- Contain eight characters, or more
-
Contain characters from two of the following three character classes:
- Alphabetic (e.g., a-z, A-Z)
- Numeric (i.e. 0–9)
- Punctuation and other characters (e.g.,!@#$%^&*()_+|~-=\`{}[]:";'<>?,./)
- Note: passwords are not encrypted.
4. Click Save new password to update your password.
I'm currently signed out of Handshake
1. Go to the Handshake login page.
- If you're routed to your school's single sign-on page, click Log in another way.
- If you're routed to Handshake's login page, enter your email address connected to your Handshake account then click Next.
2. On the password screen, select Reset password.
3. Enter the email address associated with your Handshake account, then select Reset Password.
4. The page will show a confirmation message such as: "Check your inbox! Follow the instructions there to continue."
5. Go to your email inbox and open the password reset email from handshake@m.joinhandshake.com.
- Subject: Password Reset Request
- Select the Reset My Password link in the email.
6. You’ll be taken back to Handshake to set a new password. Enter your new password in the New password and Confirm new password fields, then select Reset
Passwords on Handshake must:
- Contain eight characters, or more
-
Contain characters from two of the following three character classes:
- Alphabetic (e.g., a-z, A-Z)
- Numeric (i.e. 0–9)
- Punctuation and other characters (e.g.,!@#$%^&*()_+|~-=\`{}[]:";'<>?,./)
- Note: passwords are not encrypted.
7. The page will confirm that your password has been created. Select Log in to return to the login page and sign in with your new password.
Once your password is updated, you will receive an email confirming that your password was recently changed.
Not receiving your password reset email?
If the password reset email isn't showing up for you, we recommend to take the steps below:
- Check your spam and junk mail. Since this is an automated email, some providers may filter the message from your inbox. If you're using a common mail client, you can find instructions below.
- Keyword search all mailboxes using "Email Confirmation" (the email's subject line). This can better surface the email if it's been filtered to an unexpected location.
-
Add Handshake to your address book with the following contact email: "handshake@m.joinhandshake.com". After adding this contact, resend the confirmation email from Handshake (Step 3 on the thanks for signing up page).
- This will help ensure delivery of future emails, and is important for keeping you up to date in your professional life.
- Contact your institution's IT department and ask if they know of any reasons emails from Handshake would be denied.
If you’ve followed all the steps above and still haven’t received your confirmation email, let us know.