Your UPEI account gives you access to myUPEI, email, Microsoft 365, Wi-Fi, and other online university services. This guide will help you:

• Find and activate your new UPEI account
• Create a secure password
• Set up Multi-Factor Authentication, or MFA
• Protect your account
• Update your authentication methods
• Recover access if you cannot sign in

What do you need help with?

• I am a new student setting up my account
• I need to set up MFA
• I cannot sign in
• I forgot my password
• I am not receiving Microsoft Authenticator notifications
• I have a new phone
• I lost my phone or cannot use MFA
• I think someone has accessed my account
• I want to manage my security methods

New Students: Get Your UPEI Account

When will my account be created?

After you pay your tuition deposit, your UPEI account will be created automatically. Within a few business days, you will receive separate emails at the email address you used to apply to UPEI. These messages will contain the information needed for your first sign-in, including your UPEI username and temporary password.  

Keep these messages in a safe place. You may need the information again if ITSS assists with resetting your account.

Username and email address are different

Your username is only the first part of your UPEI email address.

Example

• Username: jpanther
• Full UPEI email address: jpanther@upei.ca

For most UPEI sign-in pages, use your full UPEI email address, not only your username.  

Some account recovery tools may specifically ask for your username. Follow the wording shown on the page you are using.

Haven’t received your account information?

If several business days have passed since you paid your tuition deposit and you have not received your account information:

Check the inbox and junk or spam folder of the email account you used to apply.

Contact UPEI Admissions for assistance.  

First Sign-In: Set Your Password and MFA

During your first sign-in, you will create a new password and set up Multi-Factor Authentication.

What is MFA?

Multi-Factor Authentication, or MFA, provides an additional layer of account security. After entering your password, you complete another step to confirm that it is really you.

Most students use the Microsoft Authenticator app on their phone. Passkeys may also be available on supported devices. MFA is required for most UPEI services.

Before you begin

• Have the following ready:
• Your full UPEI email address
• Your temporary password
• A mobile device
• The Microsoft Authenticator app

Download Microsoft Authenticator from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store before starting.

Option 1: Set Up Your Account Using Only Your Phone

You can complete the account and MFA setup using only your mobile phone.

1. Sign in

• Go to myUPEI and sign in using:
• Your full UPEI email address
• Your temporary password 

2. Create your new password

• When prompted, create a password or passphrase that:
• Is at least 15 characters long
• Is unique to your UPEI account
• Does not contain your name or username
• Avoids common words such as “UPEI” or “Panther”
• Uses a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols where possible

A longer passphrase made from unrelated words can be easier to remember and harder for someone else to guess.

3. Start the security setup

Microsoft will indicate that more information is required to secure your account.

Make sure Microsoft Authenticator is installed before selecting "Next".

4. Connect Microsoft Authenticator

Follow the instructions shown in your browser. Microsoft will provide an option to connect your UPEI account to the Authenticator app.

Allow the link to open Microsoft Authenticator and follow the prompts to add your UPEI account.

5. Approve the test notification

Return to the setup process and approve the test notification in Microsoft Authenticator.

Your MFA setup is not complete until the test notification has been approved successfully.

Option 2: Set Up Your Account Using a Computer and Phone

1. Install Microsoft Authenticator

Install Microsoft Authenticator on your phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

2. Sign in on your computer

Go to myUPEI and sign in using your full UPEI email address and temporary password. 

3. Create your new password

Create a strong, unique password or passphrase following the password guidance above.

4. Register Microsoft Authenticator

On your computer, visit "Manage MFA Settings" and follow the registration instructions.

5. Scan the QR code

Open Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone and use it to scan the QR code displayed on your computer screen. This must be done in the Microsoft Authenticator app: it does not work in the phone's camera.  

6. Approve the test notification

Approve the test notification sent to your phone. Your MFA setup is not complete until the notification has been approved successfully.

Protect Your UPEI Account

Create a strong password

Your UPEI password should:

• Be at least 15 characters long
• Be used only for your UPEI account
• Not include your name or username
• Avoid predictable words such as “UPEI” or “Panther”
• Be difficult for someone else to guess 

Strong passphrase example

CoffeeRiver!Snow15Moon

Avoid passwords such as

• password123
• Panther2026
• johnsmith1
• UPEIpassword

Do

• Use Microsoft Authenticator.
• Add a passkey if your device supports one.
• Set up more than one authentication method.
• Keep your phone number and authentication methods current.
• Use a different password for each service.
• Consider using a password manager.

Don’t

• Share your password with anyone.
• Send your password through email or text.
• Reuse a password from another website.
• Approve an MFA request you did not initiate.
• Remove Authenticator from an old phone until your new phone is working.

ITSS staff cannot see your password and will never ask you to provide it. 

Having Trouble Signing In?

Confirm that you are using your full email address

For most UPEI services, enter:

jpanther@upei.ca

Not:

jpanther

Using only a username instead of the full email address can prevent a successful sign-in.

Is this your first sign-in?

Use the temporary password provided in your UPEI account information email. After signing in, you will be prompted to create your own password.

Did you enter the wrong password several times?

Multiple unsuccessful attempts may temporarily lock your account.

If this happens:

• Stop trying to sign in.
• Wait 15 to 30 minutes.
• Confirm that you have the correct email address and password.
• Try again after the waiting period.

In many cases, the account will unlock automatically.

Forgot your password?

• Visit Reset Your UPEI Password.
• You will be asked to:
• Enter your UPEI username.
• Verify your identity using Microsoft Authenticator, a passkey, or another method you previously configured.
• Create a new password.

If you cannot complete the identity verification step, use UPEI Account Recovery Assistance.

Not receiving Microsoft Authenticator notifications?

Check that:

• Your phone is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data.
• Notifications are enabled for Microsoft Authenticator.
• Do Not Disturb or Focus mode is turned off.
• Microsoft Authenticator is installed and configured.
• The notification is being sent to the device you currently use.

Never approve a notification you did not initiate.

I Got a New Phone

If you still have your old phone

Before wiping, returning, selling, or trading in your old phone:

• Keep Microsoft Authenticator installed on the old phone.
• Install Microsoft Authenticator on the new phone.
• Transfer or restore your account information.
• Confirm that authentication works on the new phone.
• Only then remove Authenticator from the old device.

If you no longer have your old phone

Try another verification method or passkey that you previously added to your account.

If you cannot use any of your registered methods, submit an Account Recovery Assistance Request. The regular Help Desk form may not be accessible when you cannot sign in.

Add a Backup Authentication Method

Do not wait until you lose your phone to create a backup.

Visit Manage Your UPEI Authentication Methods to review or update your sign-in methods. 

Where supported, consider adding:

• Microsoft Authenticator
• A passkey
• Another approved verification method

A backup method can help you regain access if your usual phone is lost, replaced, damaged, or unavailable.

What Is a Passkey?

A passkey is an alternative sign-in and verification method available on supported devices. Depending on the device, a passkey may use:

• Your fingerprint
• Facial recognition
• Your device PIN 

Adding a passkey gives you another way to verify your identity if your phone or usual authentication method is unavailable.

I Think Someone Has Access to My Account

If you receive an MFA request you did not initiate, deny it.

If you believe someone may know your password or has accessed your account:

• Change your password immediately.
• Review your MFA and verification methods.
• Remove any method you do not recognize.
• Contact ITSS for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need MFA?

MFA helps protect your account even if someone learns your password. A person would still need access to one of your registered authentication methods before signing in. 

Do students need MFA?

Yes. MFA is required for most UPEI services. 

How often should I change my password?

Change your password when necessary, such as when you believe someone else may know it or ITSS advises you to change it. 

Can ITSS see my password?

No. ITSS cannot see your password and will never ask you to provide it. 

Can I complete MFA setup without a computer?

Yes. The entire initial setup can be completed on a mobile phone.

How do I update my MFA settings?

Visit Manage Your UPEI Authentication Methods. 

Need Help?

If you cannot access your account

Use the UPEI Account Recovery Assistance form. The regular Help Desk form may require you to sign in and may not work when you have lost access to your account. 

Student Service Desk

Location: Robertson Library
Phone: 902-566-0583

ITSS Support

Phone: 902-566-0465, option 3
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am–4:00 pm Atlantic Time

Students outside Atlantic Canada should note that support hours are listed in Atlantic Time.