UPEI Account - First-Time Setup

UPEI Account Setup and Access Summary

A UPEI account is important because it lets students use campus services like email, assignments, course materials, Wi-Fi, and other online tools.

Students log in with their username. Their UPEI email address is their username followed by “@upei.ca”.

To get started, students need the username, student ID number, and PIN from their acceptance email. If they cannot find this information, they can contact ITSS for help.

First, students go to the UPEI Deposit portal, sign in with their username and PIN, and pay their tuition deposit.

After the deposit is paid, it usually takes three to four business days for the account to be created.

Next, students sign in to My UPEI using their full UPEI email address and PIN. They will then be asked to make a new password that is at least 8 characters long and does not use their name or birthday.

Students must also set up multi-factor authentication, called MFA, using the Microsoft Authenticator app.

Once the password and MFA are set up, students can access My UPEI, the residence portal, and other university systems. If they skip these steps, they may not be able to get in.

These steps help keep student accounts safe and make sure students can use the tools they need at UPEI.

Text-based instructions  (including screenshots)

Step 1: Set Your Password

1. Go to Microsoft 365 Sign In
2. Sign in using:
   • Your UPEI email address
   • Your 8-digit PIN as your password
3. Create a new password that:
   • Contains at least 8 characters
   • Includes uppercase and lowercase letters
   • Includes at least one symbol
   • Does not include your name or date of birth
4. Sign in again using your new password to confirm it works.

Step 2: Register for MFA

We strongly recommend using:

• A computer for the setup process
• Your phone for Microsoft Authenticator

1. On your computer, visit MFA Setup
2. Sign in to your UPEI account
3. If prompted with More Information Required, click Next
4. Install Microsoft Authenticator on your phone
5. Open the app
6. Tap +
7. Select Work or School Account  

Important

When prompted to scan the QR code:

Use Microsoft Authenticator. Do NOT use your phone's camera app.  

1. Scan the QR code displayed on your computer
2. Click Next
3. Enter the verification number shown on your computer into the Microsoft Authenticator notification
4. Approve the request

Your MFA registration is not complete until this approval step succeeds.  

Step 3: Add a Backup Method

If you lose your phone or get a new phone, you will need your backup method to regain access to your UPEI account.  

After completing MFA setup:

1. Go to MFA Setup
2. Select Add Method
3. Add a backup method such as:  
   • Phone number
   • Additional device

Again, this is strongly recommended before changing phones or replacing a device.  

Common Questions

I Forgot My Password

If you previously activated your account but cannot remember your password, use password recovery options or contact ITSS.

My Account Says It Already Exists

This usually means your account has already been activated. Try signing in or resetting your password rather than attempting to activate the account again.

I Got a New Phone

If you still have access to your existing MFA method:

1. Visit MFA Setup
2. Select Add Method
3. Register your new device

If you no longer have access to any MFA method, contact ITSS.  

I Lost or Damaged My Phone

Contact ITSS immediately so your MFA method can be reset or deactivated.  

I Am Not Receiving MFA Notifications

Try the following:

1. Restart your phone
2. Ensure notifications are enabled for Microsoft Authenticator
3. Turn off Do Not Disturb
4. Verify you have an internet connection
5. Check battery optimization settings
6. Update the Microsoft Authenticator app

I Don't Have Wi-Fi or Mobile Data

Microsoft Authenticator can generate a 6-digit verification code even when your phone is offline.

1. Select:
   • I can't use my Microsoft Authenticator app right now
2. Then choose:
   • Use verification code from my mobile app

Need Help?

Visit the ITSS Student Help Desk at the Robertson Library or use our request forms go.upei.ca/lostaccount or go.upei.ca/itrequest. If you need to call us, we can be reached at 902-566-0465, option 3 for students.