How Do I Log into Canvas (Password Issues)

Modified on Thu, May 22 at 3:42 PM

You use your PennKey username and password to log into Canvas.

Try logging into Canvas by following these steps:

1. Clear your browser's cache (for at least the past week) by following these instructions:

2. Close your browser window.

3. Open a new browser window.

4. Go to canvas.upenn.edu and log in with your PennKey username and password.

If you still cannot log in after trying these steps, please see if your PennKey username and password work when you use the "Test my PennKey and password" tool on this page: Test My PennKey

If you are unable to authenticate through this tool, then you should proceed with resetting your password under the "Reset a Forgotten/Change a PennKey Password" because you are not entering the correct username/password. If you need to reset your password, you should be able to log into Canvas following steps 1-4 above once it is reset.

If you need help with changing your PennKey password, please contact PennKey Live Support

PennKey Live Support

PennKey Live Support began in the Spring of 2025 and is replacing all other Two-Step hotlines and PennKey forms to streamline the support process.

Hours: Monday- Friday 8:00 AM- 4:00 PM ET
Technical requirements: Internet connection with a browser, a device with a camera,and identity documentation such as a PennCard, driver's license, passport, etc.
Process: Select "Contact Us" on the PennKey Live Support website – users will be placed in a Zoom video call waiting room until a PennKey Support agent is available. Users will verify their identity by showing their ID on camera, and the PennKey Support team will provide immediate help upon confirmation.

Please Note: Live Support service is unavailable during afternoons and weekends. We would still recommend that you sign up for the Self-Service Password Reset option below.

Pennkey Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR)

PennKey Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR) has recently been introduced at the University. This is a modern, secure, way to help quickly reset your password if it is forgotten. We strongly recommend signing up for this service now by following the instructions below.

To enroll you must register your preferred personal contact information –a (non-Penn) email address and cell phone number (both are required to use SSPR).
To Enroll in SSPR: https://accounts.pennkey.upenn.edu/pwm/private/updateprofile

Those who choose not to enroll in SSPR will continue to contact the PennKey Live Support office if they need to reset forgotten PennKey passwords.

Please Note: Use of password managers and other browser extensions may cause errors with PennKey Self-Service. If you encounter an error, try again with a different browser. If trying another browser does not work, please contact PennKey Live Support.

Not sure if you’re signed up for SSPR? Go to this page and follow the prompts: https://accounts.pennkey.upenn.edu/pwm/private/login