BU Login & Passwords
Understand your BU Login, manage your password, and troubleshoot common sign-in problems across University services.
MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION
More Than Just a Password
Passwords can be stolen, guessed, or exposed. Duo adds a second verification step so that knowing your BU password alone is not enough to access a protected account.
BU Login
Your BU Login is your University username and identity. It is used to access many BU technology services and computing resources.
Kerberos Password
Your Kerberos password is the password associated with your BU Login. It is used with your username to authenticate to many University systems.
BU Email Address
Your BU email address is based on your BU Login, but some services require a specific username format.
SIGN-IN FORMATS
Which Username Should I Use?
The username format can vary depending on the service you’re accessing. If one format isn’t accepted, first check what type of sign-in screen you’re using.
MOST BU SERVICES
Standard BU Login
Many BU services accept your BU Login username. Some services may also accept your full BU email address.
Example: jdoe
Microsoft Sign-In
Microsoft Sign-In
When you’re presented with a Microsoft sign-in screen, enter your full BU email address rather than only your username.
Example: jdoe@bu.edu
Using a third-party service? If you’re offered several ways to sign in, look for Single Sign-On (SSO) or a Boston University sign-in option rather than creating a separate account with your BU email address.
ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT
Manage Your BU Account
Use BU’s account-management tools to change or recover your password and resolve common account-access problems.
Change Your Password
Know your current password but want to replace it? Use BU’s account-management tools to choose a new password.
Forgot Your Password
If you can’t remember your password, use BU’s password recovery process to verify your identity and create a new one.
Account Locked
Repeated unsuccessful authentication attempts can temporarily lock your BU account. Use BU’s account recovery tools to restore access.
Need Account Help
If you don’t know your BU Login or can’t complete self-service recovery, contact the BU IT Help Center for assistance.
AFTER A PASSWORD CHANGE
Don't Forget Your Other Devices
Changing your BU password doesn’t always update credentials already stored on your computers, phones, applications, and network connections. Those devices may continue trying to authenticate with your old password.
Wi-Fi
Reconnect devices that have your old credentials stored for eduroam.
You may need to forget the network and connect again using your new password.
Network Drives
Mapped BU network shares may have your old password stored.
Remove or update saved credentials before reconnecting.
Printers
MyPrint or departmental printer connections may have stored your previous password in macOS Keychain or Windows Credential Manager.
BU Computers
A BU-issued computer that uses your BU credentials may need to reconnect to the BU network before your new password is synchronized.
Changed your password and suddenly got locked out? One of your devices or applications may still be repeatedly trying to authenticate with your old password. Update saved credentials before unlocking the account again.
IDENTITY & ACCESS
How BU Sign-In Fits Together
Signing in and gaining access aren’t quite the same thing. BU’s identity and security systems work together to identify you, verify the login, and determine what you’re allowed to use.
01
Your BU Login
Your username and password establish your University identity.
02
Duo Verification
Protected services may require Duo to verify that the person using those credentials is really you.
03
Access & Permissions
After you’re authenticated, individual systems determine which resources your account is authorized to access.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Login Isn't Working?
Before resetting your password, check whether the problem is actually your credentials. Username formats, browser sessions, authentication methods, and network connections can all affect sign-in.
Check Your Username Format
On a Microsoft sign-in screen, use your full login@bu.edu address rather than only your BU username.
Look for Single Sign-On
If a service offers multiple login methods, look for Single Sign-On (SSO) or Boston University authentication before creating or using a separate account.
Try a Clean Browser Session
Quit and reopen your browser or try a private/incognito window. This can help identify problems caused by cached sessions, cookies, or browser extensions.
Check Your Network
If you’re on campus, connect to eduroam rather than BU Guest when accessing authenticated University resources.
FIND THE RIGHT HELP
Know Which Problem You Have
Where the sign-in process fails can tell you which part of your account needs attention.
Password Problem
Your username or password fails across multiple BU services.
DUO Problem
Your username and password are accepted, but you can’t complete multi-factor authentication.
Access Problem
You can sign in successfully, but a specific Questrom computer, folder, application, or resource won’t let you in.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Quick Answers
What is my BU Login?
Your BU Login is your University username and is used to identify you across many BU technology services.
What is a Kerberos password?
Your Kerberos password is the password associated with your BU Login and used to authenticate to many University computing resources.
How long does my BU password need to be?
BU currently requires passwords to contain at least 16 characters.
Why does my new password work online but not on another device?
That device or application may still have your previous password stored. Update the saved credentials and reconnect.
Why did my account lock after I changed my password?
A device, Wi-Fi connection, printer, network share, or application may still be repeatedly attempting to authenticate using your old password.
Why can I sign in but not access a Questrom resource?
Successfully signing in confirms your identity. Individual resources can still require additional authorization or permissions.
Still Can't Sign In?
If self-service account recovery doesn't resolve the problem, or you're unsure whether the issue involves your password, Duo, or access to a particular Questrom service, contact support and tell us exactly which service you're trying to access.
Get IT Support
questromhelp@bu.edu
Visit The Helpdesk
617-353-9858
Mon – Thurs: 8am – 6pm
Friday: 8am – 5pm