There are a few common reasons why you may see an error message saying your username or password is incorrect when trying to log into a website or application:
You have forgotten your password
The most likely reason for getting an incorrect username/password error is that you have simply forgotten your password. We all forget passwords sometimes – we have so many accounts these days that it can be impossible to remember credentials for every one. If you can’t recall your password, the simple solution is to use the “Forgot password” feature usually available on login screens. This will allow you to reset your password easily.
You are entering the wrong username
Another possibility is that you are incorrectly entering your username or email address used to create the account. Usernames are often an email address or some variation you created when signing up. If you are entering an incorrect username, it will not match what is on file and result in the error.
Your caps lock is on
One easy mistake people make is accidentally leaving caps lock on when entering their password, which can make an otherwise correct password appear wrong. Make sure caps lock is not enabled if you receive the error message.
There is a typo in your entry
It’s also common to simply make a typing mistake when entering a username or password. Carefully check that you are entering the correct info with no typos or spelling errors. One minor mistake can lead to the error occurring.
Your account is temporarily locked
Some sites will temporarily lock accounts after a certain number of failed login attempts. This is done for security reasons. If your account is temporarily locked, you may need to use “Forgot password” or contact customer service to unlock it before logging in successfully.
You have been logged out automatically
Some applications will automatically log users out after a period of inactivity. So if you walk away for a while and come back, your session may have expired. Logging out and back in or resetting your password should resolve it.
The site or service is having technical issues
In some cases, the login error message could be caused by a technical glitch on the website or app’s end. Server errors and other IT issues could be affecting the ability to properly authenticate users. The problem should be temporary and logging in should work again once resolved.
There is suspicious activity on your account
If the system detects suspicious activity on your account like an unauthorized password change, it may lock access to prevent misuse. Contact customer service to unlock your account if you believe suspicious activity triggered the login error.
You have been banned or deactivated
If you violated terms of service or other account policies, the company may ban or deactivate your account, preventing login. You would need to appeal the ban or account deactivation by contacting the appropriate support team.
Your account credentials are cached
Sometimes browser autofill or a password manager tool can input cached credentials that are old or incorrect. Try manually typing your username and password instead of using saved ones.
Multi-factor authentication is required
If the site uses multi-factor or two-factor authentication, you may need to enter a code from an authenticator app or code sent your phone in addition to your password when logging in.
You are not connected to the internet
You’ll need an active internet connection to be able to log into online accounts. Make sure your WiFi or mobile data is turned on if attempting to log in on a phone or tablet.
The site’s login system is down
Very rarely, a website or app may have a complete outage that takes down the login servers temporarily. This would prevent any users from logging in until resolved. You’ll have to wait until functionality is restored.
You have been hacked
In the worst case scenario, a hacker may have gained access to your account by compromising your password through a data breach, keylogger, or other method. A sudden inability to log in could indicate your account’s security has been compromised. Take appropriate action like changing passwords.
What to do if you get an incorrect username/password error
If you are encountering the login error, here are the steps you should take to try to resolve it:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Make sure caps lock is off when entering your password. |
| 2 | Carefully re-enter your username and password to check for typos. |
| 3 | Try resetting your password using “Forgot password” option. |
| 4 | Use autofill or a password manager if you don’t remember the password. |
| 5 | Make sure your internet connection is working. |
| 6 | Try logging out and back in to refresh the session. |
| 7 | Clear your browser cookies and cache if credentials are cached. |
| 8 | Try logging in on a different device or browser. |
| 9 | Contact customer support if the issue persists. |
Following these troubleshooting steps will help identify and resolve the most common problems preventing successful login. If none of these work, reach out to the site’s tech support for further assistance investigating why your username or password is not recognized.
Tips for avoiding incorrect username/password issues
Here are some tips to help prevent running into login errors in the future:
- Use a password manager to safely store unique, complex passwords for each account.
- Enable two-factor or multi-factor authentication whenever available for extra security.
- Watch out for phishing emails attempting to steal login credentials.
- Never use the same password on multiple accounts or websites.
- Change passwords periodically, at least every 90 days if permitted.
- Make sure your devices have security protections like antivirus software enabled.
- Don’t save passwords in your browser if using a shared or public computer.
- Check website domains carefully to avoid fake login pages.
- Clear cached browser data periodically to refresh saved passwords.
- Log out fully after using sites that store sensitive information.
Being cautious about account security will help minimize the chances of criminals compromising your credentials. But even if all precautions are taken, login errors can still happen on occasion. By following the troubleshooting steps, you can quickly identify the cause and get back into your account.
Why you should not save passwords in browsers
While saving passwords in your web browser may seem like a convenient way to remember them, there are some security risks to consider:
Saved passwords are vulnerable to malware
Malware like keyloggers or password stealers can extract saved credentials from browsers. This allows criminals easy access to accounts. Not saving passwords provides an extra layer of protection.
Shared/public computers are insecure
On a shared home, work, or library computer, other users can access saved passwords to gain access to accounts and information. So saved passwords should always be avoided on shared machines.
You become reliant on the browser
By letting the browser remember passwords, you may become overly reliant on it to log in. If you then try to login from a different device, you will be locked out unless you remember credentials.
Syncing can spread passwords across devices
Browsers that sync data and settings across devices will propagate any saved passwords too. This results in passwords saved only in one place ending up stored in multiple spots, increasing exposure.
It enables autofill on untrusted sites
With saved passwords, browsers may automatically autofill credentials on new sites before you have a chance to evaluate whether they are trustworthy or not, potentially exposing them.
You lose control over security
Depending on your browser to securely store passwords relinquishes control. A password manager where you control the master password is more secure.
So while saving passwords may provide a bit more convenience, the risks likely outweigh the benefits in most cases. Using a dedicated password manager instead is recommended for managing credentials safely.
How password managers can help avoid login issues
Password managers provide much safer storage and convenience than saving passwords in browsers. Here are some of the advantages they offer:
Strong encryption protects passwords
Reputable password managers use military-grade encryption like AES-256 bit or similar to secure stored passwords, keeping them safe from hackers.
Zero-knowledge architecture prevents access
Password manager data can only be unlocked with your master password. Even the service provider has no means to access the encrypted data.
Automatic password generation creates strong credentials
Password manager apps can generate completely random and complex passwords for each account. This results in far more secure credentials than people create.
Cross-platform availability enables easy access
Cloud-syncing password managers work seamlessly across desktop, mobile, tablet, etc. Your data is available wherever you need it.
Autofill makes login simple
Filling passwords automatically on login forms boosts convenience without sacrificing security. Some even integrate directly into browsers.
Updated passwords sync across devices
When you change a password, that updated credential syncs to all your connected devices so you don’t forget which is latest.
Health check identifies weak/duplicate passwords
Password managers can audit your credentials and flag reused or weak passwords for you to improve account security.
By handling password storage and authentication securely, password managers can provide both heightened security and easier access to your accounts. This results in fewer login frustrations.
Conclusion
Getting an incorrect username or password error can be annoying, but is usually easy to resolve. The most common causes are forgetfulness, typos, technical glitches, or security protections. By carefully re-entering credentials, checking for site outages, and using password reset options, you can typically get back into your account quickly.
Enabling multi-factor authentication, using unique passwords for each account, and employing a dedicated password manager can help minimize login issues in the first place. But when problems do arise, following the right troubleshooting steps will get you past error messages and into your accounts.