EPFO Passbook Password Change: How to Reset It in Under 5 Minutes
If you can’t remember your EPFO password, you’re not alone — it’s one of those credentials most people set once during onboarding and then never think about again until they actually need to check their passbook or file a claim. The good news is that EPFO’s reset process is entirely self-service and takes only a few minutes, provided your registered mobile number is still active.
This article covers both scenarios people usually mean by “password change”: resetting a forgotten password, and proactively changing a password you already know but want to update.
Why You’d Need to Do This
You’ve simply forgotten it
Since the EPFO portal is used infrequently by most people, forgetting the password between visits is the single most common reason for needing a reset.
Too many incorrect login attempts
Repeated incorrect password entries can temporarily lock your account as a security measure, which also requires a reset to regain access.
You want to update it for security reasons
If you suspect your password may be known to someone else, or simply want to strengthen it, you can change it directly while still logged in.
Replacing a system-generated password
Some members receive a system-generated password during UAN activation and prefer to set a custom one on their first proper login.
Important: EPFO Cannot Tell You Your Old Password
How the Reset Actually Works
For security reasons, EPFO does not allow password retrieval in any form — there is no “show my old password” option anywhere in the system. Instead, the “Forgot Password” flow always works by verifying your identity via OTP and then letting you set a completely new password, replacing the old one entirely.
Step-by-Step: Resetting a Forgotten Password
Go to the official EPFO Member Portal login page
This is the same page you would normally use to log in, accessible through the official EPFO website.
Click “Forgot Password”
This link sits right below the regular login fields on the same page.
Enter your UAN and the captcha
Type in your 12-digit UAN exactly as it appears on your payslip, followed by the captcha text shown on screen.
Verify your identity details
You may be asked to confirm your name, date of birth, and gender as recorded with EPFO, along with your registered mobile number, before proceeding.
Click “Get Authorization PIN” and enter the OTP
An OTP is sent to your registered mobile number. Enter it on the screen to verify it’s genuinely you requesting the reset.
Set your new password
Choose a new password that meets the portal’s complexity requirements, and confirm it once before submitting.
Log in with your new password
Return to the regular login page and sign in using your UAN and the password you just set.
Changing Your Password While Already Logged In
If you already know your current password but simply want to update it, this is a slightly different and quicker path than the forgot-password flow.
No OTP step is typically required here, since you’re already authenticated through your existing login
The One Prerequisite That Matters Most
Common Reset Failures and Fixes
| Issue | Likely Cause | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| OTP never arrives | Registered mobile number is outdated or no longer active | Contact your employer’s HR team to confirm and update your registered number with EPFO before retrying |
| “UAN Not Found” or similar error | Incorrect UAN entered, or UAN not yet activated | Double-check the 12-digit UAN on your payslip; if it’s never been activated, that needs to happen before any reset is possible |
| Identity verification details don’t match | Name, date of birth, or gender mismatch between what you entered and EPFO’s records | Verify the exact details on file with your HR team, since even a small mismatch will block verification |
| Account temporarily locked | Too many failed login attempts | Wait for the lockout period to pass, or proceed with a fresh password reset, which typically unlocks the account as part of the process |
“Almost every failed password reset traces back to one thing: the mobile number EPFO has on file no longer matches the one in your hand.”
WorkRightsIndiaIf You’ve Never Activated Your UAN at All
It’s worth distinguishing a forgotten password from never having set one in the first place, since the fix is different.
Keeping Your Account Secure Going Forward
Use a unique, strong password
Avoid reusing a password from another account, especially since this portal protects access to your retirement savings.
Keep your mobile number updated
Whenever you change your number, update it with EPFO promptly, since it’s the backbone of every recovery and verification process on the portal.
Avoid storing your password in plain text
Use a password manager rather than writing it down or saving it in an unprotected note, given what the account protects.
What to Do Right Now
- Confirm your registered mobile number is still active and correctly on file with EPFO before starting any reset attempt.
- Use the “Forgot Password” option on the official EPFO Member Portal login page, and complete the OTP verification when prompted.
- If you’re a newer employee and have never logged in before, check with HR whether your UAN needs to be activated through the UMANG app first.
The One Line to Remember
You will never recover your old EPFO password — you’ll only ever be able to set a new one. As long as your registered mobile number is current, the entire reset takes under five minutes from start to finish.
This article is for informational purposes only. EPFO’s password reset flow, verification steps, and UAN activation process are subject to change without notice. Always use the official EPFO website directly for password resets, and never share your UAN or OTP with anyone claiming to assist you outside of it. Information in this article is current as of June 2026.