Password Change Information

Owned by Lisa Rosbrook
Last updated: Jun 21, 2022 by Jeffrey Pitt
4 min read

The following applies to SU-owned hardware ONLY.  For the best experience, these instructions should be followed while the computer is on campus and connected to SUAD wireless or Ethernet. If that is not possible, you can find instructions on what to expect when you change your password from off campus.

When you are notified that you need to change your password please follow the instructions that will be given to you in the email notification. You can find additional instructions in Answers. If you are having difficulties with the password change, please contact Consult @ CAS. DO NOT let your password expire! The only way to get your password reset is to call ITS at 315-443-2677 and go through a series of identity verification steps. 

Macintosh Machines

If you use a Mac desktop machine that is wired to the SU Network, you will only need to follow the instructions given in the email, then skip to step 3 below.

Scenarios for Mac Laptop/Desktop users after following the password change instructions:    

  1. If your computer is connected to Ethernet or the SUAD wireless on campus:
    1. Your login credentials on your computer will immediately sync with Active Directory and take on your new password.
    2. Your computer is encrypted with FileVault: FileVault credentials will sync when your computer is restarted. It may take 2 restarts for your FileVault password to sync.
  2. If you change your password off campus while using VPN:
    1. Your login credentials on your computer should sync after allowing your computer to be connected to VPN for at least 15 minutes. 
    2. Your computer is encrypted with FileVault: FileVault credentials will sync when your computer is restarted. It may take 2 restarts for your FileVault password to sync.
  3. If you change your password off campus without VPN: 
    1. Your login credentials on your computer will not sync until you are connected to the SU network via the methods mentioned above. Then;
    2. Your computer is encrypted with FileVault: FileVault credentials will sync when your computer is restarted. It may take 2 restarts for your FileVault password to sync.
  4. When your login credentials on your Mac sync with Active Directory and the new password, the first time you log into your computer at the Login Window after a restart, you will be asked to update your Keychain password or create a new Keychain password. If you have 10.13 (High Sierra) or below you will also have the option to cancel. 
    1. DO NOT CANCEL
    2. If you choose to update the Keychain password, you will need to know the old Keychain password. It should be your previous password used as long as you kept updating the Keychain password whenever you changed your password. You will be prompted to enter that password if you choose this.
    3. If you choose to create a new Keychain password, it will automatically create a new one, but you will then be asked to again save previously saved passwords that were stored under the old Keychain password.
    4. Please note: you will not experience this behavior at a locked screen when you are prompted for your password.
  5. You will need to enter your new password for SUMail in the Apple Mail and/or Outlook applications and MySlice.
  6. You will need to update the saved password for other Syracuse University applications that use your NetID and password credentials.

Windows Machines

Desktop Users follow the instructions given to you in the password change email. Your password will sync automatically for Outlook. 

Scenarios for Windows laptop Users from home after following the password change instructions:

  1. If your laptop has Windows 10 installed and uses Direct Tunnel (this includes Surface Pro users)
    1. Please make sure you are connected to your home network You will be able to restart your computer and login using your new password.
    2. If you are at a locked screen, please restart your computer and login using your new password.
  2. If you have Windows 7 or 8 please email Consult @ CAS to upgrade to Windows 10.


Mobile Devices and Personal laptops

  1. iPhones and iPads
    1. For AirOrangeX, you will automatically be prompted to enter your new password to reconnect to AirOrangeX.
    2. If you are not prompted automatically you will have to reconfigure AirOrangeX.
      1. On your iPhone or iPad, go to WiFi settings, press on the information icon for AirOrangeX, then press “Forget This Network.”
      2. Follow these instructions to connect to AirOrangeX again. 
    3. For SUMail, you may be automatically prompted to enter your new password. If you are, please enter your new password. If not, go to Settings>Accounts and Passwords and choose your SUMail account (your syr.edu email), then choose Account and enter your new password.
  2. Android Mobile Devices:
    1. For AirOrangeX, you will need to go to Apps>Settings>Wi-Fi, choose AirOrangeX, then Edit, scroll down and enter your new password. 
    2. For SUMail, from the home screen go to the Email application, then choose the menu button on the bottom left of your device, then got to Settings>Account Settings and choose the SUMail account (your syr.edu email), then Password and enter your new password.
  3. Personal laptops:
    1. If you have a personal laptop and you connect to AirOrangeX, you will need enter your new password to reconnect to AirOrangeX. You may need to reconfigure AirOrangeX and you can find those instructions here.
    2. If you have a personal laptop and use AirOrangeGuest, you will need to reconnect to AirOrangeGuest with your new password. You may find these instructions helpful.


If you are having difficulties with the password change, please contact Consult @ CAS. DO NOT let your password expire! The only way to get your password reset is to call ITS at 315-443-2677 and go through a series of identity verification steps.