I tried to sign in, but the credentials I used didn't work. Or, I don't have the credentials to access an AWS root user account.
Resolution
Note: AWS Support can't discuss the details of any AWS account other than the account that you're signed in to. AWS Support can't change the credentials associated with an account for any reason.
The following scenarios often cause problems with account credentials:
- The AWS account root user is no longer the account administrator, and they aren't reachable. I can't reset the password because of a not valid email address.
- You forgot the password for the account. Or, you need to find the email address for an account.
- You use the incorrect credentials to sign in. For example, you use the credentials for the wrong account or an AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) identity.
- An authorized user changed the credentials. For example, your account administrator updated your IAM credentials.
Recover an AWS account root user
To access an account as a root user, you must have the email address and password that's associated with the account. To get the credentials, you can ask the former administrator of the account for the credentials. If you can't contact the account administrator, then see the Find the email address for an account section of this article. If you can't access the email for your AWS account, then see I don't have access to the email for my AWS account.
Recover the password for an account
To recover a password, you must know the email address or account number that's associated with the account. You must also have access to the email address to receive an email with instructions on how to reset the password.
For instructions, see How do I recover a lost or forgotten AWS password?
Find the email address for an account
To find the email address for an account, complete the following tasks:
- Check any email addresses you might have used to open an AWS account. Most account-related correspondence from AWS comes from no-reply-aws@amazon.com. If you find correspondence like this, then the email address is probably associated with an AWS account.
- Ask other members of your team, organization, or family. If someone you know created the account, then they can help you get access.
Recover the IAM credentials
To access the account as an AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) user, you must have the username and password for that IAM user. If you don't have the username and password for the IAM user, then contact your account administrator. Your account administrator sets the credentials for each IAM entity on the account.
Some IAM identities can update their own passwords. For more information, see How an IAM user changes their own password.
If you have root access to the account but don't know the password for a particular IAM user, then sign in as the root user. Then, change the password. For more information, see Troubleshooting AWS account sign-in issues.
Receiving account support
If the previous methods don't work and you still can't access your account, then contact AWS Support with the Amazon Web Services Support form.
Related information
What do I do if I receive an error when I enter the CAPTCHA to sign in to my AWS account?
Managing user passwords in AWS
How do I remove a lost or broken MFA device from my AWS account?
How do I change the email address that's associated with my AWS account?
How do I assign ownership of my AWS account to another entity?