Password & Account Recovery

How to Fix Passwords Do Not Match Error During Password Reset

Elise Williams Oct 23, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to complete a password reset because the system displays a "passwords do not match" error, even when entering a new password via a fresh reset link.

How to Fix the "Passwords Do Not Match" Error When Resetting Your Password

Product: Account Services
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to reset an account password using an email reset link.
Observed behavior: The reset page rejects the new password by stating the passwords do not match, preventing the user from recovering account access.

Before you start

Ensure your Caps Lock key is turned off, verify that your keyboard is not experiencing sticking keys, and delete any older password reset emails to avoid clicking an expired link.

Solution 1Recommended

Enter the Password Manually and Avoid Previous Passwords

Use this method to ensure that your browser's password manager is not quietly replacing your typed password with an older, saved version.

Often, the "passwords do not match" error occurs when a browser's autofill feature automatically inserts a saved password into the confirmation field, overwriting what you just typed. Typing the password manually ensures both fields are completely identical.

Open the newest reset link

Check your email inbox for the most recent password reset link. Discard or delete any older reset emails to avoid confusion.

Type the password manually

Click into the "New Password" field and manually type your desired password. Do not select any suggested passwords from your browser drop-down.

Confirm the password

Click into the "Confirm Password" field and type the exact same password manually. Ensure you are not reusing a password you have used for this account in the past.

Enter the Password Manually and Avoid Previous Passwords

Avoid reusing passwords: Most secure platforms will silently reject your password reset or throw a mismatch error if you attempt to use a password that has been previously associated with the account.

Solution 2

Use an Incognito or Private Browsing Window

Opening the reset link in a private window bypasses browser extensions, cached data, and autofill settings that might be causing the error.

Solution 3

Clear Browser Autofill Data and Cache

If you prefer not to use a private window, clearing your browser's cached data and autofill entries will stop the browser from inserting incorrect saved passwords.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I keep getting a "passwords do not match" error when they are identical?

This is almost always caused by your web browser's password manager. When the page loads, the browser may automatically fill the hidden confirmation field with an old, saved password. Because you are typing a new password in the first field, they end up not matching. Clearing autofill or using an Incognito window fixes this.

Can I reuse an old password when resetting my account?

For security reasons, most modern platforms (such as Microsoft, Adobe, and Google) prevent you from reusing a password you have used in the past. If you try, the system may reject the reset attempt, sometimes resulting in a generic error or mismatch notification.

How long is a password reset link usually valid?

Password reset links are time-sensitive for security purposes and typically expire within 15 minutes to 24 hours depending on the platform. If you click an expired link, the form might still load but fail upon submission.

What should I do if none of the password reset troubleshooting steps work?

If you have tried using a fresh link, manually typing the password, and using an Incognito window but the error persists, you should contact the specific platform's customer support directly and provide them with the exact error details.

Login & Account Issues