Migrate Friend Account to Okta (Starting Feb. 25, 2026)

Environment

U-M Friend accounts, Okta Sign In

Issue

How to migrate an active Friend account (those that have signed in at least once since January 1, 2025) to Okta starting February 25, 2026.

Resolution

Starting February 25, 2026: 
  • Friend accounts that have signed in at least once since January 1, 2025 can migrate their account to Okta and save a new password.
  • You must have access to the email address associated with your Friend account.

If you do not meet the above criteria, you must create a new Friend account.

If you see a message recommending you enroll in Okta prior to February 25, note that this does not apply to Friend accounts. Early enrollments are for U-M uniqname account holders. Attempts to complete Okta enrollment for Friend accounts prior to Feb 25, 2026 will result in an "access denied: friend check denied" error.

Migrate an Active Friend Account

  1. Navigate to the sign-in page for a service you previously accessed with your Friend account.
  2. Enter your Email and then click Next.
  3. Click the Email option. 
  4. Click Send me an Email. A message is sent to your email address.
  5. Open the email message and click Sign in.
  6. Enter a new password and re-enter the password in the fields provided.
  7. Enter your First name and Last name.
  8. Click Next.

You’ll receive an email notifying you that your password has been changed.

Additional Information

Need additional information or assistance? Contact the ITS Service Center. 

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Related Services / Offerings (1)

ITS-Friend Accounts
This Service provides an account which allows someone who does not have a U-M uniqname and UMICH password to authenticate to the U-M computing environment; to log in to the environment and be identified. It does not automatically authorize that person to use any services.