Cornell NetIDs
Your NetID is a unique identifier that provides access to your Cornell email and other non-public Cornell resources and information.
Activate Your NetID, Email, and Two-Step Login
After the university has received your enrollment response and processes your deposit, you will receive an email from netid-activation@cornell.edu at your admissions email address letting you know that your NetID was created and what to do next. Note that sometimes this email goes to spam/junk folders. It can take up to two business days for your NetID to be created after your deposit is processed.
- Once you receive that email, you will sign in with your Application Status Page login information to activate your NetID and email.
- Be sure to set up Two-Step Login so you can access services vital to getting started as a new student. Learn more about NetIDs, Cornell email, and Two-Step Login.
You should activate your NetID immediately. As a new student, you will set up your email account when you activate your NetID. Your email address will look something like this—ewe1@cornell.edu—where "ewe1" is your Cornell NetID.
Once you activate your NetID, it will be your permanent account, and you will use it to log in to Cornell services moving forward. NetIDs carry both additional privileges and additional responsibilities.
Cornell provides additional security protection for personal data by requiring Two-Step Login to access important online resources, including Student Essentials, Canvas, and Student Center. Two-Step Login is a two-factor authentication service that prevents the use of stolen Cornell passwords by requiring confirmations from something a third party doesn't have, such as your phone or other device. Because some tasks you need to complete on campus will require Two-Step Login, enroll during the NetID activation process.
Your Email Options
Email service for students at Cornell is provided through Google Workspace for Education. Along with email, Cornell Google Workspace for Students includes calendar, collaboration, and other tools. Learn more about Cornell Google Workspace for Students.
If you choose to forward your Cornell email to an outside account, you can set that up in Google. Before you decide to forward your Cornell email to a non-Cornell account, please be aware of policy changes by the major email senders that may impact your email delivery. It is recommended that everyone with Cornell email use their @cornell.edu account to send and receive mail. This will ensure that you don't miss important university communications.
All incoming Cornell students are set up by default with Gmail through a Cornell Google Workspace for Education account. You also have the option to instead use Outlook through Microsoft 365 for your Cornell email needs. Explore reasons to choose Gmail through Google Workspace or Outlook through Microsoft 365 for your email at Cornell.
Regardless of which email option you choose, you can still use the collaboration services offered through Cornell Google Workspace for Students.
Frequently Asked Questions
I forgot my Application Status Page password.
Visit the Application Status Page and follow the "Forgot your password?" link to reset your password.
What if I forget my NetID password?
Passwords are kept in an encrypted database and cannot be looked up by anyone. If you set up your password's security questions in advance, you can go to the Manage Your NetID page to set a new password yourself. If you forget your NetID password, and you did not set up your password’s security questions, you will need to request a new activation code so that you can reset your password. To make this request, contact the IT Service Desk to set up a video chat. During the chat, you will need to provide proof of identity: your Cornell ID card or your valid government-issued photo ID card, such as a driver's license or passport.
Can I share my NetID and password with family or friends?
No. Your NetID is for your exclusive personal use. It is a violation of university policy to share your NetID and password with anyone, including friends and family members. If someone has your NetID and password, they can look up and/or change personal and confidential information, violate federal privacy laws through your account, and more. Keeping your NetID password safe is one way you help protect your personal information and Cornell's data.