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How to login to Formative

Information about SSO and troubleshooting when logging in

Rebecca Worden avatar
Written by Rebecca Worden
Updated over a year ago

In this article:

  • Using Single Sign-On

  • Logging in through SSO or email/password

  • Changing or resetting a password for yourself or a student

  • Troubleshooting common logon issues

What is SSO and why is it used?

Single Sign-On allows you to use your Google, Microsoft, or Clever profile to authenticate you when logging into Formative. If your school account is tied to one of these providers, we encourage you to use SSO for efficiency.

If you don't use one of those providers, you can create a password for your Formative login. Students and teachers can use either method.

Log In

1. Go to formative.com and click "Login:"

2. Log in with a Google, Clever, or Microsoft account by clicking on the icon. If you don't use one of those, enter your email and password:

Change your account password

  1. Locate your initials or profile icon on the top right corner and click on them to access your drop down profile menu

  2. Click on "Account Info"

  3. Click on "Change Password"

  4. Enter your current password

  5. Enter the new password

  6. Click on the "Update Password" button

Troubleshooting

SSO is saying I don't have a Formative account, but I'm sure I do!

Check that you are logged into your browser/device with the account you use for Formative. If you are using a shared device, you may be on someone else's profile.

SSO is stuck in a loop, sending me back to the login screen.

Try these steps:

  • Check that your browser is updated to the latest version

  • Clear your cache and cookies

  • Allow third-party cookies

  • Unblock cross-site tracking

Since these steps vary between devices and browsers, try searching for the instructions for your device or contact your school's IT administrator. You can also reach out to Formative Support for assistance.

I forgot my password

If you use SSO from Google, Clever, or Microsoft, you have to find or reset your password with those providers.

If you signed up to Formative with an email and password:

  1. Click the "Forgot your password" link on the login page.

  2. Enter your email address that you use for Formative.

  3. Check your inbox for a link to reset your password.

Tip: If you don't see an email with a password reset link in your inbox, please check your spam folder.

Teachers: You can reset a password for a student who uses a username/password or email/password.

Reset the password for a student in your class

  1. Go to the "Classes" tab.

  2. Click on the dropdown menu next to the class name to show the list of students in the class.

  3. Click on the bubble next to the student's name.

  4. Choose "Reset password" from the menu that appears at the bottom of the page:

Note: You cannot reset students' Google, Clever, or Microsoft passwords by following these steps. If your student logs in with one of these systems and has forgotten their Google / Clever / Microsoft password, please contact the relevant system administrator at your school to have the password reset.

What's next?

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