# Create a TestOwl Account and Sign In

:::lead
Create your TestOwl account, sign in securely, and understand how email/password and Single Sign-On (SSO) authentication work.
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TestOwl supports two ways to sign in:

- **Email and password**
- **Single Sign-On (SSO)** using **Google**, **GitHub**, or **Microsoft**

:::info{title="Secure sign-in by default"}
Every email/password account is protected with **two-step verification**. After entering your password, you'll also need to enter a one-time verification code sent to your email before you can sign in.
:::

## Creating an account

### Email and password

To create an account using your email address:

1. Enter your email address and create a password. Passwords must be **8–128 characters** and include at least one **letter**, one **number**, and one **special character**.
2. Verify your email using the one-time verification code sent to your inbox.
3. Once verified, your TestOwl account is created and ready to use.

### Single Sign-On (SSO)

You can also create an account by signing in with:

- Google
- GitHub
- Microsoft

The first time you sign in with an SSO provider, your TestOwl account is created automatically. Since your identity has already been verified by your provider, no additional email verification is required.

:::info{title="Use the same sign-in method every time"}
Each sign-in method — email/password, Google, GitHub, Microsoft — leads to a separate account, even under the same email address. Always sign in the same way you created your account, so you don't accidentally end up with a second, empty account.
:::

## Signing in

Sign in using the same authentication method you used when creating your account.

### Email and password

1. Enter your email address and password.
2. Enter the one-time verification code sent to your email.
3. You're signed in to TestOwl.

### Single Sign-On (SSO)

Click your preferred provider (**Google**, **GitHub**, or **Microsoft**) and complete authentication with that provider.

If you've previously signed in using SSO, TestOwl remembers your last authentication provider and highlights it on the sign-in page for quicker access.

## First-time onboarding

After signing in for the first time, you'll be asked to complete a short onboarding form with information such as:

- Your first project's name — TestOwl creates it for you as part of onboarding, so you'll already have a project when you reach the dashboard
- Account type (**Personal** or **Business** — Business needs a work email address, Personal a personal one)
- Company name, country, and phone number
- Designation, industry, and company size
- Your primary testing role and the testing tool you currently use

This information helps personalise your experience, recommend relevant resources, and improve the onboarding process.

## Resetting your password

If you've forgotten your password:

1. Click **Forgot Password** on the sign-in page.
2. Enter your email address.
3. Enter the one-time verification code sent to your email.
4. Create a new password (the same password rules apply).

:::info{title="Accounts created with SSO"}
If your account was created using Google, GitHub, or Microsoft, there isn't a password to reset. Sign in with that same provider instead.
:::

Changing your password immediately signs you out of every other browser and device where you're currently signed in.

## Accepting a project invitation

When someone invites you to a TestOwl project, you'll receive an invitation email.

- If you don't already have a TestOwl account, create one using the **same email address** that received the invitation. Your invitation will be accepted automatically after signup.
- If you already have an account, simply sign in and the invitation will be applied automatically.
- If you're signed in with a different email address, TestOwl will ask you to switch accounts before accepting the invitation.

For more information, see [Inviting Team Members](/docs/team-and-account/inviting-members).

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I change how I sign in later?

No. Each sign-in method is a separate account, even under the same email. Continue signing in using the same method every time.

### Why do I receive a verification code every time I sign in?

Email/password accounts use two-step verification to provide an additional layer of security. Even if someone knows your password, they won't be able to access your account without the verification code sent to your email.

### Can I reset the password for an SSO account?

No. Passwords for SSO accounts are managed by your identity provider (Google, GitHub, or Microsoft). Continue signing in using the same provider you used when creating your account.

## Next steps

::::cardgrid
:::card{title="Creating a Project" href="/docs/getting-started/creating-a-project"}
Create your first TestOwl project.
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:::card{title="Navigating TestOwl" href="/docs/getting-started/navigating-testowl"}
Take a tour of the TestOwl interface.
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:::card{title="Roles & Members" href="/docs/team-and-account/project-roles"}
Learn how roles and permissions work within a project.
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