Password and username recovery can be challenging for FamilySearch users. This is especially true when the user has forgotten or doesn’t have access to the email address associated with their FamilySearch account. As a director, quickly recovering FamilySearch account information frees up your time to help with the more important tasks of finding, taking, and teaching.
FamilySearch now offers SMS text for registration, profile set up, and password recovery. Currently, 56 countries are supported by text messaging for registration and recovery. This feature is also very helpful for users who do not have an email account.
A cell phone with text service is needed to use this feature. For a new user, simply add a mobile number when the account is established. For a returning user the mobile number can be added under Contact in User Settings. Find User Settings by clicking on your name when you are logged into FamilySearch, then choose the Contact tab. Add the cell phone number. It is a simple as that!
Having this service means FamilySearch.org can send a text message if you need to do the following:
- Reset your password
- Recover your username
- Verify your FamilySearch account
The diagrams show the process of resetting a password using text messaging.
Encourage your patrons who have cell phone text service to add their mobile phone number to their current account or as they register. By removing login barriers, members can wisely use their time finding and preparing family names for temple ordinances, instead of spending frustrating time trying to recover lost usernames and passwords.
