> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.whetstone.au/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Can't sign in to Whetstone

> Fix Whetstone sign-in problems: social logins, forgotten passwords, unconfirmed emails, two-factor codes, and locked accounts.

Most sign-in problems come down to one of four things: the account was created with Google or LinkedIn, the email address is different from the one you remember, two-factor is on, or the account has locked itself.

## Your password is not working

The most common cause is that the account was created with **Continue with Google** or **Continue with LinkedIn** — in which case there is no Whetstone password to enter. Try those buttons.

Otherwise use **Forgot password**.

<Note>
  Whetstone shows the same "check your email" message whether or not an address has an account. So if nothing arrives, the most likely reason is that you signed up with a different address, or through Google or LinkedIn.
</Note>

Setting a new password also signs you out everywhere else — every other browser and device needs the new password.

## You never got the confirmation or reset email

<Steps>
  <Step title="Check spam and junk">
    Search for "Whetstone" across every folder, including promotions and updates.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm the address">
    Make sure it is the address you actually signed up with. If you have several, try each.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Remember the link is single-use">
    A confirmation link only works once. If you have already clicked it, just sign in normally instead of requesting another.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## It is asking for a 6-digit code

You have two-factor authentication on. Open your authenticator app for the current code.

No phone? Use a **recovery code** — that signs you in *and* switches two-factor off, so you can set it up again on your new device. Neither? Contact support; recovering an account with neither is deliberately slow.

## Your account is locked

After **10 failed attempts within an hour** — sign-ins, password resets and recovery codes counted together — the account locks.

<Warning>
  A locked account **does not unlock on a timer**, on purpose: a timer only tells someone guessing how long to wait. The Whetstone team is alerted automatically. Reply to any Whetstone email and they will verify who you are and lift it.
</Warning>

## Other causes

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="You have not created an account yet">
    Password resets will not work for an address that has never been registered. [Create your account](/getting-started/create-your-account) first.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Your browser is blocking cookies">
    Whetstone uses cookies to keep you signed in. Check your browser is not blocking third-party cookies entirely, and try disabling privacy extensions for whetstone.au.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="You signed up as the wrong account type">
    Do not create a second account on the same email address — it will not work. A business-owner account can be switched to an advisor account from **Become an advisor**, but that switch is permanent.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## If that did not work

Contact [support@whetstone.au](mailto:support@whetstone.au) and include the email address you are trying to sign in with, the exact error message, and your browser name.

## Related articles

* [Create your account](/getting-started/create-your-account)
* [Account and security](/support/account-security)
* [Contact support](/support/contact)


## Related topics

- [Create Your Whetstone Account](/getting-started/create-your-account.md)
- [Fix Whetstone booking issues](/troubleshooting/booking-issues.md)
- [Account settings, security and privacy](/support/account-security.md)
- [Fix Whetstone payment problems](/troubleshooting/payment-problems.md)
- [Get Started with Whetstone](/getting-started/index.md)