Tutorial - Activate a New PirateID

Overview

New ECU users must first activate their account and create a password in ECU's password management system, PirateID Self Service.  If you are both student and staff, each account is activated separately. Alumni use the Microsoft 365 Self Service Password Service to manage their alumni password, not PirateID Self Service.

After activation through PirateID Self Service, log in to your ECU email account to set up account authentication for access to ECU systems and resources.

Step 1. Navigate to PirateID Self Service

1. Go to pirateid.ecu.edu using Chrome or Firefox. The PirateID Self Service dialog box opens.
2. There are three tabs:
   • Log In
   • Forgot your password or activate your PirateID?
   • Account locked out?
3. Choose the Forgot your password or activate your PirateID? tab.
    
    
4. Type in your PirateID username and the captcha numerals. Click Continue.

NOTE: Your PirateID begins with your last name, then first name initials and the year you were admitted to ECU. EXAMPLE: peedeepi24. A PirateID is your username and different from your Banner ID.

Step 2. Choose a verification method*

1. Choose one of the following identity verification methods. Then choose Continue. 
   • Security questions. Question information taken from your student/employee application.
   • Note: Some users do not submit an application and therefore have no personal info in the system. These users should choose email or text verification.
   • 
     Email verification. Receive a code to your personal email account. You must choose your personal email address as you don't yet have access to your ECU @students.ecu.edu email.
   • Note: Don't see your personal email address? Submit the Password Reset Form or call the IT Service Desk at 252-328-9866.
   • 
     SMS text verification. Receive a code to your mobile phone.
   • Note: The password reset system cannot currently send a text message to an international phone number. Therefore, international students should choose security questions or emailed code. Also, if your phone number in the systems is 999-99-9999, Submit the Password Reset Form or call the IT Service Desk at 252-328-9866.
   • 
     

Step 3. Verify your identity

1. Follow the dialog boxes to complete identity verification.
   • Code emailed to your personal email or texted to your phone.
     
      
   • Code texted to your phone
     
      
   • Two questions specific to you
     

*If we are unable to populate your application information - phone number, personal email address - into PirateID Self Service, you will not be able to activate here. Please submit the ECU PirateID Password Reset Request, call the IT Service Desk at 252-328-9866 or visit your nearest Pirate Techs location.

Step 4. Create your password

1. After verification, the Change Password dialog box opens. Create a password that follows this criteria:
   • At least 15 characters
   • Must be changed every 365 days
   • Upper case letters
   • Lower case letters
   • Numbers
   • Special characters (!, @, *)
2. See the Best Practice - Tips for a Secure Password article for more information.