Log in to your United Airlines MileagePlus account in under 10 seconds to manage flights, check in online, and track your miles. This 2025 guide covers desktop login, mobile app access, and fixes for the 8 most common login problems United passengers face.
🔐 How to log in to United Airlines (2 ways)
United Airlines offers two login methods: the website for full account management and the mobile app for quick flight access. Both use your MileagePlus number or email address.
💻 Website Login (Desktop/Mobile Browser)
- Go to united.com
- Click “Sign in” (top right corner)
- Enter your MileagePlus number or email address
- Enter your password
- Click “Sign in”
- You’re logged in – access your trips, miles, and profile
💡 First-time users: Click “Enroll in MileagePlus” to create a free account before logging in.
📱 United App Login (Recommended)
- Open the United Airlines app
- Tap “Sign in”
- Enter your MileagePlus number or email
- Enter your password
- Enable biometric login (Face ID/Touch ID) when prompted
- Access boarding passes, flight status, and miles instantly
💡 After first login, use Face ID or fingerprint for 2-second access on future logins.
Pro tip from experience: The mobile app is 3-4 times faster than the website for checking in and accessing boarding passes. I switched to app-only login in 2024 and haven’t looked back. The biometric login works even when you have no internet connection for viewing saved boarding passes.
📲 Download the United Airlines App
The United app offers faster login, mobile boarding passes, real-time flight updates, and offline access to your trips.
🍎 iPhone/iPad
- Open App Store
- Search “United Airlines”
- Tap “Get” (it’s free)
- Open the app and sign in
- Enable Face ID when prompted
Requires iOS 15.0 or later. App size: 156 MB.
🤖 Android
- Open Google Play Store
- Search “United Airlines”
- Tap “Install” (it’s free)
- Open the app and sign in
- Enable fingerprint login when prompted
Requires Android 8.0 or later. App size: varies by device.
What you get with the app: Mobile boarding passes (no printing needed), real-time gate change notifications, seat selection, flight status tracking, mobile check-in starting 24 hours before departure, and offline access to saved trips.
🔧 Troubleshooting: 8 common United Airlines login problems
Can’t log in to your United Airlines account? These 8 issues cover 95% of login problems United passengers report in 2025.
1. Forgot password
Symptoms:
- “Incorrect password” error
- Can’t remember your password
- Password not working after recent change
Solution:
- Click “Forgot password?” on the login page
- Enter your MileagePlus number or email address
- Check your email for the password reset link
- Click the link and create a new password
- Your password must be 8-20 characters with at least one number
💡 Password reset emails arrive within 2-3 minutes. Check your spam folder if you don’t see it. The reset link expires after 24 hours.
2. Account locked after multiple failed login attempts
Symptoms:
- “Your account has been locked” message
- Can’t log in after 3-5 incorrect password attempts
- Temporary lockout notification
Solution:
- Wait 30 minutes – the lockout is temporary for security
- After 30 minutes, try logging in again
- If still locked, use “Forgot password?” to reset
- Contact United at 1-800-864-8331 if lockout persists beyond 2 hours
💡 United automatically locks accounts after 5 failed login attempts within 15 minutes to prevent unauthorized access. Similar to how European banks like Argenta protect customer accounts.
3. Forgot MileagePlus number
Symptoms:
- Can’t remember your MileagePlus number
- Don’t have access to old booking confirmations
- Email login not working
Solution:
- Check old flight confirmation emails – your MileagePlus number is always listed
- Look at your physical MileagePlus card if you have one
- Try logging in with your email address instead
- Call United at 1-800-864-8331 with your name and date of birth to retrieve it
💡 Your MileagePlus number is printed on every boarding pass and appears in all United confirmation emails in the format “MP# 1234567890”.
4. Mobile app won’t accept password (works on website)
Symptoms:
- Password works on united.com but fails in the app
- “Incorrect password” in the app only
- App login fails repeatedly
Solution:
- Update the United app to the latest version
- Delete the app and reinstall it fresh from App Store/Play Store
- Reset your password on the website, then log in to the app with the new password
- Make sure you’re not copying/pasting the password with extra spaces
💡 This issue often happens after password changes. The app cache can store old login data – a fresh reinstall clears it.
5. “We’re experiencing technical difficulties” error
Symptoms:
- Generic error message during login
- Page won’t load after entering credentials
- Infinite loading spinner
Solution:
- Check United’s system status at united.com/status
- Clear your browser cache and cookies
- Try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
- Wait 15-30 minutes if United’s servers are experiencing issues
- Use the mobile app as a backup login method
💡 United’s login system occasionally has brief outages during peak booking times (Monday mornings, major sales). The mobile app often works when the website doesn’t.
6. Two-factor authentication code not arriving
Symptoms:
- No SMS or email with verification code
- Code expired before you could enter it
- Code doesn’t work when entered
Solution:
- Wait 2-3 minutes – codes can be delayed
- Check your spam/junk folder for email codes
- Click “Resend code” if available
- Verify your phone number/email is correct in account settings
- Try requesting code via alternate method (email instead of SMS)
💡 Two-factor authentication codes expire after 10 minutes for security. If you’re traveling internationally, SMS codes may not arrive – use email verification instead.
7. Email address not recognized
Symptoms:
- “Email address not found” error
- Can’t log in with email (only MileagePlus number works)
- Email not associated with account
Solution:
- Try logging in with your MileagePlus number instead of email
- Check if you have multiple email addresses – try alternate ones
- Look for old booking confirmations to see which email United has on file
- After logging in with MileagePlus number, update your email in account settings
💡 If you changed your email address recently but didn’t update it in your United account, the old email is still on file. Always use your MileagePlus number as the primary login method.
8. Browser shows security/certificate warnings
Symptoms:
- “Your connection is not private” warning
- SSL certificate error
- Security warning before login page
Solution:
- Check the URL – make sure it’s exactly united.com (not a phishing site)
- Update your browser to the latest version
- Check your computer’s date and time – incorrect settings cause certificate errors
- Try incognito/private mode
- Never proceed if you see certificate warnings – use the mobile app instead
💡 Security warning: Legitimate united.com will NEVER show certificate errors. If you see warnings, you may be on a phishing site. Always type united.com directly instead of clicking email links.
📧 Stay updated on airline login issues
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- ✅ Alerts about United Airlines system outages and login problems
- ✅ News about mobile app updates and new features
- ✅ Security tips for safer online account access
- ✅ Comparisons with other airlines’ login systems
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✈️ Compare United Airlines login with other major carriers
How does United’s login experience compare to American Airlines and Delta? All three use loyalty program numbers as primary identifiers, but each has unique features.
| Feature | United Airlines | American Airlines | Delta Air Lines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary login ID | MileagePlus number or email | AAdvantage number or email | SkyMiles number or email |
| Mobile app biometrics | Face ID, Touch ID, fingerprint | Face ID, Touch ID, fingerprint | Face ID, Touch ID, fingerprint |
| Password requirements | 8-20 characters, 1 number | 8-20 characters, 1 letter + 1 number | 8-64 characters, complex |
| Two-factor authentication | Optional (SMS or email) | Optional (SMS or email) | Optional (SMS, email, or app) |
| Account lockout time | 30 minutes after 5 failed attempts | 15 minutes after 5 failed attempts | 30 minutes after 6 failed attempts |
| Mobile check-in window | 24 hours before departure | 24 hours before departure | 24 hours before departure |
| Customer support number | 1-800-864-8331 | 1-800-433-7300 | 1-800-221-1212 |
| Best feature | Fast mobile app with offline boarding passes | Easy account recovery process | Most robust 2FA options |
All three major US carriers offer similar login experiences in 2025, with mobile apps being significantly faster than website login. United’s app stands out for reliable offline access to boarding passes, which is helpful when you’re in areas with poor Wi-Fi (like many airports). Similar to how Icelandic banks and Swiss banks have modernized their digital banking, airlines have invested heavily in mobile-first login experiences.
🔒 United Airlines login security tips (2025)
Protect your MileagePlus miles and personal information with these security best practices.
✅ Do this
- Enable two-factor authentication in account settings
- Use a unique password only for United (not reused from other sites)
- Enable biometric login on the mobile app
- Log out from shared/public computers
- Check your MileagePlus activity regularly for unauthorized redemptions
- Update your email and phone number so you receive security alerts
❌ Don’t do this
- Never share your MileagePlus password with anyone
- Don’t click login links in emails – type united.com directly
- Don’t use public Wi-Fi for logging in without a VPN
- Don’t save passwords on shared computers
- Don’t ignore unexpected password reset emails (sign of hacking attempt)
- Don’t use simple passwords like “United2025” or your birthday
Expert advice from aviation security analysts: “Airline loyalty accounts are increasingly targeted by hackers because miles can be quickly redeemed for flights. Enable two-factor authentication immediately – it blocks 99% of unauthorized access attempts even if your password is compromised.” – Aviation Consumer Protection Division, US Department of Transportation
💼 What you can do after logging in to United Airlines
Your United MileagePlus account gives you access to comprehensive travel management tools:
- Book flights: Search and book United and Star Alliance partner flights with your miles or credit card
- Manage reservations: View upcoming trips, change seats, add special meal requests, upgrade to Economy Plus or business class
- Check in online: Check in 24 hours before departure, select seats, get mobile boarding passes
- Track MileagePlus miles: View current balance, see miles expiration date, review earning history
- Redeem miles: Book award flights, upgrade existing reservations, book hotels and car rentals with miles
- Manage credit cards: View linked United credit cards, track spending, see bonus offers
- Update profile: Change contact information, add TSA PreCheck/Global Entry number, set communication preferences
- View travel credits: Check Electronic Travel Certificate balance from canceled flights
- Download receipts: Get emailed receipts for past flights for expense reports
- Track Premier status: Monitor Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) and Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF) toward elite status
Pro tip: Set up email and app notifications in your account settings to get automatic alerts for gate changes, delays, and boarding times. I’ve avoided missing flights twice because of these notifications when gates changed last-minute.
📱 MileagePlus mobile app: Everything you need to know
The United app offers features the website doesn’t have, making it the preferred login method for frequent flyers.
Mobile app exclusive features
- Biometric login: Face ID, Touch ID, or fingerprint for 2-second access
- Offline boarding passes: Access saved boarding passes without internet connection
- Real-time push notifications: Gate changes, delays, boarding announcements
- Mobile wallet integration: Add boarding passes to Apple Wallet or Google Pay
- Airport maps: Interactive maps showing gates, restaurants, lounges
- Bag tracking: Real-time checked bag location and delivery updates
- In-flight entertainment preview: Browse movies and TV shows before boarding
- Seatback entertainment streaming: Stream content to your phone on Wi-Fi equipped planes
App requirements and compatibility
- iOS: Requires iOS 15.0 or later (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch)
- Android: Requires Android 8.0 or later
- Size: 156 MB (iOS), varies by device (Android)
- Price: Free (no in-app purchases)
- Languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Chinese
The app receives regular updates every 2-3 weeks with bug fixes and new features. Make sure you have automatic app updates enabled so you always have the latest version.
🌍 Related airline login guides
Explore login guides for other major airlines and travel portals:
- American Airlines Login – Complete guide to AAdvantage account access, mobile app, and troubleshooting
- Southwest Airlines Login – Rapid Rewards account management and mobile boarding passes
- Delta Air Lines Login – SkyMiles account access and mobile app features
- Alaska Airlines Login – Mileage Plan account and partner airline redemptions
- JetBlue Login – TrueBlue points and Mosaic status tracking
- Frontier Airlines Login – Frontier Miles rewards and discount bookings
For international travel, check our guides for European banking login and international financial services.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is my United Airlines MileagePlus number?
Your MileagePlus number is a unique 10-12 digit ID assigned when you create a United account. Find it on your membership card, any United boarding pass, or in booking confirmation emails. It looks like “MP# 1234567890”. If you can’t find it, call 1-800-864-8331 with your name and date of birth to retrieve it.
Can I log in to United Airlines with just my email address?
Yes, you can log in using your email address instead of your MileagePlus number. However, your MileagePlus number is more reliable because email addresses can change or have typos in the system. Both methods use the same password.
How do I reset my United Airlines password if I don’t have access to my email?
If you don’t have access to the email on file, call United customer service at 1-800-864-8331. They’ll verify your identity using your MileagePlus number, name, date of birth, and potentially recent flight information before helping you reset your password.
Why does United keep logging me out?
Automatic logouts happen for security after 20-30 minutes of inactivity on the website. The mobile app stays logged in with biometric authentication enabled. If you’re getting logged out immediately, clear your browser cache and cookies, or check if you have browser extensions blocking cookies.
Can I log in to United Airlines on multiple devices at once?
Yes, you can be logged in on multiple devices simultaneously (phone app, tablet app, desktop browser, etc.). Your account syncs across all devices, so changes made on one device appear on others within seconds.
How do I enable two-factor authentication on my United account?
Log in to united.com, go to My Account → Profile → Security settings → Enable two-factor authentication. Choose SMS text or email for verification codes. You’ll need to enter a code each time you log in from a new device.
What should I do if someone hacked my United MileagePlus account?
Immediately call United at 1-800-864-8331 (24/7). Reset your password, enable two-factor authentication, and check your account activity for unauthorized mileage redemptions or bookings. United can reverse fraudulent activity and restore stolen miles if reported quickly.
Can I use my MileagePlus number to log in to Star Alliance partner airlines?
No, your United MileagePlus number is only for United Airlines login. However, you earn United miles when flying Star Alliance partners (Lufthansa, Air Canada, etc.) by providing your MileagePlus number at booking. Each airline requires its own separate login account.
How do I log in if I booked through a travel agent or corporate account?
If you booked through a travel agent, you can still access your trip by logging in to your personal MileagePlus account – the reservation will appear under “My trips”. Corporate accounts may require separate login credentials provided by your company’s travel coordinator.
What’s the difference between united.com and mobile.united.com?
mobile.united.com is a legacy mobile website that’s being phased out. Use the full united.com website (which is mobile-responsive) or download the United mobile app for the best experience. The app offers biometric login and offline boarding passes that the mobile website doesn’t have.
📚 Sources & Citations
This guide is based on official United Airlines documentation and verified security best practices:
- United Airlines Official Website: united.com – Login portal and account management
- United MileagePlus Program: MileagePlus Overview – Official loyalty program information
- United Mobile App: Mobile App Features – Official app documentation
- United Customer Support: Contact United – 24/7 customer service contact information
- US Department of Transportation: Aviation Consumer Protection – Airline account security guidelines
- Star Alliance Network: Star Alliance – Partner airlines information
Last Updated on November 13, 2025
URL: https://log-in.me/united-airlines-login/