Office of Student Life

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

How do I update information on my mobile BuckID?

Your legal last name on your digital and mobile BuckID comes from your student or employee record and must be updated through the University Registrar or Human Resources.  You can set a preferred first name through the Ohio State App or by using my.osu.edu. Please note that your mobile BuckID will always display your preferred first name if one is on file. 

Any changes made to your name will sync to your mobile BuckID by the next business day.

What if my device dies?

If you are using an iPhone, you can still use your mobile BuckID, even when your device needs to be charged. Power reserve works for up to five hours with your mobile BuckID if you have Express Mode turned on. More information on Apple express cards with power reserve. Note that express cards with power reserve is only available on iPhone - it does not work on Apple Watch.

If you are a residence hall student and do not have a device with power reserve, or your device is damaged or lost, you can obtain a temporary BuckID card from the hub desk for your residential area to use until your device can be charged or replaced. Students that are not living in a residence hall can obtain a temporary BuckID from the BuckID office.

Why are my account balance(s) not displaying on my mobile BuckID?

If an account balance is $0, it will not display until funds are added.

If you have available funds that are not displaying, please contact the BuckID office at 614-292-0400 or buckidcardservices@osu.edu.

Why do I have a negative balance on my mobile BuckID?

A negative balance can occur if you make a transaction when a retail device is offline. When the device comes back online and the transaction is posted, you will see a negative balance if there are not enough funds in your account to cover the transaction.

I used my credit card at a participating retail location when I meant to use my mobile BuckID. What can I do to correct the payment source?

You will need to work with the merchant directly to ask them to issue a credit card refund and process the transaction against your mobile BuckID instead. 

I am graduating or leaving Ohio State - what happens to my mobile BuckID?

As with your physical BuckID, your mobile BuckID will have access removed when you no longer meet eligibility requirements.

I am not having success adding my mobile BuckID to my device - who can help me?

Contact the BuckID office at 614-292-0400 or buckidcardservices@osu.edu.

How do I change or recover my Ohio State Name.# password?

Visit the my.osu password reset page.

How do I activate and install multi-factor authentication (BuckeyePass / Duo Mobile)?

Instructions can be found on the BuckeyePass page.

Do I still need a physical BuckID?

If you are eligible for a mobile BuckID, you can use it in place of a physical BuckID for any services that use the BuckID and will no longer need your physical BuckID (if one was previously issued). Any previously issued physical BuckID cards will be deactivated automatically when you add your BuckID to a mobile wallet.

Can I still use a physical BuckID once I have created my mobile BuckID?

No, your physical BuckID will be automatically deactivated after you have added your BuckID to your device. Remember, the mobile BuckID is a privilege and benefit of being part of the Ohio State University community. Anyone found to be misusing their physical or mobile BuckID will be subject to disciplinary action under applicable Code of Student Conduct or HR policies regarding fraud and/or misconduct.

I already have the eAccounts mobile app installed. Do I need to update?

Yes, you may need to install the updated version of the eAccounts mobile app.

How do I update the Transact eAccounts mobile app?

On your device, visit the App Store or Google Play Store and search eAccounts. The store will prompt you to install any required updates.

My balance is different on my device than in the Ohio State App or eAccounts - why?

Confirm your device is not in Airplane Mode or experiencing any other service interruption. Updates cannot be made when there is no connecting service to sync data between the Ohio State App or eAccounts and your device. The app will display the most current information.

Securing Your Account

What should I do if I lose my card or device, or if I believe there has been fraudulent use of my credential?

You can deactivate your BuckID directly through the MyBuckID system, the Ohio State App, or by contacting the BuckID Office at 614-292-0400.

You can find additional information on marking your card lost on the lost or stolen cards section of our website.

How do I reactivate my credential if I find my lost device?

If you marked your credential lost through the MyBuckID system or the Ohio State App, you can return to that system to activate the card again.

How do I remove my mobile BuckID from a device?