Website technical support and online account access
Which browsers and operating systems work best with our website?
Currently, our site is optimized for the following operating systems and web browsers:
Google Chrome™
49.x and higher
49.x and higher
Apple® Safari®
Not supported
8.x and higher
Microsoft Internet Explorer
9.x – 11.x
Not supported
Mozilla Firefox
45.x and higher
45.x and higher
Microsoft Edge
20.x and higher
Not supported
Keeping your browser updated is more important than which browser you choose. It can improve the speed of your device and provide more online capabilities—giving you a better overall experience.
Outdated browsers can have serious security flaws that can leave your device vulnerable to a cyber attack. For example, Microsoft no longer supports Internet Explorer 8 or below. Using an unsupported browser can leave you exposed to malicious websites that may read or damage your files, steal your passwords, or infect your device with viruses.
Frequently asked questions
What if I forgot my user name?
If you don't remember your user name, go to the Forgot user name screen. After you verify your identity, we'll send your user name to the registered e-mail address on file.
If you need to change your user name, you'll need to re-register. After you've re-registered, you'll have immediate access to your accounts; however, we'll place a seven-day hold on terminations, withdrawals, electronic bank transfers, and dividend elections processed online. We'll still process all other transactions, including loans via check, during this seven-day hold.
What if I forgot my password?
If you don't remember your password, select Forgot your Password? on the password screen. After you verify your identity, we'll issue you a temporary password. After logging on with your temporary password, you'll set up a new, permanent password.
Your permanent password must contain 6 to 20 characters and include 2 letters and 2 numbers. You may use most special characters and a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters to help make your password stronger.
Why doesn't the website recognize my computer?
We use "cookies" to recognize the computers you use to log on to vanguard.com. Over time, cookies can be removed from your computer through system updates (e.g., browser security updates) or human action (e.g., proactively deleting cookies from your browser).
If you want us to recognize the computer you're using to log on, select Yes, I plan on using this computer to sign on to Vanguard.com in the future on the screen that asks your security question.
If you don't want us to recognize the computer, select No, this is a public computer or one I don't plan on using often to sign on to Vanguard.com on the security question screen.
What are cookies and why must my browser accept them?
Cookies and other similar data files are tiny pieces of information that we ask your browser to store. If your browser doesn't accept cookies, you won't be able to view your account information online. Vanguard.com uses two types of these data files:
Session cookies. These data files are temporary cookies that are deleted when you shut down your browser, when you log off, or after your computer is inactive for 15 minutes. These cookies let us know that you've logged on and they allow us to maintain your privacy as you move from page to page. They also act as timers, logging you off after prolonged inactivity to prevent unauthorized account access.
Permanent or persistent cookies/data files. These types of data files are stored on your hard drive and are read by your browser each time you visit our website. They're used to remember which investments you entered in your Watch List, which funds you're tracking through Outside Investments, the results from your last visit to our Narrow Your Fund Choices tool, and to help verify your identity when you try to access your account information or initiate an online transaction. We also use them if we need to send you important messages while you're online.
Important notes:
- We use data files such as cookies only when alternative means are not practical or available.
- We disclose all uses of these data files on this page.
- We limit the size of our cookies to 4 kilobytes. (It would take about 20 million cookies to fill a 2-gigabyte hard drive.)
- You may receive multiple cookies or similar data files during each visit to vanguard.com. For example, when you navigate within a secure area, temporary cookies may be created each time you leave a page.
Why must I have a valid e-mail address on file to have online access to my accounts?
We require a valid e-mail address so we can communicate any changes or updates to your account information. A valid e-mail address also enables you to reset your own user name, password, and security questions.
How can I remove my Vanguard password so that it's not stored on my browser for automatic logons?
Current versions of most browsers that are optimized for our website now offer the option of saving passwords for different websites, including Vanguard's. While we make every effort to protect the security of your accounts, we don't recommend storing your Vanguard password on your browser in case your computer becomes compromised.
If your Vanguard password has already been saved by your browser, we've listed step-by-step instructions below for how to remove it. When your password has been removed from the list of passwords, please close out your browser and open a new window before continuing to use our website.
To remove your Vanguard password so that it's not stored on your browser, locate your browser below and follow the instructions:
How do I clear my browser's cache?
To clear your browser's cache (temporary internet files), locate your browser below and follow the instructions:
How do I clear my browser's cookies?
To clear your browser's cookies, follow the instructions for your browser below.
How do I disable my popup blocker?
In order to use our site you may need to disable your popup blocker(s). First, you need to locate the applications, then disable the popup blockers. There are three major types of popup blockers that may be installed on your system:
Blockers built into your web browser
Internet Explorer 6 and higher, Firefox, Safari, and Google Chrome all have popup blockers built into the applications. See below for instructions for specific web browsers.
Blockers you add through a toolbar
Some of the most popular web browser toolbars, such as Google Toolbar and Yahoo! Companion include popup blockers you can control in the toolbar window. We recommend that you check the toolbar manufacturer's website for instructions for disabling the popup blocker, as most manufacturers keep this information in their online help files.
Stand-alone blockers
You can also purchase or download applications that block popup windows and other advertisements as part of an overall security package. These include applications such as Popup Stopper, Ad-Subtract, and Ad-Aware, as well as firewall or antivirus applications including Norton Internet Security and Zone Alarm. We recommend that you check the manufacturer's website or the help files for the application for instructions for disabling the popup blocker.
Note: Most popup blockers running on Windows computers can be temporarily disabled by holding down the Control (Ctrl) key and Alternate (Alt) key on your keyboard while clicking a link. This is the fastest and easiest first step.
To disable a popup blocker on your web browser, follow the instructions for your browser below.
REFERENCE CONTENT
How can I remove my Vanguard password so that it's not stored on my browser for automatic logons?
Microsoft Internet Explorer 9.x and higher
- From the Tools menu or gear icon, select Internet Options.
- Select the Content tab, and then the Settings button under AutoComplete.
- Select the Manage Passwords button.
- Under Web Password, select the items that contain the Vanguard web address so that it expands down and select Remove.
How can I remove my Vanguard password so that it's not stored on my browser for automatic logons?
Microsoft Edge 20.x and higher
- From the More Actions button (three dots ...), select Settings.
- Click View advanced settings button.
- Select Manage my saved passwords, then select the X next to each Vanguard.com entry.
How can I remove my Vanguard password so that it's not stored on my browser for automatic logons?
Firefox 45.x and higher (Windows)
- Click the square with three horizontal lines icon in the upper right-hand corner and then select Options.
-
Click Security, followed by Saved Logins. From here, you can remove Vanguard from the list of saved logins.
Firefox 45.x and higher (Mac OS®)
- From the FireFox menu, select Preferences.
- Click Security, followed by Saved Logins. From here, you can remove Vanguard from the list of saved logins.
How can I remove my Vanguard password so that it's not stored on my browser for automatic logons?
Google Chrome™ 49.x and higher (Windows or Mac OS®)
- Click the square with three horizontal lines icon in the upper right-hand corner, followed by Settings.
- Click the blue Show advanced settings link at the bottom.
- Under Passwords and forms, select Manage passwords. From here you can remove Vanguard from the list of saved passwords.
How can I remove my Vanguard password so that it's not stored on my browser for automatic logons?
Safari 8.x and higher (Mac OS®)
- From the Safari menu, select Preferences.
- Select the Passwords icon at the top of the window. Type "Vanguard" into the search bar on the right-hand side. A result for the stored Vanguard password should appear. Select a saved password and then click Remove at the bottom of the window. Repeat for each instance that vanguard.com appears.
How do I clear my browser's cache?
Microsoft Internet Explorer 9.x and higher
- Click the Tools menu, then select Internet Options.
- Under the Browsing History section, click Delete.
- Place a check only next to Temporary Internet Files. Uncheck all other boxes in the list.
- Click Delete.
How do I clear my browser's cache?
Microsoft Edge 20.x and higher
- Click the Hub menu (3 horizontal bars), then select History (clock).
- At the top of the list, click Clear all history.
- Place a check only next to Cached data and files. Uncheck all other boxes in the list.
- Click Clear.
How do I clear my browser's cache?
Google Chrome™ 49.x and higher (Windows or Mac OS®)
- Click the Customize and Control icon (3 horizontal bars) in the upper-right corner.
- Select Settings.
- Click Show advanced settings at the bottom of the page.
- Under the Privacy heading, click Clear browsing data.
- Under the Obliterate the following items from, set the dropdown menu to the Beginning of time.
- Uncheck all options except Cached images and files. Then select Clear browsing data.
How do I clear my browser's cache?
Firefox 45.x and higher (Windows or Mac OS®)
- Click the square with three horizontal lines icon in the upper right-hand corner and then select History. Then select Clear Recent History.
- Under Time range to clear, set the drop-down menu to Everything.
- Uncheck all options except Cache.
- Click Clear now.
How do I clear my browser's cache?
Safari 8.x and higher (Mac OS®)
- Click the Safari menu, then choose Preferences.
- Click the Privacy tab.
- Click Remove all website data.
How do I clear my browser's cookies?
Microsoft Internet Explorer 9.x and higher
- Under the Tools menu, select Internet Options.
- Under Browsing History, select Delete.
- Place a check only next to Cookies. Uncheck all other boxes in the list.
- Click Delete.
How do I clear my browser's cookies?
Microsoft Edge 20.x and higher
- Click the Hub menu (3 horizontal bars), then select History (clock).
- At the top of the list, click Clear all history.
- Place a check only next to Cookies and saved website data. Uncheck all other boxes in the list.
- Click Clear.
How do I clear my browser's cookies?
Google Chrome™ 49.x and higher (Windows or Mac OS®)
- Click the Customize and Control icon (3 horizontal bars) in the upper-right corner.
- Select Settings.
- At the bottom of the page, click Show advanced settings.
- Under Privacy, click Content settings.
- Under Cookies, click All cookies and site data.
- In the Search box, type "Vanguard." Then click Remove all shown button.
How do I clear my browser's cookies?
Firefox 45.x and higher (Windows)
- Click the Tools menu, then select Options.
- Click the Privacy icon.
- Click Remove individual cookies.
- In the Search box, type "Vanguard."
-
Select the Remove All button.
Firefox 45.x and higher (Mac OS®)
- Click the Firefox menu and select Preferences.
- Click the Privacy icon.
- Click Remove individual cookies.
- In the Search box, type "Vanguard."
- Select the Remove All button.
How do I clear my browser's cookies?
Safari 8.x and higher (Mac OS®)
- Click the Safari menu, then choose Preferences.
- Click the Privacy tab.
- Click Remove all website data.
How do I disable my popup blocker?
Microsoft Internet Explorer 9.x and higher
(Please note: You may need to press the Alt key to view your menu bar.)
- Click the Tools menu.
- Click Popup blocker.
- Click Turn off popup blocker.
How do I disable my popup blocker?
Microsoft Edge 20.x and higher
- Click the More actions menu (3 dots), then select Settings.
- At the bottom, click View advanced settings.
- Select the slider under Block Pop-ups so that is shows Off.
How do I disable my popup blocker?
Google Chrome™ 49.x and higher (Windows and Mac OS®)
- Click the Customize and Control icon (3 horizontal bars) in the upper-right corner.
- Select Settings.
- Under Privacy, click Content settings.
- Click Show advanced settings at the bottom of the page.
-
Under Pop-ups, select Allow all sites to show pop-ups.
How do I disable my popup blocker?
Firefox 45.x and higher (Windows)
- Click the Open Menu in top right corner, then select Options.
- Click Content on the left of the Options window.
-
Uncheck Block popup windows.
Firefox 45.x and higher (Mac OS®)
- Click the Firefox menu and select Preferences.
- Click Content on the left of the Options window.
- Uncheck Block popup windows.
How do I disable my popup blocker?
Safari 8.x and higher (Mac OS®)
- Click the Safari menu, then choose Preferences.
- Click the Security tab.
- Uncheck Block popup windows.