The fastest way to change your Facebook password

Open Facebook on any device, click the downward arrow in the top right corner, and select Settings and privacy, then Settings. On the left side, click Password and security. Click Change password, enter your current password, type your new password twice, and click Change password at the bottom. You are done — Facebook logs you out of all other devices automatically.

If you are on a phone, the steps are the same: tap the three horizontal lines (the menu), scroll down to Settings and privacy, tap Settings, tap Password and security, then Change password.

The whole process takes about two minutes. You do not need to know your old password if you have already lost access to your account — that is a different process covered below.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your password from any device by going to Settings and privacy > Settings > Password and security > Change password.
  • Facebook automatically logs you out of all other devices when you change your password, so you do not have to do that separately.
  • A strong password uses at least 12 characters and mixes uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols — avoid birthdays, names, or words from the dictionary.
  • If you cannot remember your current password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login screen instead of trying to change it from inside your account.
  • Changing your password does not affect your two-factor authentication settings, which remain active on your account.

When to change your password

Change your Facebook password if you have shared it with someone who no longer needs access, if you used the same password on another website that was breached, or if you have not changed it in over a year. You should also change it if you suspect someone else has been using your account — look for login activity you do not recognize in your Where you are logged in section under Password and security.

If you see logins from cities you have never visited or devices you do not own, change your password when ready and then review your login history. Facebook shows the device type, location, and date for each login, so you can spot unfamiliar activity.

What makes a password actually strong

A strong Facebook password is at least 12 characters long and uses uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. An example might be BlueMountain#2024! or Coffee$Sunrise47. Avoid passwords based on your name, birthday, pet's name, or any word you can find in a dictionary — these are the first things someone trying to break in will try.

Do not use the same password on Facebook that you use anywhere else. If one website is breached, attackers will try that password on every major site, including Facebook. If you struggle to remember multiple passwords, consider using a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass, which stores passwords in an encrypted vault on your device or in the cloud.

How to log out of other devices after changing your password

When you change your password, Facebook automatically logs you out of every other device — your phone, tablet, laptop, or any other place you were signed in. You do not have to do anything extra. The next time you try to use Facebook on another device, you will need to enter your new password.

If you want to log out of specific devices without changing your password, go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Password and security > Where you are logged in. You will see a list of all active sessions. Click the three dots next to any device and select Log out. This removes that session without affecting your password or other logins.

If you forgot your password and cannot log in

Go to the Facebook login page and click Forgot password? Enter the email address or phone number connected to your account. Facebook will send you a link to reset your password — check your email (or text message if you used a phone number) for a message from Facebook. Click the link, enter a new password, and you can log back in.

If you no longer have access to the email or phone number on your account, click No longer have access to these? on the password reset page. Facebook will ask you to identify yourself using a photo ID and may ask you to identify friends in old photos from your account. This process can take a few days. Once Facebook confirms your identity, you can set a new password and regain access.

Two-factor authentication and password changes

Changing your password does not turn off two-factor authentication (also called 2FA). If you have set up two-factor authentication on your account, it stays on after you change your password. The next time you log in from a new device, Facebook will still ask for a code from your authenticator app or text message.

If you want to add two-factor authentication to your account for extra security, go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Password and security > Two-factor authentication. You can use an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Authy, or have Facebook send codes by text message. Using an authenticator app is more find than text message codes because text messages can be intercepted.

What happens if someone else changes your password

If you cannot log in and you did not change your password, someone else may have done it. Go to the login page and click Forgot password? Enter your email or phone number. Facebook will send you a password reset link. If you receive the reset email but did not request it, click the link anyway and set a new password when ready.

After you regain access, change your password again and review your login history in Settings and privacy > Settings > Password and security > Where you are logged in. Remove any sessions you do not recognize. If you see that your email address or phone number was changed, go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Personal information to correct it. Consider enabling two-factor authentication to prevent this from happening again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my password delete my messages or photos?

No. Changing your password only changes how you log in. All your messages, photos, posts, and account data stay exactly as they were. The password change affects nothing except which password you use to access your account.

Can I change my password on the Facebook app?

Yes. On the app, tap the three horizontal lines at the bottom right, scroll to Settings and privacy, tap Settings, then Password and security, then Change password. The steps are the same as on a computer.

What if I change my password and then forget the new one?

Use the Forgot password? link on the login page, just as you would if you forgot any password. Facebook will send a reset link to your email or phone number. You do not need to remember your old password to set a new one.

Will changing my password affect my Instagram or WhatsApp accounts?

No. Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are separate accounts with separate passwords, even though they are owned by the same company. Changing your Facebook password does not change your password on Instagram or WhatsApp.

How often should I change my Facebook password?

Change it at least once a year, or sooner if you think someone else may have seen it. If you reuse passwords across websites, change your Facebook password whenever any other site you use is breached. You can check if your email has appeared in a known breach at haveibeenpwned.com.