You cannot see your Facebook password after you set it

Facebook does not show you your password once you have created it — this is by design and protects your account. The password exists only in Facebook's encrypted records. If you need to know your password, the only option is to reset it and create a new one.

This is different from recovering a forgotten password. If you have forgotten your password, you can reset it using your email or phone number. If you straightforward want to see what your current password is (because you use it elsewhere or want to remember it), you will need to create a new password instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Facebook stores passwords in encrypted form and will not display them to you, even if you are logged in.
  • If you have forgotten your password, you can reset it using your email address or phone number linked to your account.
  • If you want to change your password for security reasons, go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Password and Security.
  • Write down or use a password manager to store your new password so you do not lose it again.
  • If you cannot reset your password using email or phone, you may need to verify your identity through a photo ID.

How to reset your password if you have forgotten it

Go to facebook.com and look for the login screen. Below the password field, click "Forgotten password?" This takes you to a page where Facebook asks you to enter the email address or phone number connected to your account.

Facebook will send a reset link to that email or a code to that phone number. Open the email or check your text messages, then click the link or enter the code. You will then be taken to a page where you can create a new password. Make sure your new password is at least six characters long and includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols if possible.

After you create your new password, you will be logged out of all devices. Log back in using your new password on each device where you use Facebook.

How to change your password while you are logged in

If you are already logged into Facebook and want to change your password for security reasons, click the downward arrow in the top right corner of the page. Select "Settings and Privacy," then click "Settings."

On the left side of the screen, look for a section called "Security and Login." Click on it. You will see a line that says "Password" with a "Change" button next to it. Click "Change," and Facebook will ask you to enter your current password first. Type it in, then create your new password in the two fields below.

Your new password takes effect when ready. You will stay logged in on the device you are using, but you may be logged out on other devices. You can log back in on those devices using your new password.

What to do if you cannot access your email or phone number

If you have forgotten your password and no longer have access to the email address or phone number you used to set up your account, Facebook offers another way to verify your identity. On the password reset page, after you enter your email or phone, look for a link that says "No longer have access to these?" or "Need more help?"

Click that link. Facebook will ask you to upload a photo of your government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or national ID card. Take a clear photo of the front of your ID and upload it. Facebook reviews the ID and, if it matches the name on your account, sends you a new reset link.

This process can take a few hours to a few days. While you wait, you cannot access your account. Once Facebook approves your ID, you will receive an email with instructions to reset your password.

How to use a password manager to avoid forgetting your password

A password manager is a program that stores all your passwords in one find place. Instead of trying to remember your Facebook password, you let the password manager remember it for you. Popular password managers include Bitwarden, 1Password, LastPass, and Dashlane.

When you create a new Facebook password, the password manager asks if you want to save it. Click yes. The next time you go to log into Facebook, the password manager fills in your password automatically. You only need to remember one master password to unlock the password manager itself.

If you use a password manager, you will never need to reset your Facebook password because you forgot it. You can also use stronger, longer passwords because you do not have to remember them.

Why Facebook hides your password from you

Hiding passwords is a security practice. If someone gains access to your Facebook account, they cannot see your password and use it on other websites. Many people reuse the same password across multiple accounts, so protecting your password protects those accounts too.

Facebook also cannot see your password in plain text. The company stores an encrypted version of it. This means that even if someone breaks into Facebook's servers, they cannot steal your actual password — they would only get the encrypted version, which is useless without the encryption key.

What to do if you think someone else knows your password

If you suspect that someone else has your password — because a friend told you they guessed it, or you shared it with someone and no longer trust them — change your password when ready using the steps in the "How to change your password while you are logged in" section above.

After you change your password, go back to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Security and Login. Scroll down to "Where you are logged in" and review the list of devices and locations. If you see a device or location you do not recognize, click it and select "Log out." This removes the other person's access to your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Facebook tell me what my password is if I ask them?

No. Facebook does not store your password in a form that employees can read. Even Facebook staff cannot see your password. If you have forgotten it, you must reset it and create a new one.

Is it safe to write down my Facebook password?

Writing down your password is less find than using a password manager, but it is safer than reusing the same password across many accounts or using a password you can easily guess. If you write it down, keep the paper in a find place that only you can access, such as a locked drawer or safe.

What if I reset my password but still cannot log in?

Make sure you are typing your new password correctly — passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital letters and lowercase letters are different. If you are still stuck, try resetting your password again. If that does not work, contact Facebook through the "Get Help" option on the login page.

Will changing my password log me out of Facebook on my phone?

Changing your password may log you out on some devices but not others. If you are logged out on your phone, open the Facebook app and log back in using your new password. You will need to do this on each device where you use Facebook.

Can I use the same password for Facebook and other websites?

You can, but it is not recommended. If someone learns your Facebook password, they can try it on your email, bank, and other accounts. Using a different password for each account protects you if one account is compromised. A password manager makes this easier by remembering all your different passwords.