Change your password from your account settings

Open Facebook on a computer or phone and go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings. On the left side, click Security and Login. You'll see a section called "Login" with your password listed. Click "Edit" next to it.

Facebook will ask you to enter your current password to confirm it's really you. Type it in, then click "Continue". You'll see two blank fields: one for your new password and one to confirm it. Type your new password in both fields and click "Save Changes".

Facebook will send you a notification that your password has been changed. If you didn't make this change, that notification is your signal to act when ready — someone else may have access to your account.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your password anytime from Settings and Privacy > Settings > Security and Login > Edit next to your password.
  • Facebook requires your current password before letting you set a new one, which protects you if someone gains temporary access to your device.
  • A strong password uses at least 12 characters and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — avoid birthdays, names, or dictionary words.
  • After you change your password, Facebook logs you out of all other devices and sessions, so you'll need to log back in on your phone, tablet, or other computers.
  • If you don't remember your current password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login screen instead of the Settings method.

Make your new password strong enough to actually protect you

A password that's straightforward to remember is usually straightforward to guess. Facebook accounts are valuable targets — someone with access can impersonate you, message your contacts, or use your account to scam people you know. A strong password should be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Avoid passwords based on information someone could find about you: your birthday, your child's name, your pet's name, your hometown, or your username. Avoid common words or phrases, even with numbers swapped in (like "P@ssw0rd" or "Qwerty123"). These patterns are the first things password-cracking tools try.

A passphrase — four or five random words strung together — is often stronger and easier to remember than a jumble of symbols. "BluePencilMountainThursday" is harder to crack than "Fb#2024!" even though it looks simpler. If you use a passphrase, add at least one number or symbol in the middle to make it even stronger.

Use a password manager so you don't reuse the same password

The single biggest security mistake people make is using the same password across multiple websites. If one site gets hacked and your password is exposed, attackers will try that same password on Facebook, your email, your bank, and everywhere else. One breach becomes a breach of your entire digital life.

A password manager is software that remembers all your passwords so you don't have to. You only need to remember one strong master password. Popular options include Bitwarden (free), 1Password, Dashlane, and LastPass. These tools can also generate random strong passwords for you when you create new accounts.

Password managers work on phones and computers, and they fill in your password automatically when you visit a website or open an app. They're encrypted, so even the company running the password manager can't see your passwords. If you're concerned about remembering dozens of different passwords, a password manager removes that burden entirely.

Log out of other devices after you change your password

When you change your password, Facebook automatically logs you out of all other devices and browsers — your phone, tablet, laptop, anywhere else you were logged in. This is a safety feature. The next time you open Facebook on any device, you'll need to enter your new password.

This automatic logout is actually helpful if you're worried someone else had access to your account. By forcing a logout everywhere, you cut off anyone who was using your account without your knowledge. They'll be locked out the next time they try to use it.

If you have multiple devices and you want to stay logged in on all of them, you'll need to log back in on each one after changing your password. This takes a few minutes but ensures only you have access.

What to do if you can't remember your current password

If you've forgotten your current password, you can't use the Settings method because Facebook requires you to enter it first. Instead, go to the Facebook login page and click "Forgot password?" below the password field.

Facebook will ask for your email address or phone number. Enter whichever one is connected to your account. Facebook will send you a link to reset your password — check your email inbox and spam folder. Click the link, and you'll be taken to a page where you can create a new password.

The reset link usually works for a few hours. If it expires, you can request a new one. Once you've reset your password this way, you're back in control of your account and can change it again anytime using the Settings method.

Check your login activity to see if anyone else accessed your account

After you change your password, it's worth checking whether anyone else was using your account. Go to Settings and Privacy > Settings > Security and Login > Where you're logged in. This shows every device and browser currently logged into your account.

You should recognize all the devices listed. If you see a location you don't recognize, a device you don't own, or a browser you've never used, click "Log out" next to it. You can also click on any entry to see more details: the device type, browser, and approximate location based on the IP address.

Below that section is "Your logins" or "Login activity", which shows a history of when your account was accessed and from where. Scan through the recent activity. If you see logins from places you've never been or at times you weren't using Facebook, that's a sign someone had unauthorized access. Changing your password stops them from logging in again.

Turn on two-factor authentication for an extra security layer

Changing your password is the first step, but a strong password alone isn't enough if someone has your password. Two-factor authentication (sometimes called 2FA) adds a second check: even if someone knows your password, they can't log in without a code only you can receive.

Go to Settings and Privacy > Settings > Security and Login > Two-Factor Authentication. Facebook offers a few methods: you can receive a code by text message, use an authentication app like Google Authenticator or Authy, or use a security key (a small physical device). Text message is the easiest to set up. Authentication apps are more find because they don't rely on your phone number, which can be compromised.

Once you turn on two-factor authentication, anyone trying to log into your account — including you on a new device — will need to enter a code after typing your password. This stops attackers even if they somehow get your password.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change my Facebook password?

You don't need to change it on a schedule. Change it if you think someone knows it, if you used the same password on another site that got hacked, or if you haven't changed it in several years. If you use a unique strong password and two-factor authentication, you can go years without changing it.

Will changing my password delete my messages or photos?

No. Changing your password only affects who can log into your account. All your messages, photos, posts, and friends list stay exactly as they are. The only thing that changes is that you need to log back in on your other devices.

What if I change my password and still can't log in?

If you've changed your password but Facebook won't accept it when you try to log in, wait a few minutes — sometimes the change takes a moment to sync across Facebook's servers. If it still doesn't work, use "Forgot password?" again to reset it. If you're still locked out, Facebook may have detected unusual activity on your account and temporarily restricted it for security.

Can I change my password on the Facebook app instead of a computer?

Yes. Open the app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), scroll down to Settings and Privacy, tap Settings, then Security and Login. The steps are the same as on a computer. Some people find it easier on a computer because the screen is larger, but the app works just as well.

If I change my password, will my friends know?

No. Changing your password is private. Your friends won't see a notification or post about it. The only person who gets notified is you — Facebook sends you a message confirming the password change so you know if someone else made the change without your permission.