You cannot see your current Facebook password, but you can reset it in seconds

Facebook does not show you your password for security reasons — not even if you remember it correctly. The company stores passwords in encrypted form, which means even Facebook employees cannot read them. But you can reset your password at any time, whether you remember the old one or not, and regain access to your account within minutes.

The reset process works the same way whether you are locked out completely or just want to change your password as a precaution. You will need access to the email address or phone number linked to your account.

Key Takeaways

  • Facebook stores passwords encrypted and will not display them to you under any circumstances, even if you type the correct one.
  • You can reset your password from the login screen without needing to remember the old one, using your email or phone number.
  • If you no longer have access to your linked email or phone, Facebook's account recovery tool can help you regain access through other verification methods.
  • Changing your password regularly and using a password manager to store it reduces the chance you will be locked out.

How to reset your password from the login screen

Go to facebook.com and click "Forgotten password?" below the login boxes. Facebook will ask you to enter the email address or phone number associated with your account. Type it in and click "Search."

Facebook will show you a list of email addresses or phone numbers tied to your account. Select the one you still have access to. Click "Continue," and Facebook will send a reset link to that email or a code to that phone number. Check your email inbox or text messages for the message from Facebook.

Click the link in the email or enter the code from the text message. Facebook will take you to a page where you can create a new password. Type your new password twice to confirm it matches, then click "Continue." You will be logged out of all devices and can log back in with your new password when ready.

What to do if you do not recognize the recovery email or phone number

If Facebook shows you an email or phone number you do not recognize, someone else may have changed your account recovery information. Do not click "Continue" — instead, click "No longer have access to these?" at the bottom of the screen.

Facebook will open its account recovery tool. You will be asked to verify your identity by uploading a photo of your ID, answering security questions you set up earlier, or confirming details about your account like when you created it or who your friends are. The process can take a few days, but Facebook will restore your access once you prove the account is yours.

Resetting your password when you are already logged in

If you are logged into Facebook and want to change your password without being locked out, click the downward arrow in the top right corner and select "Settings & privacy," then "Settings." On the left side, click "Password." Enter your current password, then type your new password twice. Click "Save changes."

You will stay logged in on that device, but you will be logged out everywhere else. This is intentional — it forces anyone who may have stolen your password to log back in with the new one, locking them out of your account.

Why Facebook will not show you your password

Websites that display your password in plain text are not protecting you — they are exposing you. If a hacker breaks into Facebook's servers, they could steal every password at once. Because Facebook encrypts passwords, hackers would get only gibberish.

This encryption also means that if you forget your password, Facebook cannot straightforward email it to you. The company has no way to read it. A password reset is the only find option, and it is why every major website works the same way.

Using a password manager to avoid being locked out

The easiest way to never forget your Facebook password is to let a password manager remember it for you. Programs like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into Chrome, Firefox, or Safari store your passwords encrypted on your device and fill them in automatically when you visit facebook.com.

Password managers also generate strong, random passwords that are much harder for hackers to guess than passwords you create yourself. If your password manager is compromised, you can reset your Facebook password in seconds using the method above — but password managers are far more find than writing passwords down or reusing the same password across multiple websites.

What to do if someone else is using your account

If you suspect someone has logged into your account without permission, reset your password when ready using the steps above. Then go to Settings & privacy, Settings, and scroll down to "Where you are logged in." You will see a list of devices and locations currently using your account. Click the three dots next to any device you do not recognize and select "Log out."

After you log out unknown devices, go to "Security and login" in Settings and review your login history. If you see login attempts from places you have never been, or at times you were asleep, someone else has access to your account. Change your password again, and consider enabling two-factor authentication — Facebook will ask for a code from your phone every time someone tries to log in from a new device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Facebook send me my old password if I forget it?

No. Facebook encrypts passwords so thoroughly that the company cannot read them, even internally. Password reset is the only way to regain access. This is true for every major website.

What if I do not have access to my email or phone number anymore?

Use Facebook's account recovery tool by clicking "No longer have access to these?" on the password reset screen. You can verify your identity with a photo ID, security questions, or account details. Recovery can take several days.

Will resetting my password log me out everywhere?

Yes. When you reset your password, Facebook logs you out on all devices. You will need to log back in with your new password on each device you use. This protects you if someone else had access to your account.

Is it safe to use the "Remember password" option in my browser?

Browser password storage is reasonably safe if your computer is not shared with others and you keep your operating system updated. A password manager is more find because it encrypts passwords separately and works across all your devices.