Your Chromebook password is your Google Account password

You do not change a password directly on the Chromebook itself. Instead, you change the password for your Google Account, which is what you use to sign into the device. When you change your Google Account password anywhere — on your phone, computer, or through a web browser — that new password works the next time you sign into your Chromebook.

This matters because your Google Account password protects more than just your Chromebook. It also protects your Gmail, Google Drive, YouTube, and any other Google service linked to that account. Changing it in one place changes it everywhere.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Chromebook password is your Google Account password, which you change through Google's account settings, not through the Chromebook itself.
  • You can change your Google Account password from any device with a web browser by going to myaccount.google.com and selecting "Security" in the left menu.
  • Google will ask you to confirm your identity by entering a verification code sent to your phone or recovery email before allowing the change.
  • After you change your password, you will need to sign out of your Chromebook and sign back in with the new password the next time you use it.
  • If you forget your current password and cannot sign into your Chromebook, you will need to recover your Google Account through Google's account recovery process.

How to change your password through Google Account settings

Go to myaccount.google.com on any computer or phone with a web browser. You can do this on your Chromebook itself, or on a different device if that is easier. Sign in with your Google Account if you are not already signed in.

On the left side of the page, select Security. Scroll down until you see the section labeled How you sign in to Google. Click on Password. Google will ask you to enter your current password to confirm it is really you making this change.

Type your new password twice — once in the first box and once again in the second box to make sure you typed it correctly. The password should be at least 8 characters long. Google will show you a strength meter as you type. Click Change Password when you are done.

What happens if Google asks for a verification code

Before allowing you to change your password, Google may send a verification code to your phone number or recovery email address. This is a security step to make sure someone who is not you is not trying to change your password. Check the phone number or email address Google shows you — if it looks right, select where you want to receive the code.

If you chose your phone, Google will send a text message with a six-digit code. If you chose your recovery email, check that email inbox for a message from Google. Enter the code into the box on the screen and click Next. Then you can proceed with changing your password.

Signing back into your Chromebook with your new password

After you change your password, you do not need to do anything right away. Your Chromebook will keep working as long as you stay signed in. The next time you sign out or the device restarts, you will see the sign-in screen.

At the sign-in screen, enter your Google Account email address and click Next. When it asks for your password, type your new password instead of the old one. Click Next again, and you will be signed in.

If you are not sure whether you have signed out, you can check by clicking the time in the bottom right corner of the screen. If you see your account name and a profile picture, you are still signed in. If you see a sign-in button, you have been signed out.

Why you might want to change your password regularly

Changing your password every few months is a good habit, especially if you use the same password on multiple websites or if you think someone else might know it. A strong password is one that uses a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — something like BlueMoon#2847 rather than password123.

If you use the same password for your Google Account and other websites, changing it becomes more important. If one website gets hacked and your password is stolen, someone could use that password to sign into your Google Account and access your email, photos, and other data. Using a different password for each important account protects you if one of those websites is compromised.

What to do if you forgot your current password

If you cannot remember your current password and cannot sign into your Chromebook, you will need to recover your Google Account. Go to accounts.google.com/signin/recovery on another device with a web browser. Enter the email address or phone number linked to your Google Account.

Google will ask you to enter the last password you remember. If you cannot remember any password, click Try another way. Google will then ask you to verify your identity — usually by sending a code to your phone or recovery email, or by answering security questions you set up earlier. After you verify who you are, you can set a new password.

Keeping your recovery information up to date

Your recovery email and phone number are the fastest way to get back into your account if you forget your password. Make sure the phone number and email address in your Google Account settings are ones you can actually access right now. If you change your phone number, update it in your Google Account settings so Google can reach you if you need to recover your account later.

You can check and update this information at myaccount.google.com. Click Personal info on the left side, then look for the sections labeled Email and Phone. If either one is outdated, click it and update it with your current information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my password on the Chromebook itself?

No. Chromebooks do not have a separate password setting. You change your Google Account password through Google's website, and that change takes effect the next time you sign into your Chromebook. There is no password setting in the Chromebook's system settings.

What if I change my password but my Chromebook still signs in with the old one?

This usually means you are still signed in from before the password change. Sign out by clicking the time in the bottom right, then your profile picture, then Sign out. When you sign back in, use your new password. If the Chromebook still rejects the new password, restart the device and try again.

Can I change my password if I do not have a recovery email or phone number?

Yes, you can change your password if you know your current password. You only need a recovery email or phone number if you forget your password and need to recover your account. If you do not have either one set up, add them now through myaccount.google.com under Security so you can recover your account if you need to later.

How long does it take for the new password to work on my Chromebook?

The new password takes effect when ready on Google's servers. However, your Chromebook will not ask for it until you sign out or the device restarts. You do not need to wait or do anything special — just sign out and sign back in when you are ready.

Will changing my password sign me out of other devices?

Changing your Google Account password does not automatically sign you out of other devices. However, Google may ask those devices to sign in again the next time they try to access your account. If you think someone else has access to your account, you can sign out of all other devices from myaccount.google.com under Security, then Your devices.