Change your password from your Facebook settings

Open Facebook and go to the menu in the top right corner — it looks like a downward arrow or three horizontal lines depending on your device. Tap or click Settings and privacy, then Settings. On the left side, find and click Password and security.

You'll see a section labeled Change password. Click the Edit button next to it. Facebook will ask you to enter your current password first — this is a security check to make sure you're really you. Type it in and click Next.

Now enter your new password twice: once in the "New password" field and again in the "Confirm new password" field. Make sure both match exactly. Facebook will show you a strength indicator — aim for a password that mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Click Save changes when you're done.

You'll see a confirmation message that your password has been changed. If you're signed into Facebook on other devices or browsers, you'll be signed out automatically. You'll need to sign back in with your new password on those devices.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to Settings and privacy, then Settings, then Password and security to find the change password option.
  • Facebook requires you to enter your current password before you can set a new one.
  • Your new password should contain uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols to be strong.
  • Changing your password will sign you out on all other devices and browsers where you were logged in.
  • You must enter your new password the same way twice before Facebook will save the change.

What makes a strong password

A strong password is hard for someone else to guess or crack. Avoid using your name, birthday, or common words that appear in the dictionary. Don't use sequences like "123456" or "abcdef" — these are the first things someone will try.

Instead, mix different types of characters. A password like "BlueMoon#2847$Cat" is much stronger than "password123" because it combines uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol. The longer your password, the harder it is to crack — aim for at least 12 characters if you can remember it.

Write your new password down somewhere safe if you need to, like a notebook you keep at home or a password manager app. Never share your password with anyone, even if they say they're from Facebook. Facebook employees will never ask for your password.

If you can't remember your current password

If you're already signed into Facebook but can't remember your current password, you can still change it. When you reach the "Change password" section and click Edit, Facebook will ask for your current password. Look for a link that says Forgot password? or Can't remember your password? — click it.

Facebook will send a code to the email address or phone number connected to your account. Enter that code, and you'll be able to set a new password without typing the old one. This process takes a few minutes but works even if you're completely locked out of your account.

Changing your password on mobile

The steps are the same on iPhone, Android, or any mobile device, but the menu looks slightly different. Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (called a hamburger menu) at the bottom right of your screen. Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then Settings.

Scroll down until you see Password and security and tap it. Tap Change password, then tap Edit. Enter your current password, then your new password twice, and tap Save changes. The process is identical to the desktop version — you'll be signed out everywhere once it's complete.

What happens after you change your password

Facebook will sign you out of every device and browser where you were logged in. This includes your phone, tablet, computer, and any other place you use Facebook. You'll need to sign back in with your new password on each device you use regularly.

If you see a device or location in your login history that you don't recognize, this is a good time to change your password anyway. After you change it, that unknown device will be signed out and won't be able to access your account anymore. You can check your login history by going to Settings and privacy > Settings > Password and security > Where you're logged in.

Changing your password if you think someone else has access

If you suspect someone else knows your password or has been using your account, change it right away. Use a password you've never used before and that's completely different from your old one. Don't use variations of your old password — use something entirely new.

After you change your password, go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Password and security > Where you're logged in. Look at the list of devices and locations. If you see anything you don't recognize — a city you've never been to, a device you don't own, or a browser you don't use — click the three dots next to it and select Log out. This will sign that device out of your account when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change my Facebook password?

You don't need to change it on a set schedule if your account feels find. Change it if you suspect someone else has access, if you used the same password on another website that got hacked, or if you haven't changed it in over a year. Changing it once a year is a reasonable practice for most people.

Will changing my password delete my photos or messages?

No. Changing your password only affects how you sign in. All your photos, messages, friends, and posts stay exactly as they are. The only thing that changes is that you'll be signed out everywhere and need to sign back in with the new password.

Can I change my password if I'm locked out of my email?

If you can't access the email address connected to your Facebook account, you can still change your password if you're currently signed into Facebook on any device. Go through the normal password change process. If you're completely locked out, you'll need to recover your account using a phone number or trusted contacts instead.

What if I forget my new password right after changing it?

Go to the Facebook login page and click Forgot password? Facebook will send a code to your email or phone. Enter the code and you can set another new password. You don't need to know your old password to do this — the recovery process works anytime you're locked out.

Does changing my password affect my two-factor authentication?

No. Two-factor authentication is a separate security feature that stays active after you change your password. If you have it turned on, you'll still need to enter a code from your phone or authentication app when you sign in, even with your new password.