Change your password from Facebook settings in three steps

Open Facebook and go to the menu in the top right corner (three horizontal lines on mobile, the downward arrow on desktop). Select Settings and privacy, then Settings. On the left side, click Password and security. You'll see a section labeled Change password — click Edit next to it.

Facebook will ask you to enter your current password first, then type your new password twice. The new password must be at least six characters long. Facebook will show you a strength indicator as you type — aim for a password that mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or @.

After you click Change password, Facebook logs you out of all your other sessions automatically. This means if you were logged in on your phone, tablet, or another browser, you'll need to log back in with your new password. This is intentional — it protects you if someone else had access to your account.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your password through Settings and privacy > Settings > Password and security, not through your profile or account information.
  • Facebook requires your current password before letting you set a new one, so you need to remember what it is now.
  • Changing your password logs you out everywhere, which is a security feature that stops unauthorized access on other devices.
  • A strong password uses a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols — Facebook shows you a strength meter as you type.
  • If you cannot remember your current password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login screen instead of the settings method.

What makes a password strong enough to protect your account

A strong Facebook password is one that would take a long time for someone to guess or crack. The easiest way to build one is to use a phrase you remember but that is not in a dictionary. For example, "BlueSneaker!July2019" is stronger than "password123" because it mixes character types and is not a common word or date.

Avoid passwords based on information someone could find about you — your birthday, your pet's name, your street address, or your child's name. These are the first things someone tries if they know you personally. Also avoid reusing a password you use for email, banking, or other important accounts. If Facebook gets breached, hackers will try that same password on your email and bank accounts.

If you struggle to remember a strong password, consider using a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or Dashlane. These programs generate and store strong passwords for you, so you only have to remember one master password. Many are free or cost a few dollars a month.

Why Facebook logs you out of all devices when you change your password

When you change your password, Facebook ends your login session on every device — your phone, tablet, laptop, and any other place you were signed in. This happens automatically and you cannot turn it off. It feels inconvenient, but it is one of the strongest protections Facebook offers.

If someone else had gained access to your account (through malware, a data breach, or a phishing email), they would be logged in on their own device. Changing your password kicks them out when ready. Without this automatic logout, a hacker could stay inside your account even after you changed the password, as long as they had not closed their browser.

You will need to log back in on each device. Have your new password written down or saved somewhere safe before you start, so you can enter it quickly on your phone, computer, and any other place you use Facebook regularly.

How to log back in after changing your password

On your phone or computer, open Facebook and you will see the login screen. Enter your email address or phone number in the first field, then your new password in the second field. Click Log in. If you have two-factor authentication turned on (a security code sent to your phone or generated by an app), Facebook will ask for that code before letting you in.

If you have multiple devices, you can log back in on all of them at once — there is no limit to how many places you can be signed in at the same time. However, if you notice a device or location you do not recognize when you log back in, do not proceed. Instead, go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Where you're logged in and remove any sessions you do not recognize.

What to do if you cannot remember your current password

If you have forgotten your password and cannot change it through settings, go to the Facebook login page and click Forgot password? below the password field. Enter your email address or phone number. Facebook will send you a link to reset your password — check your email inbox and spam folder.

Click the link in the email and Facebook will let you create a new password without needing to know the old one. This process takes a few minutes. After you reset your password, you will be logged out everywhere, just like when you change it through settings.

If you no longer have access to the email or phone number on your account, Facebook has a recovery process, but it is slower. Go to facebook.com/login/identify and follow the steps to confirm your identity using a photo ID or other verification method. This can take several days.

Protecting your password after you create it

Once you have set a strong password, keep it private. Do not share it with friends, family, or Facebook support staff — Facebook employees will never ask for your password. Do not type it into any website that claims to offer Facebook tools, games, or services, even if the site looks official. These are usually phishing scams designed to steal your login.

If you use the same computer or device as other people, consider logging out of Facebook when you are done, especially on shared computers at work or school. You can also use Facebook's Where you're logged in section to see all active sessions and remove any you do not recognize.

Change your password again if you think someone else might know it — for example, if you told it to someone who is no longer trustworthy, or if you typed it on a computer you suspect has malware. There is no penalty for changing your password multiple times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my Facebook password regularly?

You do not need to change it on a schedule unless your workplace or school requires it. Change it if you think someone knows it, if you reused it on another site that got breached, or if you have not changed it in several years. You can check if your email address was in a known data breach at haveibeenpwned.com.

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

Try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, then log in again. If you are on a phone app, try logging out completely, closing the app, and logging back in. If you still cannot access your account after resetting your password, use the Forgot password? option again or go to facebook.com/login/identify to confirm your identity.

Can I see who tried to log into my account?

Yes. Go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Where you're logged in to see all active sessions, including the device type and location. If you see a login from somewhere you do not recognize, click the three dots next to it and select Log out. You can also turn on login alerts in Settings > Password and security to get notified when someone logs in from a new device.

Will changing my password affect my Facebook messages or photos?

No. Your password only controls who can log into your account. Your messages, photos, and all other content stay exactly as they are. Changing your password does not delete anything or change your privacy settings.

What if I change my password and then forget the new one when ready?

Use the Forgot password? option on the login screen to reset it again. You can change your password as many times as you need. Each time you reset it, you will be logged out of all devices and will need to log back in with the new password.