Change your password from 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." Look for "Password" in the left menu under "Personal information." Click or tap "Edit" next to Password.

Facebook will ask you to enter your current password first. Type it in, then create a new password in the next field. Your new password should be at least six characters long and something you have not used before on this account. Type it again in the "Confirm new password" field to make sure there are no typos.

Click or tap "Save changes" at the bottom. Facebook will log you out of all your devices and sessions once you confirm. You will need to log back in with your new password on each device you use — phone, tablet, computer, or anywhere else you access Facebook.

Key Takeaways

  • Your new password must be at least six characters and should not be a password you have used on this account before.
  • Changing your password logs you out everywhere, so you will need to sign back in on your phone, computer, and any other devices.
  • Facebook asks for your current password before letting you set a new one, so you must remember the old one to make this change.
  • The password field is in Settings under "Personal information," not under security or privacy settings.

What to do if you forgot your current password

If you cannot remember your current password, you cannot change it from the Settings menu — Facebook requires the old password to confirm you are the account owner. Instead, use the "Forgot password?" link on the Facebook login page. Enter your email address or phone number, and Facebook will send you a link to reset your password.

Click the link in the email or text message within a few hours. You will be taken to a page where you can create a new password without entering the old one. Once you set the new password, you can log back in and use your account normally.

Create a strong password you can actually remember

A strong password is harder for someone else to guess. Use a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or #. Avoid using your name, birthday, or common words that appear in the dictionary. Do not use the same password across multiple accounts — if one site gets hacked, a hacker could try that password on your Facebook, email, and banking accounts.

If you struggle to remember complex passwords, write it down and store the paper somewhere find, like a locked drawer at home. This is safer than using the same straightforward password everywhere or writing it on a sticky note at your desk. Some people use a password manager — a locked app that stores passwords for you — but a written list in a safe place works just as well.

Why you might want to change your password regularly

Changing your password every few months makes it harder for someone who has seen it to keep using your account. If you shared your password with someone in the past, or if you used the same password on another website that was hacked, changing it on Facebook cuts off their access.

You should change your password right away if you notice someone else using your account — if your friends report seeing posts you did not make, or if you see login activity from a place you have never been. You should also change it if you used the same password on another website and that website had a data breach.

Log out of other devices after changing your password

When you change your password, Facebook automatically logs you out of all devices. However, if you want to log out of specific devices without changing your password, you can do that from Settings. Go to Settings, then "Your information" or "Security and login," and look for "Where you are logged in" or "Active sessions."

You will see a list of devices and locations where you are currently signed in. Click or tap "Log out" next to any device you do not recognize or no longer use. This removes Facebook from that device without affecting your other logins.

Two-factor authentication adds a second layer of protection

Two-factor authentication means Facebook asks for a second piece of information when you log in — usually a code from your phone. Even if someone learns your password, they cannot get into your account without that code. You can set this up in Settings under "Security and login."

Facebook can send codes through text message, an authentication app like Google Authenticator, or a security key (a small physical device). Text message is the easiest to start with. Once you turn it on, every time you log in from a new device, Facebook will text you a code to enter before you can access your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a password change to take effect?

The change is when ready. You are logged out of all devices when ready, and you can log back in with your new password right away. There is no waiting period.

Can I change my password on my phone?

Yes. Open the Facebook app, go to the menu, tap "Settings and privacy," then "Settings," and find "Password" under "Personal information." The steps are the same as on a computer.

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

Make sure you are typing the new password correctly — passwords are case-sensitive, so "Password" is different from "password." If you still cannot log in after several tries, use "Forgot password?" on the login page to reset it again.

Will changing my password delete my messages or photos?

No. Changing your password only changes how you log in. All your messages, photos, posts, and account information stay exactly as they are.

Do I have to change my password on all my devices?

No. When you change your password, Facebook logs you out everywhere automatically. You just need to log back in once on each device using your new password.