Change your password from the email provider's website or app

The fastest way to change your email password is to log in to your email account and find the password or security settings. The exact steps depend on whether you use Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or another provider — each one keeps this setting in a different place.

You do not need to contact the email company or wait for anything. You can change your password yourself, right now, from any device where you can log in. The new password takes effect when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo all let you change your password from your account settings without calling support or waiting for approval.
  • You will need to enter your current password to set a new one, so you must be able to log in to your account first.
  • A strong password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — not words from a dictionary or personal information.
  • After you change your password, you may be signed out of other devices and will need to log in again with the new password.
  • If you cannot log in because you forgot your password, use the "Forgot password" link instead of trying to change it.

How to change your password in Gmail

Go to myaccount.google.com and sign in. On the left side, click Security. Scroll down to the section labeled How you sign in to Google and click Password. Enter your current password, then type your new password twice to confirm it matches. Click Change password.

Gmail will sign you out of all other devices after a few minutes. You will need to log in again on your phone, tablet, or computer with your new password. If you use Gmail on other apps — like Outlook on your phone or a mail client on your computer — you may need to update the password there too.

How to change your password in Outlook or Hotmail

Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in. Click Security at the top. Under Password and security info, click Change my password. Enter your current password, then type your new password twice. Click Next, then Finish.

Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity by sending a code to your phone or backup email. You must enter that code before the password change goes through. This extra step protects your account if someone else is trying to change your password without permission.

How to change your password in Yahoo Mail

Go to account.yahoo.com and sign in. Click Account info at the top. On the left, click Security. Under Password, click Change password. Enter your current password, then type your new password twice. Click Change password.

Yahoo will send a verification code to your phone or backup email. Enter that code to confirm the change. Like Microsoft, Yahoo uses this step to make sure it is really you making the change.

What makes a password strong

A strong password is hard for someone else to guess, even if they know your name, birthday, or other personal details. Use at least 12 characters. Mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like !, @, #, or $. Do not use dictionary words, names of people you know, or sequences like 123456 or qwerty.

A good approach is to use a phrase only you would remember, then change some letters to numbers or symbols. For example, MyDog8AteShoes! is stronger than password123. If you have trouble remembering passwords, consider using a password manager — a program that stores passwords securely and fills them in for you.

What happens after you change your password

Your new password takes effect right away. You will stay logged in on the device you used to change it. On other devices — your phone, tablet, or work computer — you will be signed out within a few minutes. The next time you open email on those devices, you will need to enter your new password.

If you use your email password to sign in to other services — like social media, banking, or shopping sites — those accounts are not affected. You only need to change those passwords if you want to. However, if you use the same password everywhere, changing your email password is a good time to change those other passwords too, so they are all different.

If you forgot your password instead

If you cannot log in because you do not remember your password, do not try to change it. Instead, go to the sign-in page and click Forgot password? or Can't sign in? The email provider will ask you to verify your identity — usually by sending a code to your phone or backup email, or by answering security questions you set up before.

Once you verify who you are, you can set a new password. This process takes a few minutes but does not require you to contact support. If you cannot verify your identity because you no longer have access to your phone or backup email, you will need to contact the email provider's support team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my password if I think someone else knows it?

Yes, change it right away. After you change it, check your account activity — Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo all show you where your account was recently signed in from. If you see a location or device you do not recognize, sign out all other sessions and consider turning on two-factor authentication, which requires a code from your phone to sign in.

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

Use the "Forgot password" link on the sign-in page. You will go through the same verification process — entering a code sent to your phone or backup email. You can set another new password without contacting support.

Will changing my email password log me out of Gmail on my phone?

Yes, within a few minutes. You will need to enter your new password the next time you open the Gmail app. If you use Gmail through another app like Outlook or Apple Mail, you may need to update the password in that app's settings too.

Can I change my password if I am using a work or school email?

It depends on your organization. Some workplaces and schools let you change your password through the same account settings page. Others require you to contact your IT department or help desk. Check your organization's password policy or contact them directly.

Should I tell anyone when I change my password?

No. Do not share your password with anyone, including family members, friends, or your email provider's support team. If you need to let someone access your email temporarily, use your email provider's account sharing or delegation feature instead of giving them your password.