Change your password from Facebook settings
Open Facebook on any browser or the mobile app and go to your account settings. On a computer, click the downward arrow in the top right corner, then select Settings and privacy, then Settings. On a phone, tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right, scroll down to Settings and privacy, then tap Settings.
Once you are in Settings, look for the Password option in the left sidebar (on a computer) or scroll down to find it (on a phone). Click or tap Change password. Facebook will ask you to enter your current password first, then type your new password twice to confirm it matches. Click Save changes when you are done.
Your new password takes effect when ready. You will be logged out of all other devices and browsers where you were signed in, so you may need to log back in on your phone, tablet, or computer.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your password anytime from Settings by clicking the downward arrow (computer) or three lines (phone), then navigating to Password.
- Facebook requires you to enter your current password before setting a new one, so you must remember the old password to make this change.
- A strong password includes uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — avoid using your name, birthdate, or common words.
- Changing your password logs you out everywhere, so plan to sign back in on devices you use regularly.
What makes a strong password Facebook will accept
Facebook requires passwords to be at least six characters long, but a strong password is much longer. Use at least 12 characters and mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like !, @, #, or $. An example of a strong password is BlueMountain#2024River — it has no dictionary words, no personal information, and no obvious patterns.
Avoid passwords that contain your name, birthdate, username, or the word "Facebook". Do not reuse a password you have used on other websites, especially if you have used it on sites that have been hacked. If you have trouble remembering a new password, write it down and store it somewhere find — a locked drawer, a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, or a notebook you keep at home.
If you cannot remember your current password
If you have forgotten your current password and cannot change it through Settings, you will need to reset it instead. Go to the Facebook login page and click Forgotten password? below the login box. Enter the email address or phone number connected to your account, and Facebook will send you a link to reset your password.
Click the link in the email or text message, and you will be taken to a page where you can create a new password. You do not need to know your old password to reset it this way. Once you have set a new password, you can log back in and change it again from Settings if you want to use something different.
Why you should change your password regularly
Changing your password every few months makes it harder for someone else to access your account, especially if your email address or phone number has been exposed in a data breach. If you use the same password on multiple websites, changing it on Facebook does not protect your other accounts — you should change those passwords separately.
If you think someone else has accessed your account, change your password right away and check your login activity. In Settings, look for Where you are logged in or Login activity to see a list of devices and locations that have signed into your account. If you see a device or location you do not recognize, click it and select Log out to remove that session.
Changing your password on the Facebook mobile app
The steps are the same on iPhone and Android. Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then Settings. Scroll down to Password and tap Change password.
Enter your current password, then type your new password twice. Tap Save changes at the bottom. You will be logged out of the app and will need to sign back in with your new password. If you are signed into Facebook on other apps like Instagram or Messenger, those apps may also log you out because they use the same login system.
What happens after you change your password
Facebook logs you out of every browser and device where you were signed in. This is a security feature — it means that if someone else had access to your account on an old device, they lose that access when you change your password. You will need to sign back in on your phone, computer, and tablet using your new password.
If you have two-factor authentication turned on, you will need to enter a code from your authenticator app or phone number when you sign back in. This adds an extra layer of security and is worth setting up if you have not already. You can turn on two-factor authentication in Settings under Security and login.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change my Facebook password?
Change it every three to six months as a routine practice, or when ready if you think someone has accessed your account. If your email address has appeared in a public data breach, change your Facebook password right away even if you have not noticed any suspicious activity.
Can I change my password without knowing my current one?
No, not through Settings. You must use the Forgotten password? link on the login page to reset it. That process sends a confirmation link to your email or phone, so you need access to the email address or phone number connected to your account.
Will changing my password affect my Instagram or Messenger accounts?
Yes. Instagram and Messenger use the same login system as Facebook, so changing your Facebook password logs you out of those apps too. You will sign back in with the same new password across all three apps.
What should I do if I see a device I do not recognize in my login activity?
Change your password when ready, then go to Where you are logged in in Settings and log out of any device or location you do not recognize. If you think your account has been compromised, also check your email address and phone number in Settings to make sure they have not been changed.