Change your AOL password from the account settings page

To change your AOL password, sign into your account on AOL.com, go to Account Settings, and select the Security section. From there, you'll find the option to change your password. AOL will ask you to enter your current password first, then type your new password twice to confirm it matches. The whole process takes about two minutes.

You can change your password from any device — a computer, phone, or tablet — as long as you can sign in. AOL doesn't require you to be on a specific device or location. After you change your password, you'll be signed out of all your other sessions, so you may need to sign back in on your phone or other devices if you use AOL Mail there.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to AOL.com, sign in with your current password, and click your profile icon in the top right corner to find Account Settings.
  • Select Security from the menu on the left, then click Change Password and enter your current password to verify it's you.
  • Your new password must be at least 8 characters long and should include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols for better security.
  • After you change your password, you'll be signed out everywhere, so plan to sign back in on any other devices you use for email.
  • If you forget your current password, use the "Forgot password" link on the AOL sign-in page instead of going to Account Settings.

Step-by-step: finding the password change option

Start by going to AOL.com in your web browser and signing in with your current username and password. Once you're signed in, look for your profile icon — it's usually a circle with your initials or a photo in the top right corner of the page. Click that icon and a menu will drop down with several options.

From that menu, select "Account Settings" or "Manage my account." This takes you to a page with different sections listed on the left side. Look for the section labeled "Security" and click it. You should now see an option that says "Change password" or "Update password." Click that option to begin.

Creating a strong new password

When AOL asks you to create a new password, it will show you the requirements on the screen. Your password needs to be at least 8 characters long. AOL recommends mixing uppercase letters (A-Z), lowercase letters (a-z), numbers (0-9), and symbols like ! @ # $ % to make it harder for someone to guess.

Avoid using information that's straightforward to find, like your birth year, the name of a family member, or a word that appears in your email address. A strong password might look like "BlueSky#2024Tree" — it has uppercase and lowercase letters, a number, and a symbol. Write your new password down somewhere safe, or use a password manager if you have one, so you don't forget it.

What happens after you change your password

Once you enter your new password twice and click the button to confirm, AOL will sign you out of your account on all devices. This is a security measure — it makes sure that if someone else had access to your account, they lose it when you change the password.

If you use AOL Mail on your phone, tablet, or another computer, you'll need to sign back in on those devices using your new password. The AOL Mail app will usually prompt you to enter your password again the next time you open it. This might take a few minutes to happen, so don't be alarmed if the app doesn't ask right away.

If you can't remember your current password

If you've forgotten your current password and can't sign in to Account Settings, go to the AOL sign-in page at AOL.com and look for the link that says "Forgot password?" or "Can't sign in?" Click that link instead of trying to go through Account Settings.

AOL will ask you to verify your identity — usually by sending a code to a recovery email address or phone number you set up with your account. Once you verify who you are, you can create a new password without needing to know the old one. This process may take a few extra minutes, but it's the correct way to regain access if you're locked out.

Keeping your new password find

After you change your password, don't share it with anyone — not even family members or friends. AOL support staff will never ask you for your password in an email or phone call. If someone contacts you claiming to be from AOL and asks for your password, that's a scam.

If you think someone else may have access to your account, change your password right away and check the Security section of Account Settings for any suspicious activity. You can also review which devices are signed into your account and remove any you don't recognize. Changing your password regularly — every few months — is a good habit that keeps your account safer over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does AOL sign me out of everything when I change my password?

AOL signs you out everywhere as a security measure. If someone else had your old password and was using your account on another device, they lose access when you change it. This protects your email and any information stored in your account.

Can I change my AOL password from the mobile app?

You can't change your password directly in the AOL Mail app. You need to go to AOL.com in a web browser on your phone or computer, sign in, and use Account Settings. The app doesn't have a password change option built in.

How often should I change my AOL password?

There's no rule that forces you to change it, but changing your password every few months is a good security practice. Change it sooner if you think someone else may have seen it, if you used the same password on another website that got hacked, or if you haven't changed it in over a year.

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

Use the "Forgot password" link on the AOL sign-in page. AOL will send a code to your recovery email or phone number, and you can create another new password. You don't need to know your previous password to do this.

Will changing my password affect my AOL Mail contacts or folders?

No. Your contacts, folders, emails, and all other account data stay exactly the same. Changing your password only changes how you sign in — it doesn't touch anything inside your mailbox.