Change your password through your email provider's settings

The steps to change your password depend on which email service you use. Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, and other providers each have their own account settings page where you can update your password. You do not need to contact support or use a special tool — you can do this yourself in a few minutes from any device where you can log in.

The process is the same whether you use a computer, phone, or tablet. You will need to know your current password to start, and you should have a recovery email address or phone number on file in case you get locked out later.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your password in your account settings, not in the email app itself — the app only lets you read and send messages.
  • Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, and other providers each have a different settings page, but the basic steps are similar: sign in, find security settings, and enter a new password.
  • Your new password should be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols to prevent someone from guessing it.
  • If you forget your current password before you change it, use the "Forgot password" link on the login page instead of trying to change it from settings.

Change your Gmail password

Go to myaccount.google.com and sign in with your current Gmail address and password. On the left side of the page, click Security. Scroll down until you see Password and click it.

Google will ask you to sign in again to confirm it is really you. Enter your current password. Then type your new password twice — once in the first box and once again in the second box to make sure you did not make a typo. Click Change Password at the bottom. You will see a message saying your password has been changed. You can now sign out and sign back in with your new password to confirm it works.

Change your Outlook or Hotmail password

Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in with your current email and password. Click Security at the top of the page. Under the Password section, click Change password.

Enter your current password in the first box. Type your new password in the second box and again in the third box. Click Next. Microsoft will send a code to your recovery email or phone number — check whichever one you set up. Enter that code on the next screen and click Verify. Your password is now changed.

Change your Yahoo password

Go to account.yahoo.com and sign in. Click your account name or profile picture in the top right corner, then click Account info. On the left side, click Security and privacy, then click Change password.

Yahoo will ask you to sign in one more time. Enter your current password. Then type your new password in both the New password and Confirm password boxes. Click Continue. You will see a confirmation message. Sign out and sign back in with your new password to make sure it works.

Create a strong password you can remember

A strong password is harder for someone to guess or crack. Use at least 12 characters and mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like !, @, #, or $. For example, BlueSky2024!Garden is stronger than password123.

Avoid using your name, birthday, or common words that appear in the dictionary. Do not use the same password for multiple accounts — if someone guesses one password, they can access all your accounts. If you have trouble remembering passwords, consider using a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, which stores passwords securely and fills them in automatically.

What to do if you forgot your current password

If you cannot remember your current password, you cannot change it from settings. Instead, go to the login page for your email provider and click Forgot password or Can't sign in. You will be asked to verify your identity using a recovery email address or phone number that you set up earlier.

The provider will send a code or link to that recovery email or phone. Follow the instructions to reset your password. This process usually takes a few minutes. Once you have set a new password, you can sign in and use your email normally.

Update your password on all your devices

After you change your password, you may need to sign in again on your phone, tablet, or computer. Email apps like Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo Mail on your phone will ask for your new password the next time you open them. Enter your new password and the app will work normally again.

If an app does not ask for your new password and you cannot send or receive email, go into the app's settings and look for an account or password option. Remove the account and add it back in with your new password. This usually fixes the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change my email password?

Change your password if you think someone else knows it, if you used the same password on another account that was hacked, or if you have not changed it in over a year. You do not need to change it every month unless your workplace or school requires it.

Can I change my password from my phone's email app?

No. Email apps like Gmail or Outlook on your phone only let you read and send messages. You must go to your provider's website — Gmail.com, Outlook.com, or Yahoo.com — to change your password. Use your phone's web browser to visit the website.

What if I see a message saying my password is too weak?

Your provider is telling you the password does not meet their security rules. Add more characters, use uppercase and lowercase letters, or add numbers and symbols. Try again with a longer, more mixed password.

Will changing my password sign me out everywhere?

Gmail and Outlook usually sign you out of all devices when you change your password, so you will need to sign back in on your phone, tablet, and computer. This is a security feature. Yahoo may keep you signed in on some devices. Check your email on each device after changing your password to see if you need to sign in again.

Can I undo a password change if I made a mistake?

No. Once you change your password, the old one no longer works. If you forgot your new password right after changing it, use the "Forgot password" link on the login page to reset it again.