Change your Gmail password from your account settings

Open Gmail in your browser and go to your Google Account by clicking your profile picture in the top right corner, then select Manage your Google Account. Click the Security tab at the top. Scroll down to Password and click Change password. Google will ask you to sign in again to confirm it's really you.

Enter your current password, then type your new password twice. Google will show you whether your new password is strong — it looks for at least 8 characters, a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Click Change password at the bottom. You'll see a confirmation that your password has been updated.

If you're signed into Gmail on other devices or browsers, you'll be signed out automatically. You'll need to sign back in with your new password on each one.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to your Google Account security settings through your profile picture, not through Gmail's settings menu.
  • Google requires you to enter your current password before you can create a new one.
  • A strong password should be at least 8 characters and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • Changing your password signs you out on all other devices, so you'll need to sign back in everywhere you use Gmail.
  • If you forget your current password, use the "Can't access your account" option on the Gmail sign-in page instead of the change password tool.

What makes a strong Gmail password

Google's password strength meter gives you feedback as you type. A password that includes uppercase letters (A–Z), lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), and symbols (!@#$%^&*) is harder to guess or crack than one that uses only letters. Avoid passwords based on your name, birthday, or common words — these are the first things someone trying to break in will try.

Length matters more than complexity. A 12-character password with a mix of character types is stronger than an 8-character one, even if the shorter one has symbols. Don't reuse a password you've used for other accounts — if one service gets hacked, someone with your password could try it on Gmail next.

If you're using a recovery email or phone number

When you change your Gmail password, Google doesn't ask you to update your recovery email or phone number at the same time. But it's worth checking that these are current. Go back to the Security tab and scroll to How we can reach you. If you've changed phone numbers or email addresses since you set up your account, update them now — you'll need them if you ever get locked out.

A recovery email should be one you check regularly and that you don't use for other Google accounts. A recovery phone number should be one you actually own and can access. Test your recovery options by trying to sign in with a wrong password on purpose — you'll see which recovery method Google offers you first.

Signing back in on your phone or tablet

After you change your password, Gmail on your phone or tablet will show a notification that you've been signed out. Open the Gmail app and tap your account. You'll see a sign-in screen. Enter your email address and your new password. If you use two-factor authentication (a code from your phone or an authenticator app), you'll need to provide that too.

If the app doesn't prompt you to sign back in, go to your phone's settings, find the Google or Gmail app, and sign out manually. Then open Gmail again and sign in with your new password. This forces the app to refresh and accept your new credentials.

Two-factor authentication and password changes

If you've turned on two-factor authentication for your Gmail account, changing your password doesn't affect it. You'll still need to enter a code from your phone or authenticator app when you sign in on a new device, even after you've entered your new password. Two-factor authentication is a separate security layer that stays in place regardless of password changes.

If you lose access to your authenticator app or phone number before changing your password, you won't be able to sign in at all. Before you change your password, make sure you still have access to whatever device or app generates your two-factor codes. If you've lost it, go to your Security tab and turn off two-factor authentication first, then change your password, then turn two-factor authentication back on with a new device or app.

What to do if you forget your new password

If you change your password and then forget it, don't try to use the change password tool again — you won't be able to sign in to reach it. Instead, go to the Gmail sign-in page and click Can't access your account? Google will walk you through recovering access using your recovery email or phone number. You'll answer security questions or enter a code sent to your recovery email, then you can set a new password.

This recovery process can take a few hours or longer if Google needs to verify your identity. Keep your recovery email and phone number up to date so this process works when you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my password sign me out of Gmail on my computer?

Yes. Changing your password signs you out everywhere — on your computer, phone, tablet, and any browser where you were signed in. You'll need to sign back in with your new password on each device. This usually happens within a few minutes of the change.

Can I change my password if I'm using a Google account through work or school?

It depends on your organization's settings. If your work or school manages your account, they may have locked down password changes so only an administrator can do it. Try going to your Security tab — if the change password option is grayed out or missing, contact your IT department or help desk.

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

Yes, change it when ready. After you change it, go to your Security tab and check Your devices to see what's signed in. If you see a device you don't recognize, click it and select Sign out. Also check your recovery email and phone number to make sure they haven't been changed.

What if I change my password but Gmail keeps asking me to sign in again?

Clear your browser's cookies and cache, then sign in again with your new password. If you're using the Gmail app, try signing out completely, closing the app, then opening it and signing in fresh. If the problem continues, restart your device and try again.

Can I use the same password I used before?

Google allows it, but it defeats the purpose of changing your password. If you think someone learned your old password, use something completely different. If you're just updating your password as routine maintenance, you can reuse an old one, but a new one is always safer.