Where to find the password change option

The password change option lives in your account settings, not in the main menu. On most websites and apps, look for a gear icon, your name or profile picture in the top right corner, or a menu button (three horizontal lines). Tap or click that, then look for words like "Settings," "Account," "Security," or "Password."

On Windows, go to Settings > Accounts > Your info > Password. On Mac, go to System Settings > General > Password. On iPhone, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security > Change Password. On Android, go to Settings > Accounts > Google > Manage your Google Account > Security > Password.

If you cannot find the password option after checking these places, search the website or app's help section for "change password" or "reset password." Most services have a help article that shows you exactly where to look.

Key Takeaways

  • Password changes are in account settings, usually behind a gear icon or your profile picture, not in the main menu.
  • You will need to enter your current password before you can create a new one, so have it ready or use a password manager to find it.
  • A strong password has at least 12 characters and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — avoid words from the dictionary or personal information.
  • Change your password when ready if you think someone else knows it, if you used it on a website that was hacked, or if you have not changed it in over a year.
  • After you change your password, you may be signed out of other devices and will need to sign back in with the new password.

What you need before you start

Have your current password ready. Almost every service requires you to type your current password before letting you create a new one. If you do not remember it, use your password manager to find it — most password managers (like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into your browser) store your passwords and can fill them in automatically.

If you do not have your current password and do not use a password manager, you will need to use the "Forgot Password" option instead. That process is different and usually involves confirming your identity through email or a phone number.

You will also need a new password ready. Think of one before you start, or use your password manager to generate one for you. A strong password has at least 12 characters and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid words you can find in a dictionary, your name, your birthday, or other personal information.

Step-by-step: changing your password on a website

Open the website in your browser and sign in if you are not already signed in. Look for a gear icon, your profile picture, or a menu button in the top right corner of the page. Click or tap it.

From the menu that appears, select "Settings," "Account," "Security," or "Password." You may need to click through more than one menu to find the password option. Once you find it, click "Change Password" or "Update Password."

Type your current password in the first field. Type your new password in the second field. Most websites will show you a strength meter — aim for "strong" or "very strong." Type the new password again in the third field to confirm it. Click "Save," "Update," or "Confirm."

The website will show you a message saying the password has been changed. You may be signed out automatically. Sign back in with your new password to make sure it works. If you use a password manager, update the saved password there too.

Step-by-step: changing your password on Windows

Click the Start button (Windows logo) in the bottom left corner. Type "Settings" and press Enter. Click "Accounts" in the left menu, then click "Your info" at the top.

Scroll down and click "Password." Click "Change." Type your current password and click "Next." Type your new password, then type it again to confirm. Click "Next," then click "Finish."

Windows will ask you to sign out and sign back in. Do that, and use your new password to sign in. After you sign in, you may see a message asking if you want to update your password on other devices — you can do that now or skip it.

Step-by-step: changing your password on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select "System Settings." Click "General" in the left menu, then click "Password" near the top of the right side.

Click the lock icon in the bottom left corner and type your Mac password to unlock it. Click "Change Password." Type your current password, then type your new password twice. Click "Change Password."

Your Mac will ask you to sign out and sign back in. Do that, and use your new password to sign in. You may be asked to update your password on other Apple devices — you can do that now or skip it.

Step-by-step: changing your password on iPhone or iPad

Open Settings and tap your name at the top. Tap "Password & Security," then tap "Change Password." Type your current password and tap "Next."

Type your new password, then type it again to confirm. Tap "Change." Your device will show a message saying the password has been changed. You may be signed out of some apps and services — sign back in with your new password when prompted.

Step-by-step: changing your password on Android

Open Settings and scroll down to "Accounts." Tap "Google" (or the account name you use). Tap "Manage your Google Account," then tap the "Security" tab at the top.

Scroll down and tap "Password." Type your current password and tap "Next." Type your new password, then type it again to confirm. Tap "Change Password."

Google will show you a message saying the password has been changed. You may be signed out of some apps and services — sign back in with your new password when prompted. If you use a Google account on other devices, you will need to sign back in on those devices too.

When to change your password right away

Change your password when ready if you think someone else knows it — for example, if you told it to someone and they no longer work with you, or if you typed it where someone could see it. Do not wait.

Change your password if you used it on a website that was hacked. You can check whether your email address appears in a known breach by visiting haveibeenpwned.com and typing your email address. If it shows up, change the password on that website and on any other website where you used the same password.

Change your password if you have not changed it in over a year. Even if nothing has happened, changing your password regularly reduces the chance that someone has figured it out without you knowing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my password if I forgot it?

No. If you remember your password and can sign in, you do not have to change it. But if you cannot remember it, you will need to use the "Forgot Password" option to reset it, which is a different process than changing it.

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

Use the "Forgot Password" option on the sign-in page. You will be asked to confirm your identity through email or a phone number, and then you can create a new password. Save it in your password manager so you do not forget it again.

Will changing my password sign me out of other devices?

Usually yes. Most services sign you out of all devices when you change your password, so you will need to sign back in on your phone, tablet, computer, or other devices. Some services let you choose whether to sign out other devices — check the password change page to see if that option is available.

Can I use the same password on multiple websites?

No. If one website is hacked and someone gets your password, they can use it to sign into your other accounts. Use a different password on each website, or use a password manager to create and store unique passwords for you.

How often should I change my password?

Change it at least once a year, or right away if you think someone knows it or if the website was hacked. You do not need to change it every month — changing it once a year and using a strong, unique password is enough for most people.