Change your Twitter password from the Settings menu

To change your Twitter password, log in to your account, click the three-dot menu icon in the top left corner, and select Settings and privacy. From there, go to Security and account access, then Security, and click Password. Enter your current password, then type your new password twice to confirm it matches. Twitter will ask you to log in again on all your devices after you save the change.

The entire process takes about two minutes. You do not need to verify your email or phone number unless Twitter suspects unusual activity on your account. If you cannot find the Settings menu, make sure you are using the current version of Twitter — the layout changes periodically, and older versions may have different menu locations.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your password anytime from Settings and privacy > Security and account access > Security > Password.
  • A strong password is at least 12 characters long and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • After you change your password, you will be logged out on all devices and will need to log in again with your new password.
  • If you cannot log in or do not remember your current password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login page to reset it instead.
  • Change your password when ready if you think someone else has accessed your account or if you have reused this password on other websites.

Why you should use a password unique to Twitter

If you use the same password on Twitter and on other websites, a breach at one site puts your Twitter account at risk. When hackers steal passwords from a shopping site or a forum, they often try those same credentials on social media accounts, email, and banking sites. Twitter is a frequent target because it can be used to impersonate you, send spam, or access direct messages.

A password you use only for Twitter means that even if another website is breached, your Twitter account stays protected. This is one of the highest-impact things you can do for your own security — more important than most other steps because password reuse is how most account takeovers happen.

How to create a password that is hard to guess

A strong password for Twitter should be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. For example, BlueMoon$2024!Waves is stronger than password123 because it mixes character types and is longer. Avoid passwords based on your name, birthday, or words from the dictionary — these are the first things attackers try.

One reliable method is to use a passphrase: string together random words with numbers and symbols between them, like Coffee7Purple!Desk. Passphrases are easier to remember than random character strings and just as hard to crack. If you have trouble remembering a complex password, consider using a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass, which stores passwords securely and fills them in for you.

What happens when you change your password

When you save a new password, Twitter logs you out of every device where you were signed in — your phone, tablet, laptop, and any other place. You will see a notification that says "Your password has been changed" and you will be returned to the login screen. This is normal and intentional; it prevents anyone else who knew your old password from staying logged in.

You will need to log in again on each device using your new password. If you use Twitter on your phone, your laptop, and a tablet, you will need to enter the new password three times. This takes a few minutes but is worth the security gain, especially if you think someone may have seen your old password.

If you cannot remember your current password

If you have forgotten your Twitter password and cannot log in, click Forgot password? on the login page. Twitter will ask you to enter the email address or phone number linked to your account. You will then receive a password reset link by email or text message. Click the link, create a new password, and you will be able to log in when ready.

The reset link expires after a few hours, so check your email or text messages right away. If you do not see the reset message, check your spam or junk folder — sometimes email providers filter password reset messages by mistake. If you no longer have access to the email address or phone number on your account, you will need to contact Twitter's support team through the help center.

Signs you should change your password right now

Change your Twitter password when ready if you notice any of these: you see tweets or direct messages you did not send, your email or phone number was changed without your permission, you received a notification that someone logged in from an unfamiliar location, or you used this same password on another website that was breached. You should also change it if you shared your password with someone else, even if you trust them, or if you typed it on a public computer.

If you think your account has been hacked, change your password first, then check your connected apps and devices. Go to Settings and privacy > Security and account access > Apps and sessions to see which apps have access to your account and which devices are logged in. Remove anything you do not recognize.

Using two-factor authentication alongside your password

A strong password is your first line of defense, but two-factor authentication (often called 2FA) adds a second layer. With 2FA enabled, even if someone learns your password, they cannot log in without also having access to your phone or an authentication app. Twitter offers 2FA through text message, an authentication app like Google Authenticator or Authy, or a security key.

To turn on 2FA, go to Settings and privacy > Security and account access > Security > Two-factor authentication. Choose your method — text message is the easiest to set up, though an authentication app is more find because text messages can sometimes be intercepted. If you use 2FA, you will need to enter a code from your phone every time you log in from a new device, which takes about 30 seconds but prevents most account takeovers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my password log me out of the Twitter app on my phone?

Yes. After you change your password, you will be logged out of the app and will need to enter your new password to log back in. This usually takes less than a minute. If the app does not prompt you to log in again, try closing it completely and opening it again.

Can I change my password on the Twitter app, or do I have to use a web browser?

You can change your password on both the app and the website. On the app, tap your profile picture, go to Settings and privacy, then Security and account access, then Security, then Password. The steps are the same as on the website.

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

Use the "Forgot password?" link on the login page to reset it again. You can reset your password as many times as you need. Each reset link is sent to your email address or phone number, so make sure you have access to at least one of those before you lock yourself out.

Does Twitter tell me if someone tried to log in with my old password after I changed it?

Twitter does not send a notification for failed login attempts, but you can check your login history in Settings and privacy > Security and account access > Your login history. This shows the dates, times, and locations of successful logins. If you see logins from places you do not recognize, change your password again and enable two-factor authentication.

If I change my password, will my followers or direct messages disappear?

No. Changing your password does not affect any of your account content — your tweets, followers, following list, and direct messages all stay exactly the same. A password change only affects how you log in.