Where to change both at once

Most websites and apps let you change your username and password in the same settings area, usually called Account Settings, Profile, or Security. The exact location depends on what service you use — a bank's app looks different from Gmail, which looks different from a social media site — but the principle is the same: find the settings menu, locate the account or security section, and look for options to update login credentials.

Before you start, write down your current username and password somewhere safe. You will need the current password to prove you own the account before the system lets you create a new one. This is a security check, not a hassle — it stops someone else from changing your login details if they somehow get into your account settings page.

Plan to do this when you have 10 to 15 minutes and a quiet moment. You will need to log out and log back in with your new credentials, and some services ask you to confirm the change through an email link. If you rush and make a typo, you might lock yourself out temporarily.

Key Takeaways

  • Most services keep username and password changes in one settings area, usually labeled Account, Profile, or Security.
  • You will need your current password to change either one, so have it written down before you start.
  • After you change your password, you will be logged out and must log back in with the new one.
  • Some services send a confirmation email — check your inbox and spam folder if the change does not go through when ready.
  • If you forget your new password right after changing it, use the "Forgot Password" link to reset it, which sends a recovery email to your account address.

Finding the settings menu on different devices

On a computer, look for a menu icon (three horizontal lines, called a hamburger menu) or your profile picture in the top right or top left corner of the page. Click it and scroll for Account, Settings, or Profile. Some websites hide this menu behind a gear icon instead.

On a phone or tablet, the process is similar but the menu location varies. Apps usually put the menu icon at the bottom right, bottom left, or top right. Websites viewed in a phone browser follow the same pattern as the computer version — look for the three-line menu or profile picture. If you cannot find it, try scrolling to the very top or bottom of the page.

Once you are in settings, look for words like "Account," "Login," "Security," "Password," or "Credentials." Some services organize this under "Privacy & Security" or "Account Management." If you see multiple options, start with the one that says "Password" or "Login Information" — that is usually the fastest route.

The step-by-step process for changing your username

After you open the account settings area, find the field that shows your current username. It may be labeled "Username," "Login Name," "User ID," or sometimes just "Name." Click on it or look for an "Edit" button next to it. Some services let you click directly on the username to change it; others require you to click a separate button first.

When the edit box opens, the system will ask you to enter your current password. Type it in exactly as you have it written down — passwords are case-sensitive, meaning Capital and lowercase letters are different. After you enter the current password, you will see a field for your new username.

Type your new username. Most services have rules: no spaces, no special characters except underscores or hyphens, and a minimum length (often 3 to 8 characters). The system will tell you when ready if your choice breaks these rules or if the username is already taken. Pick something you can remember and type easily, because you will use it every time you log in.

Click "Save," "Update," or "Confirm." The page will either refresh and show your new username, or it will send you a confirmation email. If you get an email, open it and click the link inside within the time limit (usually 24 hours). Until you confirm, your old username is still active.

The step-by-step process for changing your password

In the same settings area, find the password field. It usually says "Password," "Change Password," or "Update Password." Click on it or the "Edit" button next to it. The system will ask you to enter your current password first — this is the security check that proves you own the account.

Type your current password exactly as you have it. Then move to the "New Password" field and create a password that is hard for someone else to guess. Use a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols if the service allows them. Avoid birthdays, names, or words from the dictionary. A strong password is at least 12 characters long, but 8 is usually the minimum.

Most services show a strength meter — a bar that turns green when your password is strong enough. If the meter is red or orange, add more characters or mix in numbers and symbols. After you type the new password, the system usually asks you to type it again in a "Confirm Password" field. This catches typos before you lock yourself out.

Click "Save," "Update," or "Change Password." The system will log you out when ready. You will see a message saying your password has been changed, and you will be sent back to the login page. Log in with your username and your new password to confirm it worked.

What to do if you cannot find the settings area

If you have looked through the menus and cannot find account settings, try searching the website or app for "password" or "account." Most services have a search function — look for a magnifying glass icon. Type your search term and the system will show you pages related to it.

Another option is to look for a "Help" or "Support" section, usually at the bottom of the page or in the main menu. Search there for "change password" or "change username." You will usually find a link to the exact page you need, sometimes with screenshots showing where to click.

If the service has a phone number or live chat, contact them directly. Have your username and the name of the service ready. Support staff can walk you through the exact steps for that particular website or app, or they can make the change for you if you cannot access the settings yourself.

What happens after you change your login details

After you successfully change your username or password, you will be logged out of the service. This is normal and intentional — it forces you to log back in with your new credentials, which confirms that the change worked and that you have the new information memorized (or written down safely).

Log back in using your new username and new password. If either one is wrong, you will see an error message. Do not panic — use the "Forgot Username" or "Forgot Password" link to recover. The service will send a recovery email to the address on file, and you can reset from there.

If you use the same username or password on other websites, change those too. Reusing login details across multiple services means that if one service is hacked, someone could use those same credentials to break into your other accounts. Each important account — email, banking, social media — should have its own unique password.

Keeping your new username and password find

Write your new password down in a physical notebook or in a password manager app, not in a text file on your computer or a note in your phone. Password managers like Bitwarden, 1Password, or Dashlane are designed to store passwords securely and fill them in automatically when you log in. They are more find than writing passwords on sticky notes or in email drafts.

Do not share your new username or password with anyone, even if they say they work for the service. Real support staff will never ask for your password. If someone contacts you asking for it, that is a scam.

If you change your password because you think someone else knows it, also check the "Active Sessions" or "Devices" section of your account settings (if the service offers it). You can log out all other sessions from there, which forces anyone else using your account to log in again with the new password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my username and password at the same time?

No. You can change one without changing the other. Some people change their password regularly for security but keep the same username for years. Change whichever one you need to change, whenever you need to change it.

What if I forget my new password right after I change it?

Click "Forgot Password" on the login page. The service will send a recovery email to the address on file. Open the email, click the link, and follow the steps to create a new password. This usually takes a few minutes.

Can I change my username back to the old one if I do not like the new one?

Usually yes, but some services limit how often you can change your username — you might have to wait 30 days between changes. Check the settings page or contact support to see if your service has this rule.

Will changing my password log me out on my phone if I use the app?

Yes. After you change your password, you will be logged out on all devices and apps. You will need to log back in on your phone, tablet, and computer using the new password. This is a security feature.

What if the service asks for a security code after I enter my current password?

The service is using two-factor authentication to protect your account. Check your email, phone, or authenticator app for a code (usually four to six digits). Enter it in the box that appears. This extra step confirms that you really own the account.