Change your password from your computer or phone

The fastest way to change your password is to go directly to the website or app where you have an account, find the account settings, and look for a "Change Password" or "Security" option. Most services ask you to enter your current password first, then type your new password twice to make sure you didn't make a typo. The whole process usually takes less than two minutes.

If you are on a computer, log in to your account in a web browser. Look for a menu in the top right corner — often your name, initials, or a gear icon. Click it and search for words like "Account", "Settings", "Security", or "Privacy". Once you find the password section, you will see a field asking for your current password. Type it in. Then create a new password and type it again in the confirmation field. Click "Save" or "Update" and you are done.

On a phone or tablet, the steps are the same but the menu location changes. Open the app or website, tap the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines or dots), and look for "Settings" or "Account". The password change option is almost always under a "Security" heading. Enter your current password, create a new one, and confirm it.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your password on any device by logging in, finding Account or Security settings, and entering your current password followed by a new one.
  • A strong password uses a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and is at least 12 characters long.
  • If you cannot remember your current password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login screen instead of trying to change it from settings.
  • Change your password immediately if you think someone else knows it or if you used the same password on multiple accounts.
  • After you change your password, you may be signed out of the app or website and will need to log in again with your new password.

Create a password that is hard to guess

A strong password is one that would take a long time for someone to guess or crack. The best passwords mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! @ # $ % ^ & *. Avoid using words from the dictionary, your name, your birthday, or anything someone could find out about you from social media.

A password that is at least 12 characters long is much harder to crack than a short one. For example, "BlueMoon2024!" is stronger than "password123" because it is longer and uses a mix of character types. If you struggle to remember complex passwords, consider using a password manager — a tool that stores your passwords securely and fills them in for you when you log in.

What to do if you forgot your current password

If you cannot remember your current password, you cannot change it from the settings menu because the system will ask you to enter it first. Instead, go to the login screen and look for a link that says "Forgot Password" or "Can't Log In". Click it.

The service will ask you to verify your identity — usually by sending a link to your email address or a code to your phone number. Check your email inbox or text messages for that link or code, click or enter it, and you will be taken to a page where you can create a new password. This process is called a password reset, and it is the correct way to regain access when you have lost your password.

Change your password on multiple accounts if you used the same one everywhere

If you used the same password on more than one website or app, you should change it on all of them. This matters because if someone gets your password from one service, they can try it on others. Start with the accounts that matter most — email, banking, and anything connected to money or personal information.

You do not have to change them all in one day. Pick one account per day or per week and work through them. Write down which ones you have changed so you do not lose track. Once you have changed the password on all your important accounts, use a different password for each one going forward. A password manager can help you keep track of many different passwords without having to remember them.

What happens after you change your password

After you save your new password, most services will sign you out immediately. This is normal and a security feature — it forces you to log back in with your new password to prove you have it. Open the login screen, enter your username or email address, and type your new password. You should now be logged in.

Some services may ask you to verify your identity again by entering a code sent to your email or phone. This is an extra security step and is also normal. Once you have logged back in, you can use the service as usual. If you are signed in on other devices — like a phone or tablet — you may need to log in again on those devices too with your new password.

Change your password regularly on sensitive accounts

For accounts that hold sensitive information — like email, banking, or work accounts — consider changing your password every three to six months, even if you have not noticed any problems. This reduces the window of time that a stolen password could be used without your knowledge.

You do not need to change passwords on less important accounts as often. A good rule is to change passwords on sensitive accounts regularly and change passwords on other accounts only when you suspect a problem or when you reuse a password you have decided to stop using. If a service notifies you that there has been a data breach, change your password on that service right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my password if I am locked out of my account?

No. If you are locked out, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login screen to reset your password instead. A reset verifies your identity through email or phone and lets you create a new password without needing the old one.

Will changing my password sign me out on all my devices?

Most services sign you out everywhere after a password change, but some only sign you out on the device where you made the change. Check your account settings under "Active Sessions" or "Devices" to see where you are logged in. You can usually sign out of specific devices from that menu if you want to.

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

Use the "Forgot Password" link on the login screen again. You will go through the same verification process with your email or phone and can create another new password. There is no limit to how many times you can reset a password.

Should I tell anyone my new password?

No. Never share your password with anyone, including customer support, family members, or friends. Legitimate support staff will never ask for your password. If someone asks for it, that is a sign of a scam.

Can I use a password I used before?

Most services do not let you reuse an old password for security reasons. If you try to set a password you have used recently on that account, the system will reject it and ask you to choose a different one.