You cannot see your actual Facebook password, but you can reset it in seconds

Facebook does not show you your password for security reasons — the company stores only an encrypted version that cannot be reversed. If you need to get back into your account, you do not need to find your old password. Instead, you reset it to something new, which takes about two minutes and works whether you remember your password or not.

If you are already logged in and just want to change your password to something you will remember better, that is a different process. Both routes are covered below.

Key Takeaways

  • Facebook cannot show you your current password because it stores only an encrypted version that cannot be read back.
  • If you are locked out, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset to a new password using your email or phone number.
  • If you are logged in but want to change your password, go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Security and Login, then change password.
  • You will need access to the email address or phone number tied to your account to reset a forgotten password.
  • After you reset your password, Facebook will log you out of all other devices for security, and you will need to log back in on each one.

Reset your password if you are locked out of your account

Go to facebook.com and look for the "Forgot Password?" link below the login boxes. Click it. Facebook will ask you to enter the email address or phone number connected to your account.

Enter whichever one you have access to right now. Facebook will send a reset link to that email or a code to that phone number. Open the email or text message, click the link or enter the code, and then type in your new password twice to confirm it matches. Your account is now unlocked with the new password.

If you do not have access to the email address or phone number on file, Facebook has a longer recovery process. You will need to verify your identity using a photo ID and may have to wait several days. Start at the "Forgot Password?" page and follow the prompts for "No longer have access to these?"

Change your password while you are logged in

If you are already in your account and just want to change your password to something easier to remember, the process is faster. Click the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the bottom right corner on mobile, or the downward arrow in the top right on a computer.

Select "Settings and Privacy," then "Settings." Look for "Security and Login" in the left menu. Click "Change Password." Enter your current password once, then type your new password twice. Click "Change Password" to save it.

Facebook will log you out of all other devices as a security measure. You will need to log back in on your phone, tablet, or any other device where you use Facebook.

What to do if you do not remember your email or phone number

If you cannot remember the email address or phone number attached to your account, you have a few options. First, check any old emails from Facebook — they usually come from noreply@facebookmail.com and will show the account email in the message. Look through your phone's text message history for any Facebook codes or reset links.

If that does not work, go to the "Forgot Password?" page and enter any email address or phone number you think might be connected. Facebook will tell you whether it recognizes it. You can also try logging in with a username if you created one, or with any email address you have ever used with the account.

If none of those work, you will need to use Facebook's identity verification process. You will be asked to upload a photo of your ID, and Facebook will review it to confirm you own the account. This can take several days.

Why Facebook will not show you your password

Every password you create is run through a mathematical process called hashing that scrambles it into a long string of characters. Facebook stores only that scrambled version, not the original password. This means even Facebook employees cannot read your actual password — if someone hacks Facebook's servers, they get the scrambled versions, which cannot be turned back into real passwords.

If a company tells you they can show you your password, that is a sign they are storing it unsafely. Any legitimate service, including Facebook, Gmail, Amazon, and your bank, will only let you reset your password, never retrieve the old one.

What to do after you reset your password

After you create a new password, take a moment to check your login activity. Go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Security and Login, then "Where You're Logged In." You will see a list of devices currently connected to your account. If you see any you do not recognize, click the three dots next to it and select "Log Out."

If you were locked out because someone else knew your password, change the passwords on any other accounts that use the same or similar password. Check your email account first — if someone gets into your email, they can reset passwords on almost everything else.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Facebook send me my old password?

No. Facebook stores only an encrypted version of your password that cannot be reversed or read. If you need to get back into your account, you must reset your password to a new one using the "Forgot Password?" link on the login page.

What if I reset my password but still cannot log in?

Wait a few minutes — sometimes the reset takes time to process across Facebook's servers. If you still cannot log in, try using a different browser or device. If the problem continues, go to the "Forgot Password?" page again and repeat the reset process. If you are still stuck, use Facebook's identity verification option to confirm you own the account.

Will resetting my password log me out everywhere?

Yes. When you reset your password, Facebook logs you out of all devices for security. You will need to log back in on your phone, computer, tablet, and any other device where you use Facebook. This is intentional — it prevents someone else from staying logged in if they knew your old password.

What if I do not remember the email or phone number on my account?

Check old emails from Facebook or text messages with Facebook codes. If you still cannot find it, try entering different email addresses or phone numbers on the "Forgot Password?" page — Facebook will tell you which one is connected to your account. If none work, use the identity verification process with a photo ID.

Is it safe to use the same password on multiple accounts?

No. If one service gets hacked, someone can use that password to break into all your other accounts. Use a different password for each important account, especially email and banking. A password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password can store them securely so you only have to remember one master password.