The steps to change your Google password

Go to myaccount.google.com in your browser and sign in if you're not already. On the left side, click Security. Scroll down to the section labeled How you sign in to Google and click Password. You'll be asked to sign in again — this is a safety check. Enter your current password, then type your new password twice to confirm it matches. Click Change password at the bottom.

The new password takes effect immediately on that device. On other devices where you're signed in, you'll be signed out automatically. You'll need to sign back in with your new password the next time you use Gmail, YouTube, Google Drive, or any other Google service on those devices.

If you're changing your password because you think someone else has access to your account, also check the Your devices section on the same Security page. You can see where you're signed in and sign out of any device you don't recognize.

Key Takeaways

  • The password change page is at myaccount.google.com under the Security tab, not in Gmail or YouTube settings.
  • Google asks you to sign in twice during the process — once to reach the Security page and once before changing the password.
  • You'll be signed out of all other devices and will need to sign back in with your new password.
  • If you suspect someone else has your password, check the Your devices section to see active sign-ins and remove ones you don't recognize.
  • A strong password is at least 12 characters and includes uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols — not words from a dictionary.

What makes a password strong enough

A strong password is long and random. Aim for at least 12 characters. Mix uppercase and lowercase letters, add numbers and symbols like ! or #, and avoid words you'd find in a dictionary or patterns like 123 or abc.

Do not use personal information — your name, birthday, pet's name, or anything someone could find on your social media. Do not reuse a password from another account. If that other site gets hacked, someone could use the same password to break into your Google account.

If remembering a complex password feels impossible, use a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into your browser. These tools generate strong passwords and store them securely so you only have to remember one main password.

When you forget your current password

If you can't remember your current password, you can't change it through the normal route — Google requires you to enter your old password first. Instead, go to accounts.google.com/signin/recovery and enter your email address. Google will send a recovery code to your backup email or phone number, or ask you to answer security questions you set up earlier.

Once you've verified your identity, you'll be able to set a new password without knowing the old one. This process can take a few minutes or longer depending on how much information Google needs to confirm it's really you.

Signing back in on your other devices

After you change your password, you'll stay signed in on the device where you made the change. On phones, tablets, and computers where you were already signed in, Google will sign you out automatically within a few hours, though sometimes it happens right away.

When you open Gmail, YouTube, Google Drive, or another Google app on those devices, you'll see a sign-in screen. Enter your email address and your new password. If you use two-factor authentication — a security code from your phone or an authenticator app — you'll need to provide that too.

On work or school accounts, your IT department might have set up rules that keep you signed in longer or require you to sign in again immediately. If you're not signed out as expected, contact your IT support.

Two-factor authentication adds a second layer

Two-factor authentication means Google asks for something you know (your password) and something you have (your phone or a security key). Even if someone learns your password, they can't sign in without the second factor.

You can set this up on the same Security page where you change your password. Google offers several options: a code sent by text message, a code from an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Authy, or a physical security key. An authenticator app is more secure than text message because text messages can be intercepted, and a security key is the most secure option.

Once you turn on two-factor authentication, you'll need to provide the second factor every time you sign in on a new device — though Google may remember a device for 30 days if you tell it to.

Changing your password on a shared or public computer

Do not change your Google password on a shared computer, internet café, or public library computer. Someone with access to that machine could see your password or install software that captures it.

If you must change your password on a shared device, use a private browsing window (called Incognito in Chrome, Private in Firefox). This prevents the browser from saving your password or keeping a record of the sites you visited. Close the window completely when you're done — do not just close the tab.

After you change your password on a public device, sign out completely. Go to myaccount.google.com, click your profile picture in the top right, and click Sign out. Then close the browser entirely.

Recovering access if your account is locked

If Google thinks your account has been hacked, it may lock you out and ask you to change your password before you can sign in. You'll see a message saying your account or password was compromised. Follow the on-screen steps to verify your identity and set a new password.

Google may ask you to review recent activity, remove unknown devices, or update your recovery information. These steps help secure your account. If you see this message and you did not recently try to sign in from an unusual location, someone else may have accessed your account — change your password immediately and review the devices signed in under Your devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my password sign me out of Gmail on my phone?

Yes. Within a few hours of changing your password, you'll be signed out of Gmail and other Google apps on all devices except the one where you made the change. You'll need to sign back in with your new password. If you use two-factor authentication, you'll also need to provide your second factor.

Can I change my password without knowing my current password?

No, not through the normal password change page. You must use the account recovery process at accounts.google.com/signin/recovery. Google will verify your identity using your backup email, phone number, or security questions before letting you set a new password.

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

Use the recovery process at accounts.google.com/signin/recovery again. You'll verify your identity the same way, and Google will let you set another new password. Make sure your backup email and phone number are current so recovery works when you need it.

Does changing my password delete my emails or files?

No. Your password change only affects how you sign in. All your Gmail messages, Google Drive files, photos, and other data stay exactly as they are. The change does not delete anything or change any of your settings.

Should I change my password regularly even if nothing seems wrong?

Changing your password once or twice a year is reasonable if you use a strong, unique password and have two-factor authentication turned on. If you reuse passwords across multiple sites or suspect someone has seen your password, change it right away. Focus more on using a strong password and two-factor authentication than on how often you change it.