Where to find your password settings

The steps to change your phone password depend on whether you use an iPhone or Android device, but both are straightforward. On an iPhone, go to Settings, tap your name at the top, select "Password & Security," then tap "Change Password." On Android, open Settings, go to "Security & Privacy" or "Security" (the exact name varies by manufacturer), find "Screen lock" or "Lock screen," and select your current lock type — then choose "Change password" or "Change PIN."

Before you start, know your current password or PIN. If you have forgotten it, you will need to go through a longer recovery process using your Google account (Android) or Apple ID (iPhone) instead of simply changing it. That process is different from what we cover here.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhone users change passwords through Settings > Your Name > Password & Security > Change Password.
  • Android users go to Settings > Security & Privacy > Screen lock, then select their lock type and choose Change Password.
  • You must know your current password to change it; if you have forgotten it, you will need to use your Apple ID or Google account to reset it instead.
  • A strong password uses at least 12 characters and mixes uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • After you change your password, test it immediately by locking your phone and unlocking it with the new one.

iPhone password change steps

Open the Settings app and tap your name or Apple ID at the very top of the screen. You will see options including "iCloud," "Media & Purchases," and "Password & Security" — tap "Password & Security." Next, tap "Change Password" near the top of that screen.

You will be asked to enter your current password first, then your new password twice. Make sure the two new passwords match exactly, including uppercase and lowercase letters. After you tap "Change," your phone will confirm the change was successful. This usually takes a few seconds.

Android password change steps

Open Settings and scroll down to find "Security & Privacy" or just "Security" — the exact wording depends on your phone manufacturer and Android version. Tap it, then look for "Screen lock," "Lock screen," or "Lock type." Tap whichever one appears on your phone.

You will see your current lock method listed — it might say "PIN," "Password," "Pattern," or "Fingerprint." Tap on it. The system will ask you to enter your current PIN or password to confirm your identity. After you do, you will see an option to change it. Enter your new password twice to confirm it matches, then tap "Done" or "Confirm."

What makes a strong phone password

A strong password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! @ # $ % or &. Avoid using your birthday, address, or any word that appears in a dictionary by itself. Do not use the same password you use for email, banking, or social media accounts.

If you use a password manager like 1Password, Bitwarden, or the built-in password manager on your phone, you can generate a random strong password and store it there instead of trying to remember it. This is safer than writing it down or reusing a password across multiple devices.

Testing your new password right away

After you change your password, lock your phone immediately and try unlocking it with the new one. Press the power button or use your phone's lock button to turn off the screen, then wake it and enter your new password. If it does not work, you may have made a typo — go back to Settings and try changing it again.

Do this test while you are still in the Settings app, not later when you might be in a hurry. If your new password does not work on the first try, you can change it again right then without waiting or calling anyone.

If you forgot your current password

If you cannot remember your current password, you cannot simply change it — you will need to reset your phone using your Apple ID (iPhone) or Google account (Android). This is a longer process that involves verifying your identity through email or phone number. You can start this by going to Settings and looking for "Reset" or "Forgot password," but the exact steps vary widely.

Because this process is more involved and requires access to your email or phone number, it is worth taking a moment to write down or securely store your current password somewhere safe before you forget it. A password manager handles this automatically.

Changing your password regularly

You do not need to change your phone password every month if it is strong and unique. However, if you think someone else knows your password, or if you have used the same password on multiple devices or accounts, change it right away. You should also change it if you have shared your phone with someone else or if your phone was lost and then recovered.

If you change your password, any apps that use your phone's biometric unlock (fingerprint or face recognition) will continue to work without needing the new password. However, if biometric unlock fails, your phone will ask for your password, so make sure you remember the new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a fingerprint or face instead of a password?

Yes. Both iPhone and Android let you set up Face ID, Touch ID, or fingerprint recognition as your primary unlock method. However, you still need a password as a backup in case biometric unlock fails or is not available. You cannot remove your password entirely.

What if I change my password and my apps stop working?

Apps do not usually stop working when you change your phone password. If an app asks for your password after you change it, that app is asking for its own password (like your email or social media password), not your phone password. Enter the password for that specific app, not your new phone password.

Do I need to change my password if I use Face ID?

You should still change your phone password periodically even if you use Face ID or fingerprint unlock. Your password is the backup unlock method if Face ID or fingerprint fails. Changing it every year or two is reasonable, especially if you think someone may have seen you enter it.

Will changing my password delete my data?

No. Changing your phone password does not delete any photos, messages, apps, or other data on your phone. It only changes the code you use to unlock the device. All your information stays exactly where it is.

Can I use the same password for my phone and my email?

You can, but it is not recommended. If someone learns your phone password, they could also access your email account. It is safer to use different passwords for your phone, email, and banking accounts. A password manager makes it easier to keep track of multiple different passwords.