How to Change Your Email Password on iPad

Change your iPad email password through Settings, not through the Mail app

To change the password for an email account on your iPad, you go to Settings > Mail > Accounts, tap the account you want to change, then tap Account and update the password field. The exact steps depend on which email provider you use — Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or your work email — because some require you to generate an app-specific password instead of using your regular password.

The Mail app itself won't let you change your password. If you try to update it there, you'll get stuck. That's why going through Settings is the only way that works on iPad.

Key Takeaways

Open Settings, go to Mail > Accounts, select your email account, tap Account, and change the password in the password field.
Gmail and Yahoo accounts often require an app-specific password instead of your regular account password, which you generate on their website first.
After you change your password, Mail may take a few minutes to reconnect and stop showing authentication errors.
If you forget which email provider you used, check your email account settings in iPad Settings to see the incoming mail server address.

Steps for Gmail accounts

Gmail doesn't let iPad Mail use your regular password for security reasons. Instead, you need to create an app password — a 16-character code that only works for Mail on your iPad.

First, go to myaccount.google.com on any computer or phone browser. Sign in to your Gmail account, then go to Security in the left menu. Scroll down to App passwords. If you don't see it, you either haven't turned on two-factor authentication yet (which you need to do first) or your account doesn't support app passwords. Select Mail and iPad from the dropdown menus, and Google will generate a 16-character password. Copy this password.

Now go back to your iPad. Open Settings > Mail > Accounts, tap your Gmail account, tap Account, and paste the app password into the password field. Tap Save at the top right. Mail will reconnect within a minute or two.

Steps for Outlook and Microsoft accounts

Outlook accounts on iPad usually work with your regular password, but if you've turned on two-factor authentication, you'll need an app password instead. Go to account.microsoft.com on any browser, sign in, then go to Security and look for App passwords. Generate one for Mail and iPad, then follow the same process: Settings > Mail > Accounts > your account > Account, paste the password, and save.

If you don't see the App passwords option, your account doesn't require one. Use your regular Outlook password instead. If Mail keeps rejecting it, try signing out of your Microsoft account on your iPad entirely (Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out), then sign back in fresh.

Steps for Yahoo and other email providers

Yahoo requires an app password if you have two-factor authentication on. Go to login.yahoo.com, sign in, click your account icon in the top right, go to Account info, then Security. Look for Generate app password, select Mail and iPad, and copy the password. Then update it in iPad Settings the same way: Settings > Mail > Accounts > your account > Account > paste and save.

For other email providers — work email, university email, or smaller services — check your email provider's website for "app passwords" or "less secure app access." Some providers don't support app passwords at all and let you use your regular password. If you're not sure, your email provider's support page will tell you what iPad Mail needs.

What to do if Mail keeps showing an authentication error

After you change your password, Mail may take a few minutes to reconnect. If it's been more than five minutes and you still see a red exclamation mark next to your account in Settings, try these steps in order.

First, go to Settings > Mail > Accounts, tap your account, and make sure the password you entered is exactly right — no extra spaces, no autocorrect changes. Copy and paste it again if you're not sure. Second, try turning Mail off and back on: go to Settings > Mail and toggle the Mail switch off, wait 10 seconds, then toggle it back on. Third, if that doesn't work, remove the account entirely and add it back. Tap Edit in the top left of the Accounts list, tap the red minus sign next to your account, then tap Delete. Then tap Add Account, choose your provider, and enter your email and the correct password.

Why your iPad asks for a different password than your computer

Your iPad's Mail app and your computer's email client are separate programs, so they can have different security rules. Gmail and Yahoo especially treat iPad Mail as a less-trusted app and require app passwords to prevent someone who steals your iPad from reading all your email with just your regular password. Even if you change your regular account password, the app password stays the same until you delete it.

This is why changing your regular Gmail or Yahoo password doesn't automatically fix Mail on your iPad — you have to generate a new app password and enter it separately. It's an extra step, but it means your email stays protected even if your iPad is lost or stolen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my email password on my iPad if I changed it on my computer?

If you changed your regular account password, yes, you need to update it on your iPad too. Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts, tap your account, tap Account, and enter the new password. If you use Gmail or Yahoo, you may need to generate a new app password instead.

What's the difference between my regular password and an app password?

An app password is a separate 16-character code that only works for one app on one device. Your regular password works everywhere — your phone, computer, and the website. App passwords let you give Mail access without giving it your main password, so if your iPad is stolen, the thief can't use that password to sign into your email on a computer.

Can I use the same app password on my iPhone and iPad?

No. Each app password is tied to one device. If you want Mail to work on both your iPhone and iPad, you need to generate two separate app passwords — one for iPhone and one for iPad. You can do this on your email provider's website.

What if I don't remember which email provider I used?

Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts and tap your account. Look at the incoming mail server address. If it says gmail.com, it's Gmail. If it says outlook.office365.com, it's Outlook. If it says mail.yahoo.com, it's Yahoo. You can also check the email address itself — it usually matches the provider.

Will changing my password on iPad sign me out of other apps?

No. Changing your email password in Mail only affects the Mail app. Other apps like Instagram, Facebook, or banking apps that use your email to sign in won't be affected unless they also check your email password directly, which most don't.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.