Where to find your Chromebook password settings

Your Chromebook password is the one you use to sign in to your Google Account, not a separate device password. When you change it, you change the password for that Google Account across all your devices — your phone, tablet, computer, and any other device where you sign in with that account.

You cannot change your Chromebook password directly from the Chromebook itself. Instead, you change it through Google Account settings on any device with a web browser, or through the Google Account website. The change takes effect on your Chromebook the next time you sign out and sign back in.

If you want to add a PIN or pattern lock that only unlocks your Chromebook (separate from your Google Account password), you can do that in your Chromebook's settings. That is a different process from changing your account password.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Chromebook password is your Google Account password, which you change through Google Account settings, not through the Chromebook itself.
  • You can change your Google Account password from any device with a web browser by going to myaccount.google.com and selecting Security in the left menu.
  • After you change your password, sign out of your Chromebook and sign back in with the new password for the change to take effect.
  • You can also set up a PIN or pattern to unlock your Chromebook without changing your Google Account password.

Steps to change your Google Account password from a computer or phone

Go to myaccount.google.com in any web browser. If you are not already signed in to your Google Account, sign in now.

On the left side of the page, select Security. Scroll down until you see How you sign in to Google. Under that section, select Password. Google will ask you to sign in again to confirm it is really you.

Enter your current password, then enter your new password twice. Google will show you a strength meter as you type — a strong password uses uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Select Change password when you are done. Google will send you a notification to confirm the change was successful.

How to sign back in to your Chromebook with your new password

Once you have changed your Google Account password, your Chromebook will not know about it until you sign out and sign back in. You do not have to do this right away — your Chromebook will keep working until you sign out.

To sign out, select your profile picture in the bottom right corner of the screen. Select Sign out. On the sign-in screen, enter your email address and select Next. Enter your new password and select Next again. Your Chromebook will sync with your Google Account and you will be signed in with the new password.

Setting up a PIN or pattern to unlock your Chromebook

If you want to lock your Chromebook with something other than your full password — such as a four-digit PIN or a pattern you draw on the screen — you can set that up separately. This does not change your Google Account password; it only protects your Chromebook when it is closed or idle.

Select your profile picture in the bottom right corner and choose Settings. Select Security and Privacy in the left menu. Under Security, select Manage other people. Find your account and select it. Toggle on Enable PIN unlock or Enable pattern unlock, depending on what you prefer. Follow the prompts to create your PIN or pattern.

The next time your Chromebook locks, you will be able to unlock it with your PIN or pattern instead of typing your full password. If you forget your PIN or pattern, you can always sign in with your full Google Account password instead.

What to do if you forget your password

If you cannot remember your Google Account password, go to accounts.google.com/signin/recovery on any device. Enter the email address or phone number associated with your account. Google will ask you to verify your identity — usually by sending a code to a recovery email address or phone number you set up earlier.

Once you verify your identity, you can create a new password. This new password will work on your Chromebook and all your other devices the next time you sign in.

Keeping your password secure

Use a password that is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using words from the dictionary, your name, your email address, or information that is easy to find about you online.

Do not share your password with anyone, even if they say they work for Google or your school. Google will never ask you for your password in an email or text message. If someone claims to be from Google and asks for your password, it is a scam.

If you think someone else knows your password, change it right away. You can also check which devices are signed in to your account by going to myaccount.google.com, selecting Security, and scrolling to Your devices. If you see a device you do not recognize, select it and choose Sign out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Chromebook password without signing out?

You can change your Google Account password from any device without signing out of your Chromebook. However, your Chromebook will not know about the change until you sign out and sign back in. The next time you try to sign in, use your new password.

What happens if I change my password and forget to sign back in to my Chromebook?

Your Chromebook will continue to work normally until you sign out. Once you sign out, you will need to use your new password to sign back in. If you cannot remember your new password, use the recovery process at accounts.google.com/signin/recovery.

Is my PIN or pattern the same as my password?

No. Your PIN or pattern only unlocks your Chromebook. Your Google Account password is what you use to sign in to your account. You can have both — the PIN or pattern protects your device, and the password protects your account across all devices.

Can I change my password on my Chromebook itself?

No. You must change your Google Account password through the Google Account website at myaccount.google.com. Your Chromebook does not have a separate password setting. Once you change your account password online, sign out and sign back in to your Chromebook to use the new password.