Where to find the password settings on your Android phone

The steps to change your password depend on what you're securing. Most Android phones let you change the lock screen password (the one you enter when you wake the phone), your Google account password (which protects your email and app data), or both. The lock screen password lives in your phone's Settings app under Security or Lock Screen, while your Google account password is managed through Google's website or the Google app itself.

If you're changing your lock screen password, open Settings, scroll down to find Security or Lock Screen (the exact name varies by phone brand), and look for an option like "Screen Lock" or "Lock Type". If you're changing your Google account password, you'll need to go through Google's account recovery page or use the Google app on your phone.

Key Takeaways

  • Your lock screen password and your Google account password are separate — changing one does not change the other.
  • To change your lock screen password, go to Settings, find Security or Lock Screen, select your current lock type, and enter your old password before creating a new one.
  • To change your Google account password, visit myaccount.google.com on any device or use the Google app on your phone.
  • If you forget your lock screen password, you may be able to unlock your phone using your Google account, depending on your phone model and Android version.

Changing your lock screen password or PIN

Start by opening the Settings app on your home screen. Scroll down until you see Security, Lock Screen, or Biometrics and Security — the exact label depends on your phone's manufacturer. Tap that option.

Look for an option called "Screen Lock", "Lock Type", or "Lock Screen Type". Tap it. Your phone will ask you to enter your current password, PIN, or pattern to confirm it's really you. Enter it correctly.

After you confirm your old password, you'll see options for what kind of lock you want: PIN (numbers only), Password (letters, numbers, and symbols), Pattern (drawing a shape on a grid), or None (no lock). Choose the type you want. If you're keeping the same type, just enter your new password or PIN twice to confirm it matches. Your phone will show a confirmation message when the change is complete.

Changing your Google account password

Your Google account password is separate from your lock screen password. It protects your Gmail, Google Drive, YouTube, and other Google services. To change it, visit myaccount.google.com on any computer or phone with a web browser.

Sign in with your current Google account email and password. On the left side, click or tap "Security". Scroll down to find "Your password" and click "Change password". Google will ask you to sign in again to confirm it's you. After you do, enter your new password twice and click "Change Password".

If you're changing your password from your Android phone itself, you can also open the Google app, tap your profile picture in the top right, select "Manage your Google Account", go to the Security tab, and follow the same steps. The change takes effect immediately on all your devices.

What happens after you change your password

If you changed your lock screen password, you'll use the new one the next time you wake your phone or restart it. If you changed your Google account password, you may be signed out of Gmail, Google Drive, and other Google apps on your phone. When you open these apps, they'll ask you to sign back in with your new password.

Some apps that use your Google account — like third-party email clients or cloud storage apps — may stop working until you update them with your new password. Check any apps that connect to Google and re-enter your credentials if they ask.

If you forget your lock screen password

If you've forgotten your lock screen password and can't unlock your phone, your options depend on your phone model and Android version. Many Android phones let you unlock using your Google account instead. On the lock screen, tap "Forgot password?" or "Forgot PIN?" (if that option appears), then sign in with your Google account email and password. Your phone will unlock and let you set a new lock screen password.

If your phone doesn't show that option, you may need to factory reset it, which erases all data on the phone. Before doing this, contact your phone's manufacturer support or visit a carrier store — they can sometimes help you regain access without losing your data.

Using biometric locks alongside passwords

Many Android phones let you set up fingerprint, face recognition, or other biometric locks in addition to a password. These work alongside your password, not instead of it. You can unlock your phone with your fingerprint or face most of the time, but your phone will ask for your password after a restart or if the biometric reader fails.

To add a biometric lock, go to Settings, find Security or Biometrics and Security, and look for "Fingerprint", "Face Recognition", or "Iris Scanner". Follow the on-screen steps to scan your fingerprint or face. Your password stays in place as a backup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change both my lock screen password and my Google account password?

No. They protect different things. Your lock screen password keeps someone from using your physical phone. Your Google account password protects your email, photos, and app data. You can change one without changing the other, depending on what you're concerned about.

What if I change my Google password but I'm still signed into my phone?

You'll stay signed in on your phone until you sign out or restart it. The next time you open Gmail, Google Drive, or other Google apps, they'll ask you to sign back in with your new password. Apps that aren't made by Google won't be affected.

Can I use the same password for my lock screen and my Google account?

You can, but it's not recommended. If someone guesses your lock screen password, they'd also have access to your email and cloud storage. Using different passwords for each makes your accounts more secure.

How often should I change my Android password?

There's no set rule. Change your lock screen password if you think someone saw you enter it or if you haven't changed it in over a year. Change your Google account password if you suspect someone has accessed your account or if you've used the same password for multiple services.