Change your AOL password from your account settings

To change your AOL password, sign into your account on AOL.com, go to Account Settings, select Security, and choose Change Password. You will enter your current password, then type your new password twice to confirm it. The change takes effect immediately.

You can do this on any device — computer, phone, or tablet — as long as you can access AOL.com and remember your current password. If you cannot remember your current password, you will need to use the account recovery process instead, which involves verifying your identity through a backup email address or phone number.

Key Takeaways

  • Sign into AOL.com, navigate to Account Settings, select Security, and click Change Password to update your password immediately.
  • Your new password should be at least 8 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols for stronger security.
  • If you forget your current password, use the "Forgot password" link on the AOL login page to verify your identity and reset it.
  • After you change your password, you may be signed out of AOL Mail and other AOL services and will need to sign back in with your new password.
  • Change your password if you suspect someone else knows it, if you have reused it on other websites, or if you have not changed it in over a year.

Step-by-step instructions for changing your password

Open a web browser and go to AOL.com. Click the Sign In button in the top right corner and enter your email address and current password, then click Sign In.

Once you are signed in, look for your account menu — usually shown as your name or initials in the top right corner of the page. Click it and select Account Settings from the dropdown menu. On the Account Settings page, find and click the Security tab on the left side. Look for the option labeled Change Password and click it.

You will see a form with three fields: Current Password, New Password, and Confirm New Password. Type your current AOL password in the first field. In the New Password field, type a password you have not used before. Type that same new password again in the Confirm New Password field to make sure there are no typos. Click the Save or Change Password button to finish.

What makes a strong AOL password

AOL requires passwords to be at least 8 characters long. A stronger password includes uppercase letters (A–Z), lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), and symbols (!@#$%^&*). Avoid using words from a dictionary, your name, your email address, or sequences like 123 or abc.

Do not reuse a password you have used on other websites or accounts. If that other website is breached, someone could use the same password to access your AOL account. If you have trouble remembering multiple passwords, consider using a password manager — a tool that stores passwords securely and fills them in for you.

What happens after you change your password

Your new password takes effect right away. Depending on your device and browser settings, you may be signed out of AOL Mail and other AOL services. If that happens, sign back in using your new password. Any devices where you stayed signed in — such as your phone or tablet — may continue to work for a short time, but you will eventually be asked to sign in again with your new password.

If you use AOL Mail on multiple devices, you may need to update your password on each one. Some devices store the old password and will not automatically switch to the new one. Check your email settings on phones, tablets, and computers to make sure they are using your new password.

When to change your AOL password

Change your password if you think someone else knows it, if you have shared it with anyone, or if you used it on a website that was hacked or breached. You should also change it if you have not updated it in over a year, even if nothing has happened — regular password changes reduce the risk that an old password could be misused.

If you notice unusual activity on your account — such as emails you did not send, unfamiliar forwarding rules, or recovery email addresses you did not add — change your password immediately and then check your Account Settings for any unauthorized changes. If you cannot regain control of your account, contact AOL Support through the Help Center on AOL.com.

If you forgot your current password

Go to AOL.com and click Sign In. On the login page, click the "Forgot password?" link below the password field. AOL will ask you to enter your email address and then verify your identity. You can verify through a backup email address, a phone number, or security questions you set up when you created your account.

Once you have verified your identity, AOL will let you create a new password. Choose a strong password following the guidelines above, and you will be able to sign in right away with the new one. If you cannot verify your identity through any of the available methods, contact AOL Support for additional options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my AOL password on my phone?

Yes. Open the AOL website on your phone's browser, sign in, and follow the same steps: Account Settings, Security, Change Password. You can also change it through the AOL Mail app on iPhone or Android by going to Settings within the app and selecting Password.

Will changing my password sign me out everywhere?

You will be signed out of AOL.com and AOL Mail on the device where you changed it. Other devices may stay signed in temporarily, but you will eventually be prompted to sign in again with your new password. This is normal and helps protect your account.

How often should I change my AOL password?

Change it at least once a year, or sooner if you suspect someone knows it, if you reused it elsewhere, or if you see unusual account activity. There is no harm in changing it more often if you want to.

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

Use the "Forgot password?" link on the AOL login page and verify your identity through your backup email, phone number, or security questions. You can then create another new password and sign in.

Does AOL notify me when someone changes my password?

AOL does not send a notification when you change your own password. However, if someone else changes it without your permission, you will not be able to sign in. If this happens, use the "Forgot password?" link to regain access and then change it again to a password only you know.