The steps to change your Gmail password

Open Gmail in a web browser and sign in if you are not already. Click your profile picture in the top right corner, then select "Manage your Google Account." Go to the "Security" tab at the top. On the left side, find "Password" and click it. Google will ask you to sign in again to confirm it is really you. After you sign in, type your new password twice — once in each box — then click "Change Password."

Your new password takes effect immediately across all devices and apps that use your Gmail account. If you are signed into Gmail on a phone, tablet, or computer, you will stay signed in on those devices. The next time you sign into a new device or app, you will need to use your new password.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your Gmail password through your Google Account security settings, not through the Gmail app itself.
  • Google requires you to sign in a second time before letting you create a new password, as a security check.
  • Your new password works right away on the device you changed it on, but you will need to enter it on other devices the next time you sign in.
  • If you forget your current password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the Gmail sign-in page instead of trying to change it.
  • A strong password has at least 12 characters and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

What to do if you cannot access the security settings

If you cannot click on your profile picture or reach the security tab, you may be signed out or using a restricted network. Sign out completely by clicking your profile picture and selecting "Sign out," then sign back in fresh. If you are on a work or school network, your organization may block access to account settings — try changing your password on a personal device or home network instead.

If you are locked out of your account entirely and cannot sign in at all, the password change page will not help. Instead, go to the Gmail sign-in page, click "Forgot password?", and follow the recovery steps. Google will ask you to verify your identity using a recovery email address or phone number you set up earlier.

Why you might want to change your password

Change your password if you think someone else knows it, if you used the same password on another website that was hacked, or if you have not changed it in over a year. You should also change it if you shared your account with someone who no longer needs access, or if you used it on a public or shared computer.

Changing your password does not sign you out of devices you already use, so if someone has access to a device where you are signed in, they can still use your account. If you suspect someone is using your account without permission, change your password and then check your "Security" tab for a list of devices currently signed in. You can sign out of any device remotely from that page.

Creating a password that is hard to guess

A strong password is at least 12 characters long and uses a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid passwords based on your name, birthday, or common words. Do not use patterns like "123456" or "qwerty." A random combination like "Tr0pic@lMango#42" is much harder to crack than "Password123."

You can also use a passphrase — a string of random words separated by numbers or symbols, like "Purple-Elephant-Sunrise-8-Keyboard." Passphrases are often easier to remember than random strings while still being very secure. Write your new password down somewhere safe, like a locked drawer or a password manager app, so you do not forget it.

What happens to your other Google services

Your Gmail password is the same as your Google Account password, so changing it affects everything connected to that account: Google Drive, Google Photos, YouTube, Google Calendar, and any other Google service you use. You will need to use your new password the next time you sign into any of these services on a new device.

If you use Gmail through an app on your phone or tablet, you may need to update your password in the app settings after you change it. Some apps store the old password and will not automatically update. Check the app's settings or sign-out and sign back in to make sure it is using your new password.

Signing out of devices after you change your password

After you change your password, you stay signed in on devices you already use. If you want to sign out of a specific device — like a computer at work or a tablet you sold — go to your Google Account security page, scroll down to "Your devices," and click "Manage all devices." You will see a list of every device currently signed into your account, with the device name, type, and last sign-in date.

Click on any device and select "Sign out" to remove your account from it immediately. That device will no longer have access to your Gmail or other Google services unless you sign back in. This is useful if you lost a device, let someone borrow it, or want to make sure an old computer no longer has access to your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my password on my phone after I change it on my computer?

No. Your new password works on all devices right away. You stay signed in on your phone, tablet, and computer. The next time you sign out and try to sign back in on any device, you will use your new password.

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

Go to the Gmail sign-in page and click "Forgot password?" Google will walk you through recovery steps, usually by sending a code to your recovery email or phone number. You will then create another new password.

Can I change my password if I am using Gmail through Outlook or another email app?

Yes. You change your password through your Google Account, not through the app. After you change it, the app may ask you to sign in again with your new password. Some older apps may need you to generate a special app password instead — check your Google Account security settings under "App passwords" if the regular password does not work.

Will changing my password delete my emails or files?

No. Changing your password does not affect any of your emails, files, photos, or other data. Everything stays exactly where it is. Only the password you use to sign in changes.