The basic steps to change your password

The process differs slightly between email providers, but the core steps are the same: log in to your account, find the security or password settings, enter your current password, create a new one, and confirm the change. Most providers complete the change immediately. You'll typically need to sign back in on your devices afterward.

The exact location of the password settings depends on which email service you use — Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or another provider each organize their menus differently. The instructions below cover the three largest providers. If you use a different service, look for "Account Settings," "Security," or "Password" in your account menu.

Key Takeaways

  • You need your current password to change it, so have it ready before you start.
  • Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo each keep password settings in different places, but all three let you change it from a web browser in under five minutes.
  • After you change your password, you'll need to sign back in on your phone, tablet, and computer — old sessions end automatically.
  • If you've forgotten your current password, use the "Forgot password" link on the login screen instead of trying to change it from inside your account.

How to change your password in Gmail

Go to myaccount.google.com and sign in if you're not already. On the left side, click Security. Scroll down to find Password and click it. Google will ask you to sign in again to confirm your identity — enter your current password. Then type your new password twice to confirm it matches, and click Change Password.

Gmail will show a confirmation message. You're done. On your phone or tablet, open the Gmail app, sign out, and sign back in with your new password. Do the same on any other device where you use Gmail.

How to change your password in Outlook

Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in. Click Security at the top. Under Password and security info, click Change my password. Enter your current password, then type your new password twice. Click Next, then Finish.

Outlook will sign you out of your account as a security measure. Sign back in with your new password on the web. Then open Outlook on your phone, tablet, or desktop, remove your account, and add it again using your new password.

How to change your password in Yahoo

Go to account.yahoo.com and sign in. Click Account info at the top. On the left, click Security and privacy. Find Password and click Change password. Enter your current password, then type your new password twice. Click Change password.

Yahoo will confirm the change. Like the others, you'll need to sign back in on your devices. Open the Yahoo Mail app or any email client that connects to Yahoo, remove the account, and add it again with your new password.

What to do if you've forgotten your current password

If you can't remember your password, you can't change it from inside your account — you'll need to reset it instead. Go to your email provider's login page and click Forgot password or Can't sign in. The provider will ask you to verify your identity, usually by sending a code to a backup email address or phone number you set up earlier.

Once you've verified your identity, you'll be able to create a new password without entering the old one. This process takes a few extra minutes but works even if you have no memory of your current password. If you don't have access to your backup email or phone number, contact your provider's support team — they can help you regain access to your account.

Why you should change your password regularly

Changing your password every few months reduces the window of time a stolen password can be used against you. If you reuse the same password across multiple websites, changing it becomes more urgent — a breach at one site puts all your accounts at risk. If you've used the same password for years, or if you suspect someone else knows it, change it now.

A strong password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid passwords based on your name, birthday, or other information someone could guess. If you have trouble remembering multiple passwords, consider using a password manager — a tool that stores passwords securely and fills them in automatically.

What happens after you change your password

Your old password stops working immediately. Any device or app that was signed in will stay signed in for a while, but the next time it tries to connect to your email, it will be rejected and you'll need to sign in again with your new password. This is normal and intentional — it's a security feature that forces old sessions to end.

On your phone, this usually means opening the email app, removing your account, and adding it again. On your computer, you may need to do the same in Outlook or Mail, or simply enter your new password when prompted. The exact steps depend on which app you use, but all of them will ask for your new password the next time they try to sync.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my password on my phone?

Yes. Open your email app's settings, find the account settings or security section, and look for password or account options. Most apps let you change your password from within the app, though some require you to use a web browser instead. If you can't find it in the app, go to your provider's website using a browser on your phone.

Do I need to change my password on every device?

No. You change the password once in your email account settings, and then you sign back in on each device with the new password. You don't change the password separately on each device — you just enter the new password when each device asks for it.

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

Use the "Forgot password" link on your email provider's login page. You'll verify your identity using a backup email or phone number, and then create another new password. This works the same way as if you'd forgotten any other password.

Will changing my password delete my emails?

No. Your emails stay in your account. Changing your password only affects who can sign in — it doesn't touch the messages, contacts, or files stored in your account.

How often should I change my password?

If you use a strong, unique password that you don't reuse anywhere else, changing it once or twice a year is reasonable. If you reuse the same password on multiple sites, or if you suspect someone knows it, change it immediately. If your email was part of a data breach, change it right away.