Change your password directly from Facebook settings
Open Facebook on any device and go to the settings menu — on a computer, click the downward arrow in the top right corner and select "Settings and privacy," then "Settings." On a phone, tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) at the bottom right, scroll down to "Settings and privacy," and tap "Settings." Look for the "Password" option under the "Personal information" section.
Click or tap "Edit" next to your current password. Facebook will ask you to enter your current password first as a security check, then type your new password twice to confirm it matches. Make sure your new password is at least six characters long and something you haven't used before on this account. Click "Save changes" when you're done.
Facebook will log you out of all your active sessions after you change your password, which means you'll need to log back in on any device where you use Facebook. This is a safety feature — it forces anyone else who might have had access to your account to log in again with the new password.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your Facebook password through Settings and privacy, then Settings, then the Password section on any device.
- Facebook requires you to enter your current password before creating a new one as a security step.
- Your new password must be at least six characters long and different from passwords you've used on that account before.
- Changing your password logs you out everywhere, so you'll need to sign back in on all your devices.
- If you can't remember your current password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login page instead of going to settings.
What to do if you forgot your current password
If you can't remember your password at all, you can't use the settings method. Instead, go to the Facebook login page and click "Forgot password?" Enter the email address or phone number connected to your account. Facebook will send you a link to reset your password — check your email inbox and spam folder.
Click the link in the email and create a new password. You don't need to know your old password to do this. Once you've set a new one, log back into Facebook normally. This process takes a few minutes and is the standard way to regain access if you're locked out.
Make your new password strong and unique
A strong password is harder for someone to guess or crack. Mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (like ! or #) if Facebook allows them. Avoid using your name, birthdate, or common words that appear in the dictionary. Don't use the same password across multiple accounts — if one site gets hacked, a unique password means your other accounts stay safe.
Write your new password down in a secure place, like a password manager app or a locked notebook at home. You don't need to memorize it, but you do need to remember it well enough to log in. If you use a password manager, it can store and fill in your password automatically, which is both convenient and secure.
Why you might need to change your password
Change your password if you think someone else knows it, if you've used it on another website that got hacked, or if you haven't changed it in several years. You should also change it if you've shared your login with someone and no longer want them to have access. Changing your password is one of the fastest ways to lock someone out of your account.
If you suspect your account has been hacked — for example, if you see posts you didn't make or friends report strange messages from you — change your password immediately, then check your login activity. In Facebook settings, go to "Security and login" and look at "Where you're logged in" to see all active sessions. You can log out of any session that isn't yours.
How to stay logged in on trusted devices
After you change your password and log back in, Facebook may ask if you want to stay logged in on that device. If it's your personal computer or phone that only you use, you can say yes. This saves you from typing your password every time. If it's a shared device or a public computer, always choose "Not now" — staying logged in on a shared device means anyone with access to that device can use your account.
You can manage which devices are logged in anytime by going to Settings, then "Security and login," then "Where you're logged in." This page shows every device currently using your account. If you see a device you don't recognize, click it and select "Log out" to end that session immediately.
What happens after you change your password
You'll be logged out of Facebook on all devices within a few minutes. Open the app or website again and log in with your new password. If you use Facebook on multiple devices — a phone, tablet, and computer — you'll need to log in on each one separately. This might feel inconvenient, but it's a security feature that protects your account.
If you have Facebook linked to other apps or services (like games or login tools that use "Log in with Facebook"), those connections stay active. You don't need to re-link them. However, if an app was using your old password directly, it will stop working until you update it with your new password in that app's settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change my Facebook password?
There's no set rule, but changing it once a year is reasonable if you haven't had any security concerns. Change it immediately if you think someone else knows it, if you reused it on another site that was hacked, or if you shared it with someone you no longer trust.
Can I use the same password I used before?
No. Facebook won't let you reuse a password you've used on that account in the past. This prevents you from cycling back to an old password that might have been compromised. You have to create something new each time.
Will changing my password delete my photos or messages?
No. Changing your password only changes how you log in. All your photos, messages, friends, and posts stay exactly as they are. The password change affects only your account security, not your data.
What if I change my password but still can't log in?
Make sure you're typing the new password correctly — passwords are case-sensitive, so "Password" is different from "password." If you're still stuck, use "Forgot password?" again to reset it. If that doesn't work, Facebook may have locked your account for security reasons, and you may need to verify your identity through email or phone.
Do I need to change my password if I change my email address?
No. Changing your email address doesn't affect your password. However, if someone else gained access to your old email account, they might be able to use "Forgot password?" to reset your Facebook password. In that case, change your Facebook password as a precaution.