The fastest way to change your password

Go to myaccount.google.com in any web browser, sign in if you're not already, and click Security in the left menu. Find the Password section and click Change password. Google will ask you to sign in again for security, then show you a form where you enter your current password once and your new password twice. Click Change password at the bottom, and you're done — the change takes effect immediately across all your devices and services.

If you're already signed into your Google account on your computer, you can also go directly to accounts.google.com/signin/v2/challenge/pwd and skip the menu navigation. The process is identical from there.

Key Takeaways

  • The Security page at myaccount.google.com is the official place to change your password, and it takes about two minutes.
  • Google requires you to enter your current password before setting a new one, so you need to remember it to make the change.
  • Your new password takes effect on all your devices and apps within a few minutes, though you may need to sign in again on some of them.
  • If you've forgotten your current password, use the account recovery process instead of trying to change it directly.

What happens after you change your password

Once you've entered your new password, Google signs you out of all active sessions on other devices within a few minutes. This means if you're signed into Gmail on your phone, your tablet, and your work computer, you'll get signed out of all three. You'll need to sign back in using your new password on each device where you want to stay signed in.

Some apps that use your Google account — like Spotify, Slack, or your smart home devices — may also ask you to sign in again. This is normal and a security feature: it makes sure only devices you actively approve can access your account. If you see a sign-in prompt on an app you don't recognize, don't enter your password; instead, change your password again and review which apps have access to your account.

Creating a strong password Google will accept

Google doesn't enforce a specific password rule like "must contain a number and a symbol," but it does reject passwords that are too common or that it has seen in data breaches. If you try to use a password Google flags as weak, it will tell you so and ask you to choose a different one — you won't be able to proceed until you do.

A strong password is at least 12 characters long and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols in a way that doesn't follow a predictable pattern. Avoid using your name, your email address, or words from the dictionary. If you use a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the one built into Chrome, it can generate a random strong password for you and remember it so you don't have to.

If you can't remember your current password

The password change form requires you to enter your current password first, so if you've forgotten it, you can't use the normal change process. Instead, go to accounts.google.com/signin/help and click I can't access my account. Google will walk you through account recovery, which usually involves confirming your identity using a recovery email address or phone number you set up earlier.

Account recovery can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours depending on which recovery method you use and how quickly you respond. Once you've regained access to your account, you can then change your password using the normal process described above.

Changing your password on a phone or tablet

The process is the same on mobile devices, but the steps look slightly different because of the smaller screen. Open the Gmail app or any browser, go to myaccount.google.com, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), and tap Security. Scroll down to Password and tap Change password. You'll sign in again, then enter your current and new passwords the same way you would on a computer.

If you're using an iPhone or iPad, you can also change your password through the Settings app: go to Settings > Google (or Gmail) > tap your account > Manage your Google Account > Security > Password. The steps are the same from there.

Why you might want to change your password regularly

You don't need to change your password on a schedule if you're the only one who knows it and you use a strong, unique password. However, you should change it right away if you think someone else knows it, if you used the same password on another website that was breached, or if you shared it with someone who no longer needs access to your account.

If you're concerned your account has been compromised, changing your password is only the first step. Go to myaccount.google.com/security, scroll to Your devices, and review the list of devices signed into your account. If you see a device you don't recognize, click it and select Sign out. You should also review which apps and websites have permission to access your account under Third-party apps & services and remove any you don't use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my password delete my emails or files?

No. Your password protects access to your account, but changing it doesn't touch any of your data. Your emails, Google Drive files, photos, and calendar events all stay exactly as they are. Only your ability to sign in changes.

Do I need to change my password on Gmail separately?

No. Gmail is part of your Google account, so changing your Google password automatically changes your Gmail password. You only need to do it once at myaccount.google.com.

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

Use the account recovery process at accounts.google.com/signin/help. Google will ask you to verify your identity using a recovery email or phone number, then let you set a new password. Keep a recovery email and phone number up to date in your account settings so this process works when you need it.

Can I change my password if I'm signed out of my account?

No, you need to be signed in to change your password. If you're signed out and can't sign in because you've forgotten your password, use the account recovery process instead.

How long does it take for my new password to work on all my devices?

The password change is instant, but it can take a few minutes for Google to sign you out of other devices. Most devices will prompt you to sign in again within five minutes. Some apps may take longer to recognize the change.