The quickest way to change your Facebook password

Open Facebook on a computer or phone, click the downward arrow in the top right corner, and select Settings and privacy, then Settings. On the left side, click Password and security. Click Change password, enter your current password, type your new password twice, and click Change password again. The change takes effect immediately.

If you are on a phone, the steps are the same but the menu layout looks slightly different. The downward arrow (or three horizontal lines on some phones) opens a menu where you scroll down to find Settings and privacy.

You do not need to log out of other devices or browsers after changing your password. Facebook logs you out automatically on all devices except the one you are using right now, so you will need to sign in again on your phone, tablet, or other computers.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your password from any device by going to Settings and privacy > Settings > Password and security > Change password.
  • Facebook automatically logs you out on all other devices after you change your password, so you will need to sign in again on your phone or other computers.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login screen to reset it using your email or phone number.
  • A strong password should be at least 6 characters long and should not be a password you use on other websites.

What makes a strong Facebook password

Facebook requires passwords to be at least 6 characters long, but that is the bare minimum. A stronger password uses a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. For example, "BlueSky2024!" is stronger than "password" or "123456".

The most important rule is not to reuse a password from another website or account. If someone breaks into one site, they will try that same password on Facebook, email, and banking sites. Using a different password for each account means a breach at one place does not put your other accounts at risk.

If you struggle to remember multiple passwords, consider using a password manager — a tool that stores passwords securely and fills them in for you. Popular options include Bitwarden, 1Password, and LastPass.

If you cannot remember your current password

Go to the Facebook login page and click Forgot password? below the login button. 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) for a message from Facebook. The reset link usually arrives within a few minutes. Click the link, create a new password, and you will be logged back in.

If you no longer have access to the email or phone number on your account, the process takes longer. Facebook will ask you to identify yourself using other information, such as photos you have uploaded or friends you have tagged. This verification can take several days.

Changing your password on mobile apps

On the Facebook app for iPhone or Android, tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) at the bottom right. Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then Settings. Tap Password and security, then Change password. Enter your current password and your new password twice, then tap Change password.

The process is identical on both iPhone and Android, though the exact location of buttons may shift slightly depending on your phone's screen size. If you cannot find the menu icon, look for three dots or lines in a corner of the screen.

What happens after you change your password

You stay logged in on the device where you made the change. On every other device — your phone, tablet, work computer, or any browser where you were previously signed in — you will be logged out automatically. The next time you open Facebook on those devices, you will see the login screen.

This automatic logout is a security feature. It means that if someone else was using your account on another device, they lose access immediately. You will need to sign in again with your new password on each device you use regularly.

Keeping your account secure beyond the password

Changing your password is one layer of security, but Facebook offers additional protections. Turn on two-factor authentication (also called 2FA) to require a code from your phone whenever someone tries to log in from a new device. Go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Password and security > Two-factor authentication to turn it on.

You can also review which devices and browsers are currently logged into your account. In the same Password and security section, look for Where you are logged in. This shows every active session. If you see a device you do not recognize, click it and select Log out.

Check your login activity regularly, especially after changing your password. If you see a login from a place you do not recognize or at a time you were not using Facebook, change your password again and review your account settings for unauthorized changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my password if I think someone hacked my account?

Yes, change it immediately. Go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Password and security > Where you are logged in and log out all active sessions except the one you are using now. Then change your password to something completely new. Check your email settings and phone number on file to make sure they have not been changed.

Will changing my password delete my photos, messages, or other content?

No. Changing your password only affects how you sign in. All your photos, messages, friends, and posts stay exactly as they are. The password change does not touch any of your account content.

How often should I change my Facebook password?

There is no set rule. Change it if you think someone knows it, if you reused it on another site that was breached, or if you have not changed it in several years. If your account feels secure, changing it once a year is reasonable.

Can I use the same password on Facebook and Instagram?

You can, since Facebook owns Instagram, but it is not recommended. If one account is compromised, the other is at risk too. Use different passwords for each account, even though they are owned by the same company.

What if I change my password but still cannot log in?

Wait a few minutes — sometimes the change takes a moment to process across Facebook's servers. Make sure you are typing the new password correctly, including uppercase and lowercase letters. If you still cannot log in, use the "Forgot password?" link again to reset it.