Where to change your password depends on which Notes app you use

The steps to change your password differ based on whether you use Apple Notes, Microsoft OneNote, Google Keep, or another service. Each one stores your password in a different place and uses a different method to update it. This guide walks through the most common services and where to find the password change option in each one.

Most password changes take effect immediately, though you may need to sign out and sign back in on your devices to see the change. Some services will ask you to verify your identity before allowing a password change — usually by sending a code to your email or phone.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple Notes, Google Keep, and Microsoft OneNote each have their password settings in different locations — usually in your account settings, not in the app itself.
  • You typically change your Notes password by updating your main account password (Apple ID, Google Account, or Microsoft Account), not through a separate Notes setting.
  • Most services require you to verify your identity with a code sent to your email or phone before confirming a password change.
  • After changing your password, you may need to sign out and sign back in on your phone, tablet, or computer for the change to take effect.
  • If you cannot remember your current password, use the "Forgot Password" option on your account login page rather than trying to change it from within the app.

Changing your password in Apple Notes

Apple Notes uses your Apple ID password, so changing your Notes password means changing your Apple ID password. You cannot change the password for Notes alone — it is tied to your entire Apple account.

On an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, go to Settings (or System Settings on Mac), then tap or click your name at the top. Select "Password & Security," then tap "Change Password." Enter your current password, then type your new password twice. Apple will send a verification code to a trusted device or phone number on file. Enter that code to confirm the change.

On a Windows computer or Android device, visit appleid.apple.com in a web browser, sign in, go to "Password & Security," and follow the same steps. After you change your password, sign out of Notes on all your devices and sign back in with the new password.

Changing your password in Google Keep

Google Keep uses your Google Account password. To change it, you do not use the Keep app — you change your Google Account password instead.

Go to myaccount.google.com in a web browser and sign in. On the left side, click "Security." Scroll down to "How you sign in to Google" and click "Password." Google will ask you to sign in again to verify your identity. Enter your current password, then type your new password twice and click "Change Password."

Google will send a notification to your recovery email and phone number to let you know the password was changed. After the change, you may need to sign out of Google Keep on your phone or computer and sign back in with your new password.

Changing your password in Microsoft OneNote

Microsoft OneNote uses your Microsoft Account password (also called your Outlook or Hotmail password). Like Apple Notes and Google Keep, you change the password for your entire Microsoft Account, not just OneNote.

Go to account.microsoft.com in a web browser and sign in. Click "Security" on the left side, then click "Change your password." Microsoft will ask you to enter your current password and then your new password twice. You may receive a verification code by email or text — enter it to confirm the change.

After changing your password, sign out of OneNote on all your devices and sign back in with the new password. This usually takes a few minutes to sync across devices.

What to do if you forgot your current password

If you cannot remember your current password, do not try to change it from within the Notes app. Instead, use the password recovery option on your account's login page.

For Apple ID, go to iforgot.apple.com. For Google Account, go to accounts.google.com/signin/recovery. For Microsoft Account, go to account.live.com/password/reset. Each service will ask you to verify your identity using a recovery email, phone number, or security questions. Once verified, you can set a new password. After you reset your password, sign back into Notes with the new one.

Signing out and back in after a password change

After you change your password, your devices may not update immediately. To make sure your Notes sync properly and you stay signed in, sign out of the app on each device and sign back in with your new password.

On iPhone or iPad, open Settings, tap your name, tap "Sign Out," and confirm. Then sign back in with your Apple ID and new password. On Android, open Google Keep or OneNote, tap your profile picture, tap "Sign Out," and sign back in. On a Mac or Windows computer, open System Settings or Settings, find your account section, and sign out, then sign back in with your new password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my password sign me out of Notes on all my devices?

Not automatically, but you should sign out manually on each device and sign back in with your new password. This ensures your account stays secure and your notes sync properly. Some devices may continue to work briefly with the old password before requiring you to sign in again.

Can I change my Notes password without changing my main account password?

No. Apple Notes, Google Keep, and Microsoft OneNote all use your main account password (Apple ID, Google Account, or Microsoft Account). There is no separate password for Notes alone. If you want a different password for Notes, you must change your entire account password.

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

Usually a few minutes to an hour. If you are still having trouble signing in after an hour, try restarting your device or signing out and signing back in manually. Some devices may cache the old password temporarily.

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

Use the "Forgot Password" option on your account's login page (iforgot.apple.com, accounts.google.com/signin/recovery, or account.live.com/password/reset). You will need to verify your identity using a recovery email or phone number, then you can set another new password.

Do I need to change my password if I just want to sign out of Notes?

No. You can sign out of Notes without changing your password. Go to your device's Settings, find your account section, and select "Sign Out." You can sign back in anytime with your current password.