Change your password from Facebook settings on any device

To change your Facebook password, go to the settings menu, find the security section, and select the option to change your password. Facebook will ask you to enter your current password once, then your new password twice. The change takes effect immediately across all your devices and sessions.

You can do this on a phone, tablet, or computer. The steps are slightly different depending on whether you use the app or a web browser, but the security section is always in the same place within your account settings. The entire process usually takes less than two minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Your new password takes effect right away on all devices where you are logged in.
  • Facebook requires you to know your current password before you can set a new one.
  • If you cannot remember your current password, use the "Forgot Password" option instead of the settings menu.
  • A strong password includes uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and is at least 8 characters long.

Steps to change your password on a computer

Open Facebook in your web browser and log in. Click the downward-facing arrow in the top right corner of the page, next to your profile picture. Select "Settings and privacy," then click "Settings."

On the left side of the screen, click "Security and login." Scroll down until you see "Change password" and click it. Enter your current password in the first box, then type your new password in the second box. Type it again in the third box to confirm. Click "Change password" to save.

Steps to change your password on the Facebook app

Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap "Settings and privacy," then tap "Settings."

Scroll down to find "Security and login" and tap it. Tap "Change password." Enter your current password, then your new password twice. Tap "Change password" to confirm. The app will return you to the settings screen once the change is complete.

What to do if you forgot your current password

If you cannot remember your current password, you cannot use the settings menu to change it. Instead, go to the Facebook login page and click "Forgotten password?" Enter your email address or phone number associated with your account. Facebook will send you a link to reset your password.

Click the link in the email or text message. You will be taken to a page where you can create a new password without entering the old one. After you set your new password, you will be logged out of all devices. Log back in with your new password on each device you use.

How to create a password Facebook will accept

Facebook requires passwords to be at least 6 characters long, but a stronger password is at least 8 characters and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! @ # $ % or &. Avoid using your name, birthdate, or words that appear in a dictionary.

Do not reuse a password you have used on other websites or accounts. If one website is hacked, criminals can try that same password on your other accounts. A unique password for Facebook means your other accounts stay protected even if Facebook is compromised. Consider using a password manager to store and generate strong passwords for all your accounts.

What happens after you change your password

You will be logged out of Facebook on all devices except the one you used to make the change. When you try to use Facebook on your phone, tablet, or another computer, you will see a login screen. Enter your email or phone number and your new password.

This logout happens for security reasons — it makes sure that if someone else had access to your account, they lose it when you change your password. If you see a device you do not recognize in your "Active sessions" list after logging back in, you can remove it by clicking "Log out" next to that device. This prevents unauthorized access to your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change my Facebook password?

There is no set rule, but changing it once or twice a year is reasonable. Change it sooner if you think someone else might know your password, if you used the same password on another website that was hacked, or if you logged into Facebook on a public computer.

Can I change my password if I do not have access to my email or phone?

If you forgot your password and cannot access the email or phone number on your account, you can use Facebook's account recovery process. Go to the login page, click "Forgotten password," and select "No longer have access to these?" Facebook will walk you through additional steps to verify your identity.

Will changing my password log me out of Messenger?

Yes. Messenger uses the same login as Facebook, so changing your password logs you out of Messenger on all devices. You will need to log back in with your new password the next time you open Messenger.

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

Use the "Forgotten password?" option on the Facebook login page. Enter your email or phone number, and Facebook will send you a link to reset it. You do not need to know your previous password to use this option.