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. Next to "Password," click Edit. Enter your current password, then type your new password twice. Click Save changes at the bottom. Facebook will log you out of all other devices and sessions, so you'll need to log back in on anything you use regularly.

The whole process takes about two minutes. If you're on a phone, the steps are the same — the menu just looks slightly different because of the smaller screen.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your password from Settings and privacy > Settings > Password and security > Edit, then enter your current password and your new one twice.
  • Facebook will immediately log you out everywhere except the device you're using, so plan to log back in on your phone, tablet, or other computers afterward.
  • A strong password uses at least 12 characters and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — avoid birthdays, names, or words from the dictionary.
  • If you can't remember your current password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login screen instead of trying to change it from Settings.

Why you should change your password regularly

Changing your password every few months makes it harder for someone who has guessed or stolen it to stay in your account. If you've used the same password on multiple websites, or if you think someone else knows it, change it right away — don't wait for a scheduled change.

Facebook will also ask you to change your password if the company detects suspicious activity on your account, like a login from an unusual location or device. In those cases, you'll see a prompt when you try to log in.

What makes a strong Facebook password

A strong password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! @ # $ % or &. Avoid using your name, birthdate, pet's name, or common words that appear in the dictionary. Don't reuse passwords across different websites — if one site gets hacked, someone could try that same password on Facebook.

A password like "BlueSky#Mountain47" is much stronger than "password123" or "Facebook2024." You don't need to memorize it — use a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into your phone's operating system to store it securely.

What happens after you change your password

Facebook logs you out of every device and app where you were signed in — your phone, tablet, laptop, and any third-party apps connected to your Facebook account. You'll stay logged in on the device you used to change the password, but everywhere else will require you to log back in with your new password.

This is a safety feature. If someone else had access to your account on another device, they lose it the moment you change your password. Check your list of active sessions in Settings > Password and security > Where you're logged in to see all the places Facebook knows about. If you see a device or location you don't recognize, click it and select "Log out."

If you forgot your current password

Go to the Facebook login page and click Forgot password? Enter your email address or phone number. Facebook will send you a link to reset your password — check your email or text messages for it. Click the link, enter a new password twice, and you're done. You don't need to know your old password to do this.

If you can't access the email or phone number tied to your account, Facebook has a recovery process, but it takes longer. You'll need to prove you own the account by answering security questions or uploading an ID. Start at the login page and follow the prompts under "Can't access your account?"

Changing your password on the Facebook app

The steps are the same on iPhone and Android. Open the Facebook app, tap the three horizontal lines (menu) at the bottom right, scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then Settings. Tap Password and security, then tap Edit next to "Password." Enter your current password, then your new password twice, and tap Save.

Some phones also let you use biometric login — your fingerprint or face — instead of typing a password every time. You can set this up in Settings > Password and security > Biometric login. You'll still need your password to change account settings or log in on a new device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my password delete my photos, messages, or friends list?

No. Changing your password only changes how you log in. All your photos, messages, friends, and posts stay exactly as they are. The only thing that changes is that you'll be logged out everywhere and need to log back in.

How often should I change my Facebook password?

Change it if you think someone knows it, if you used it on another website that got hacked, or if Facebook asks you to. Beyond that, changing it every three to six months is reasonable. You don't need to change it every month unless you work in security or handle sensitive information.

Can I use the same password for Facebook and other websites?

No. If one website gets hacked and your password is stolen, someone can try that same password on Facebook, your email, your bank, and everywhere else. Use a different password for each important account, or use a password manager to keep track of them.

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 "Password123" is different from "password123." If you're still stuck, use "Forgot password?" to reset it again. If that doesn't work, contact Facebook through Settings > Help and support > Report a problem.