Change your Yahoo password through Account Info in three steps

Open Yahoo Mail and click your account icon in the top right corner. Select Account Info from the menu. On the left side, click Security, then find the Password section and click Change password. Enter your current password, then type your new password twice to confirm it matches. Click Change password at the bottom of the screen.

The new password takes effect immediately. You will be signed out of Yahoo Mail on all devices, and you will need to sign back in with your new password the next time you open the app or website.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Yahoo password from the Security section of Account Info without needing a recovery email or phone number.
  • Your new password must be at least 8 characters long and cannot be a password you have used in the past 12 months.
  • After you change your password, Yahoo signs you out everywhere, so you will need to sign in again on your phone, computer, and any other devices.
  • If you forget your current password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the Yahoo Mail sign-in page instead of the Account Info method.

What makes a strong Yahoo password

Yahoo requires passwords to be at least 8 characters long. A strong password includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like !, @, #, or $. Avoid using your name, birth date, or words that appear in the dictionary, because these are easy to guess.

Do not reuse a password you have used with Yahoo in the past 12 months. Yahoo will reject it and ask you to create a new one. If you use the same password across multiple accounts, changing it on Yahoo is a good time to change it elsewhere too.

If you are signed out or cannot access Account Info

If you cannot sign into Yahoo Mail, go to the Yahoo Mail sign-in page and click Forgot password? Yahoo will ask you to verify your identity using a recovery email address or phone number linked to your account. Once verified, you can create a new password without knowing the old one.

If you no longer have access to your recovery email or phone number, click I can't use these options on the verification screen. Yahoo will ask security questions or other details to confirm you own the account. This process can take longer than the standard password reset.

Signing back in on your devices after changing your password

Yahoo Mail signs you out of all devices when you change your password. On your computer, open Yahoo Mail and sign in with your new password. On your phone, open the Yahoo Mail app, tap your account icon, and sign out. Then sign back in with your new password.

If you use Yahoo Mail with another email client like Outlook or Apple Mail, you may need to update your password there too. Some email clients store the old password and will not connect until you enter the new one. Check the email client's settings for your Yahoo account and update the password field.

What to do if you forget your new password right away

If you change your password and forget it before signing back in everywhere, use the Forgot password? link on the Yahoo Mail sign-in page. You will go through the same verification process as any other password reset. Yahoo will send a code to your recovery email or phone number.

Keep your recovery email and phone number current in Account Info so you can always reset your password if you forget it. Check the Security section regularly to make sure Yahoo has the right contact information for you.

Changing your password on a shared or public computer

If you change your Yahoo password on a shared computer, sign out completely when you are done. Click your account icon and select Sign out. Do not just close the browser, because the session may stay active.

On a public computer like one at a library, avoid changing your password at all. Use a personal device instead. If you must change it on a public computer, change it again as soon as you get home, because the computer may have stored your login information or password.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change my Yahoo password?

There is no rule that forces you to change it on a schedule. Change it if you think someone else knows it, if you used it on a website that was hacked, or if you have not changed it in over a year. Changing it every few months adds extra security if you share devices with other people.

Can I change my password if I have two-step verification turned on?

Yes. Two-step verification does not block password changes. You will still need to enter your current password in the Security section, just like anyone else. Two-step verification protects your account when someone tries to sign in from a new device, not when you change the password yourself.

What if Yahoo says my new password is too weak?

Yahoo rejected it because it does not meet the strength rules: at least 8 characters, and a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Try adding a number or symbol, or make the password longer. Avoid words from the dictionary or personal information like your name or birth year.

Will changing my password delete my emails?

No. Your emails stay in your account. Changing your password only changes how you sign in. All your messages, folders, and settings remain exactly as they were.

Do I need to change my password if I change my recovery email?

No. Updating your recovery email in the Security section does not require a password change. The recovery email is just a backup way to reset your password if you forget it. You can update it anytime without affecting your current password.