How to change your phone password

The steps to change your phone password depend on whether you use an Android device or an iPhone, and whether you want to change your lock screen password, your Google account password, or your Apple ID password. Most people need to change their lock screen password — the one you enter when you wake up your phone. That process takes about two minutes and happens entirely in your phone's settings.

If you have forgotten your current password, you will need to use your backup email address or phone number to verify your identity before you can set a new one. The exact process varies by device type and by how recently you set up your phone.

Key Takeaways

  • On Android, open Settings, tap Security or Lock Screen, then choose your password type and follow the prompts to enter a new password.
  • On iPhone, go to Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode), enter your current passcode, then tap Change Passcode.
  • If you forget your password, you will need to verify your identity using a backup email address or recovery phone number before you can create a new one.
  • Your lock screen password is different from your Google account password (Android) or Apple ID password (iPhone) — changing one does not change the other.
  • Use a password that is at least six characters long and avoid simple patterns like 1234 or 0000, which take seconds to guess.

Changing your lock screen password on Android

Open the Settings app on your Android phone. Scroll down and tap Security or Security and Privacy — the exact name varies by manufacturer. Look for an option called Lock Screen, Screen Lock, or Lockscreen.

Tap that option, then select the type of lock you want: Password, PIN, or Pattern. If you already have a lock set, you will be asked to enter your current password, PIN, or pattern first. After you verify your current lock, you will see a field to enter your new password. Type it in, then tap the button to confirm. You will usually be asked to enter the new password a second time to make sure you typed it correctly.

Once you confirm, your new password takes effect immediately. The next time you turn on your phone or wake the screen, you will use the new password to unlock it.

Changing your passcode on iPhone

Open the Settings app and tap Face ID & Passcode if your phone uses face recognition, or Touch ID & Passcode if it uses a fingerprint. If your phone is older and uses neither, tap Passcode. You will be asked to enter your current passcode before you can proceed.

Once you have entered your current passcode, tap Change Passcode. Enter your current passcode one more time, then enter your new passcode. You will be asked to enter the new passcode again to confirm it. After you tap Done, the new passcode is active.

If you want to change from a six-digit passcode to a four-digit one, or to a custom-length passcode, tap Passcode Options before you enter your new code. This lets you choose the length and type of passcode you prefer.

What to do if you have forgotten your password

If you cannot remember your current lock screen password, you cannot simply reset it from Settings — you will need to verify your identity first. On Android, you will usually be given the option to unlock your phone using your Google account. Tap Forgot password? on the lock screen, then enter the email address and password for the Google account linked to your phone. Once you verify that account, you can set a new lock screen password.

On iPhone, if you forget your passcode, you will need to erase your phone and set it up again using your Apple ID. This erases all data on the phone unless you have a backup. Go to iCloud.com, sign in with your Apple ID, and use Find My iPhone to erase the device remotely. Then set it up again and restore from your backup if you have one.

If you do not remember your Google account password (Android) or Apple ID password (iPhone), you will need to recover those accounts first. Both Google and Apple let you recover your account using a backup email address or phone number you provided when you set up the account.

The difference between lock screen password and account password

Your lock screen password — the one you enter to unlock your phone — is separate from your Google account password (on Android) or Apple ID password (on iPhone). Changing your lock screen password does not change your account password, and changing your account password does not change your lock screen password.

If you want to change your Google account password, you do that on Google's website, not in your phone's settings. The same is true for your Apple ID password — you change it on Apple's website or in the Settings app under your name at the top. These account passwords protect your email, cloud storage, and app purchases, so they are worth keeping separate from your lock screen password.

Choosing a strong password

A strong lock screen password is at least six characters long and does not follow an obvious pattern. Avoid passwords like 1234, 0000, or 1111 — these are the first things someone will try. Avoid birthdays, anniversaries, or other dates that someone who knows you might guess.

A mix of numbers and letters is stronger than numbers alone. If your phone allows it, use a longer password — eight or more characters makes it much harder to guess. Write your password down and store it somewhere safe, separate from your phone, in case you forget it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my password without knowing my current one?

No, you will need to enter your current password first. If you have forgotten it, you can use your backup email or phone number to verify your identity and reset it, but you cannot skip the verification step.

Does changing my lock screen password change my email password?

No. Your lock screen password and your email or account password are separate. Changing one does not affect the other. You would need to change your email password on the email provider's website.

How often should I change my phone password?

There is no rule that says you must change it on a schedule. Change it if you think someone else knows it, if you have shared it with someone and no longer want them to have access, or if you have used the same password on multiple devices and want to make them different.

What happens if I forget my new password right after changing it?

You will need to use your backup email or phone number to verify your identity and reset it again. This is why it helps to write down your new password somewhere safe before you close Settings.

Can I use a fingerprint or face recognition instead of a password?

Yes. Both Android and iPhone let you use biometric locks like fingerprint or face recognition. You can set these up in your phone's security settings, though most phones still require you to have a backup password or PIN in case the biometric fails.