The steps to change your Facebook password
You can change your Facebook password from your phone, tablet, or computer in about two minutes. The process is the same on all devices: go to your account settings, find the password section, enter your current password, type your new password twice, and save the change. Facebook will log you out of all other sessions once you confirm, so you may need to sign back in on other devices.
If you have forgotten your password entirely, the process is different — you will use the "Forgot Password" link on the login screen instead of going through settings. That route asks you to verify your identity through email or phone before you can set a new one.
Key Takeaways
- Open Facebook settings on any device, select "Password" under Security, and enter your current password before creating a new one.
- Your new password must be at least six characters long and should not be a password you have used on Facebook before.
- Changing your password logs you out everywhere, so you will need to sign back in on phones, tablets, or computers where you stay logged in.
- If you cannot remember your current password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login screen to verify your identity instead.
Changing your password on a computer or laptop
Open Facebook in your browser and look for the downward-pointing arrow or menu icon in the top right corner of the screen. Click it and select "Settings and Privacy," then click "Settings." On the left side, you will see a menu — click "Password" under the Security section.
Click "Change Password." Facebook will ask you to enter your current password first, then type your new password in the next two fields. The new password must be at least six characters. Once you have typed it twice to confirm, click "Change Password" again. You will see a confirmation message, and Facebook will sign you out of all active sessions.
Changing your password on iPhone or Android
Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) at the bottom right of the screen. Scroll down and tap "Settings and Privacy," then tap "Settings." Look for "Password" under the Security section and tap it.
Tap "Change Password." Enter your current password, then type your new password in both of the fields below. Tap "Change Password" to save. Like the computer version, this will log you out of all other devices where you are signed in.
What to do if you have forgotten your password
Go to the Facebook login page and click "Forgot Password?" below the password field. Enter the email address or phone number connected to your account. Facebook will send you a link or code to reset your password — check your email inbox or text messages.
Click the link or enter the code Facebook sent you. You will then create a new password without needing to know the old one. This process takes a few minutes and does not require you to be logged in.
Why you should change your password regularly
Changing your password periodically makes it harder for someone else to access your account if they have obtained your old password through a data breach or other means. If you have used the same password on multiple websites, changing it on Facebook means that password no longer works here even if it is compromised elsewhere.
You should also change your password immediately if you think someone else may have accessed your account, if you have shared your password with someone you no longer trust, or if you have logged in on a public or shared computer.
What happens after you change your password
Facebook will sign you out of every device where you were logged in — your phone, tablet, computer, and any other place. You will need to sign back in with your new password on each device where you want to stay logged in. This is a security feature that prevents someone with your old password from staying in your account.
If you see a device in your login history that you do not recognize, you can remove it from your account before changing your password. Go to Settings, click "Where You're Logged In" under Security, and click the X next to any session you want to end.
Choosing a strong password
A strong password is harder for someone to guess or crack. Use a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (like ! or #). Avoid using your name, birth date, or common words. Make it at least 12 characters long if you can — longer passwords are more secure.
Do not use the same password across multiple websites. If one site is breached, a password used everywhere puts all your accounts at risk. Consider using a password manager — a tool that stores and generates strong passwords for you — so you only have to remember one main password.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my password delete my photos or messages?
No. Changing your password only changes how you sign in. All your photos, messages, friends, and account information stay exactly as they are. The only thing that changes is that you will be logged out everywhere and need to sign back in.
Can I change my password if I do not remember my current one?
Yes. Click "Forgot Password?" on the login screen instead of going through settings. Facebook will send you a reset link to your email or phone, and you can create a new password without knowing the old one.
How long does it take for the password change to take effect?
The change is immediate. You will be logged out right away, and the new password works as soon as you confirm the change. You can sign back in on any device within seconds.
What if I change my password and then forget the new one?
Use the "Forgot Password?" link on the login screen again. Facebook will send you another reset link, and you can create a third password. There is no limit to how many times you can use this process.
Does changing my password affect my two-factor authentication?
No. Two-factor authentication is a separate security setting. Changing your password does not turn it off or change how it works. You will still need to enter a code from your phone or authentication app when you sign in, just as before.