Where to find the password change option

Facebook's password settings are in your account menu, not in a separate security page. On a computer, click the downward arrow in the top right corner of any Facebook page, then select "Settings and privacy," then "Settings." On a phone or tablet, tap the three horizontal lines (called a menu icon) in the bottom right, scroll down to "Settings and privacy," then tap "Settings."

Once you're in Settings, look for a section called "Password and security" or sometimes just "Security." The exact name varies slightly depending on whether you're using Facebook's main site, the mobile app, or a tablet app, but it's always in the same general location within Settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Your password settings live in the main Settings menu under "Password and security," not in a separate security center.
  • You will need to enter your current password before Facebook lets you create a new one.
  • Facebook will show you a list of devices where you're currently signed in; you can sign out of old devices at the same time you change your password.
  • The change takes effect immediately on all your devices, so you'll need to sign back in on phones and tablets after you change it.

The four-step process to change your password

Once you're in the "Password and security" section, you'll see a line that says "Change password" or "Edit" next to your password field. Click or tap that option. Facebook will ask you to enter your current password first — this is a security check to make sure someone who doesn't have access to your account can't change it without your knowledge.

After you enter your current password, you'll see two blank fields: one for your new password and one to confirm it. Type your new password in both fields. Facebook will show you a strength meter (usually a colored bar) that tells you whether your password is weak, fair, good, or strong. A strong password is at least 6 characters long and includes a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or @.

Once you've entered your new password twice and it meets Facebook's strength requirements, click or tap the "Change password" button. Facebook will process the change and show you a confirmation message. The entire process usually takes less than a minute.

What happens to your other devices after you change your password

When you change your password, Facebook automatically signs you out of all devices except the one you're currently using. This means if you were signed into Facebook on your phone, tablet, or another computer, you'll need to sign back in with your new password on those devices. You won't lose any data or photos — you're just being logged out for security reasons.

Before you finish changing your password, Facebook shows you a list of devices where you're currently signed in, including the browser type, device type, and approximate location. If you see a device you don't recognize or no longer use, you can click "Sign out" next to it while you're in the password change screen. This is useful if you've lost a phone, sold a computer, or want to remove access from a shared device.

Choosing a password that's hard to guess

A strong password is one that combines different types of characters and doesn't use words from a dictionary or personal information about you. Avoid passwords that include your name, birth date, pet's name, or common words. Instead, try mixing uppercase and lowercase letters with numbers and symbols — for example, "BlueSky#2024Tree" is stronger than "facebook123" or "password."

If you use the same password on multiple websites, changing it on Facebook is a good time to think about using different passwords for different sites. If one website gets hacked, a unique password means your other accounts stay protected. Many phones and computers have built-in password managers that can generate and store strong passwords for you.

If you can't remember your current password

If you've forgotten your current password and can't sign into Facebook to change it, you'll need to use Facebook's account recovery process instead. Go to facebook.com and click "Forgotten password?" on the login screen. Facebook will ask you to enter the email address or phone number associated with your account, then send you a link to reset your password. You can use that link to create a new password without needing to know the old one.

The recovery process usually takes a few minutes, but Facebook may ask you to verify your identity by entering a code sent to your email or phone. Keep your recovery email address and phone number up to date in your Settings so you can always get back into your account if you forget your password.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Changing your password only changes how you sign in. All your photos, messages, friends, and account data stay exactly as they are. You're just updating the secret code you use to access your account.

How often should I change my Facebook password?

There's 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've used the same password on a website that was hacked, or if you've shared your login with someone and no longer want them to have access.

Can I change my password on the Facebook app, or do I have to use a computer?

You can change your password on the app. The steps are the same: tap the menu icon, go to Settings and privacy, then Settings, then find "Password and security." The app version works just as well as the computer version.

What if I see a device signed in that I don't recognize?

Click "Sign out" next to that device while you're changing your password. If you're concerned someone else has access to your account, you can also change your password to something completely new, which will sign that person out automatically.