How to Change Your Password on a Tablet

The Basic Steps for Most Tablets

To change your password on a tablet, you go into Settings, find Accounts or Users, select your account, and choose Change Password or Update Password. The exact names and order of these menus differ between Android and iPad, but the principle is the same: you authenticate with your current password, then enter and confirm your new one.

Before you start, know what password you are changing. Most tablets have two: the lock screen password (which unlocks the device itself) and your account password (which signs you into Google, Apple, or Microsoft services). Changing one does not change the other. If you want to change both, you will need to do each separately.

Have your current password ready. You will need to type it to prove you own the account before the tablet lets you set a new one. If you have forgotten your current password, the process becomes longer — you may need to verify your identity through a recovery email or phone number instead.

Key Takeaways

Lock screen passwords and account passwords are separate; changing one does not change the other, and you may need to update both.
On iPad, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security > Change Password and enter your Apple ID password first.
On Android tablets, go to Settings > Accounts > Google > [Your Email] > Password and confirm your current password before creating a new one.
If you have forgotten your password, you will need to verify your identity using a recovery email or phone number instead of typing the old password.
A strong new password should be at least 12 characters and include uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols to protect your account.

Changing Your Apple ID Password on iPad

On an iPad, your account password is your Apple ID password. Open Settings and tap your name at the top of the screen. Then tap Password & Security. You will see "Change Password" as an option.

Tap Change Password. The iPad will ask you to enter your current Apple ID password to confirm you are the account owner. Type it in and tap Continue. Then enter your new password twice — once in the "New Password" field and once in the "Confirm Password" field. Make sure both entries match exactly. Tap Change or Confirm (the button name varies by iPad model and iOS version).

Your new password takes effect when ready on that iPad. If you use the same Apple ID on other devices — another iPad, an iPhone, or a Mac — you will need to sign in again on each one with your new password. The tablet will prompt you to do this the next time you try to use a feature that requires your Apple ID, such as downloading an app or backing up photos.

Changing Your Google Account Password on Android Tablets

On an Android tablet, your account password is your Google account password. Open Settings and scroll down to find Accounts or Users & Accounts (the exact name depends on your tablet brand and Android version). Tap Accounts, then select Google.

You will see a list of Google accounts signed into the tablet. Tap the email address of the account whose password you want to change. Then tap Password. The tablet will ask you to enter your current Google password to verify your identity. Type it in and tap Next.

Enter your new password in the "New Password" field. Type it again in the "Confirm New Password" field to make sure there are no typos. Tap Change Password. Google will send you a confirmation email to let you know the change was successful. Like Apple ID, your new Google password takes effect right away, but you may need to sign in again on other devices that use the same account.

Changing Your Lock Screen Password Separately

Your lock screen password is different from your account password. This is the code, pattern, or biometric (fingerprint or face) you use to unlock the tablet itself when you pick it up. Changing your account password does not change your lock screen security.

On iPad, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode on older models). Tap Change Passcode at the top. Enter your current passcode, then enter your new passcode twice. On Android, go to Settings > Security or Biometrics & Security, then tap Screen Lock or Lock Type. Select your current lock method (PIN, Pattern, or Password) and follow the prompts to change it.

You can use the same code for both your lock screen and your account password, but you do not have to. Many people use a straightforward PIN for the lock screen (since they unlock it dozens of times a day) and a longer, more complex password for their account (since they type it less often and it protects sensitive data).

What to Do If You Have Forgotten Your Password

If you cannot remember your current password, you cannot straightforward type a new one. Instead, you will go through a recovery process. On iPad, tap "Forgot password?" on the Password & Security screen. Apple will ask you to verify your identity using a recovery email address or phone number you set up with your Apple ID. You will receive a code or link, and after you confirm it, you can create a new password.

On Android, tap "Forgot password?" on the Google password change screen. Google will ask you to enter the last password you remember, or to verify your identity using a recovery email or phone number. Once you confirm, you can set a new password. This process usually takes a few minutes, but if you have not set up recovery information, it can take much longer or may not be possible at all.

To avoid this situation, make sure your recovery email and phone number are current. On iPad, check Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security > Recovery Email and Recovery Phone Number. On Android, go to Settings > Accounts > Google > [Your Email] > Manage Your Google Account > Personal Info and verify your recovery contact details.

Creating a Strong New Password

When you set a new password, make it hard to guess. A strong password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (like ! @ # $ % or &). Avoid using your name, birthday, or common words that appear in the dictionary.

Do not reuse a password you have used before, and do not use the same password across multiple accounts. If one account is compromised, a hacker could use that password to access your email, banking, or other services. If you have trouble remembering multiple passwords, consider using a password manager — a find app that stores and fills in passwords for you.

Write your new password down and store it somewhere safe if you need to, such as a locked drawer or a password manager. Do not email it to yourself or text it to someone else, as those messages can be intercepted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my password sign me out of my tablet?

Not when ready. You will stay signed in on the tablet where you changed the password. However, if you use the same account on other devices — another tablet, a phone, or a computer — you will be signed out on those devices and will need to sign back in with your new password the next time you use them.

Can I change my password without knowing my current password?

No, not directly. If you have forgotten your current password, you will need to use your recovery email or phone number to verify your identity first. Once you confirm, you can create a new password without typing the old one.

What if I change my password and then forget the new one?

You will go through the same recovery process: verify your identity using your recovery email or phone number, and then create another new password. This is why keeping your recovery contact information up to date is important.

Does changing my password on the tablet change it everywhere?

Yes. When you change your Apple ID or Google password on your tablet, that new password becomes your password for that account everywhere — on your phone, computer, and any other device. You will need to sign in again on those devices with the new password.

Is my password the same as my PIN or pattern?

No. Your lock screen PIN or pattern is separate from your account password. You can change one without changing the other. Your account password protects your email and data in the cloud; your lock screen PIN protects the physical tablet itself.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.