The basic steps for changing your tablet password

The steps to change your password depend on which operating system your tablet runs — iPad uses iOS, while most other tablets use Android. Both systems keep the password change in the Settings app, but the path through Settings is different for each. You will need to know your current password to set a new one.

On an iPad, open Settings, tap your name at the top, then select Password & Security, and choose Change Password. On an Android tablet, open Settings, go to Security or Biometrics and Security (the exact name varies by manufacturer), find Screen Lock or Lock Screen, and select Change Password or Change PIN. The tablet will ask you to enter your current password first, then type your new password twice to confirm it matches.

Key Takeaways

  • iPad passwords are changed through Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security > Change Password.
  • Android tablet passwords are changed through Settings > Security (or Biometrics and Security) > Screen Lock > Change Password.
  • You must enter your current password before you can create a new one.
  • Your new password should be at least six characters long and different from passwords you use elsewhere.
  • If you forget your new password when ready after changing it, restart your tablet and try again before it locks you out.

Changing your password on an iPad

Start by opening the Settings app on your home screen. Tap your name or Apple ID at the very top of the Settings menu — this is usually a box with your profile picture or initials. From there, select Password & Security.

Tap Change Password. The iPad will ask you to enter your current password to verify you are the owner. Type it in and tap Change. Now enter your new password in the first field, then type it again in the second field to confirm it matches. The password must be at least six characters long. Tap Change or Done (the button name varies by iPad model), and your new password is active when ready.

Changing your password on an Android tablet

Open Settings and scroll down to find Security or Biometrics and Security — the exact name depends on your tablet's manufacturer and Android version. Tap it. Look for Screen Lock or Lock Screen and tap that option.

You will see a list of lock types: Pattern, PIN, Password, or None. Select the type you currently use. The tablet will ask you to enter your current password, pattern, or PIN to confirm your identity. Once you enter it correctly, you can create a new one. Type your new password twice to confirm it, then tap Save or Confirm. The change takes effect right away.

What to do if you forget your new password right after changing it

If you change your password and when ready forget it before closing Settings, restart your tablet right away. Power it off completely, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on. You may be able to unlock it with your old password or bypass the lock screen once more before the new password locks you in.

If the tablet has already locked you out, you will need to reset it. On an iPad, you can use your Apple ID and recovery key to regain access; on an Android tablet, the process varies by manufacturer but usually involves a factory reset through the recovery menu. Both of these are more involved than changing a password, so write down your new password somewhere safe when ready after you create it.

Making your new password strong and memorable

A strong tablet password includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — for example, "BlueSky42!Moon" is stronger than "password123". Avoid using the same password across multiple devices or accounts, because if one account is compromised, the others become vulnerable too.

If you struggle to remember complex passwords, write it down on paper and store the paper in a safe place at home — a locked drawer or safe is better than a sticky note on your desk. Some people use a password manager app, which stores passwords securely and fills them in automatically, but that requires trusting the app with your passwords.

Changing your Apple ID password versus your screen lock password

Your iPad has two separate passwords: your screen lock password (which unlocks the tablet itself) and your Apple ID password (which controls your iTunes, App Store, and iCloud account). Changing one does not change the other. If you want to change your Apple ID password instead, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security > Change Password — this is the same path, but it changes the password you use to sign into Apple services, not the password that unlocks your tablet.

If you change your Apple ID password, you may need to sign in again on your tablet and any other Apple devices you own. This is normal and a security feature.

When to change your tablet password

Change your password if you suspect someone else knows it, if you have shared it with someone who no longer needs access, or if you have not changed it in over a year. You do not need to change it on a schedule if it is strong and only you know it, but many people change passwords annually as a precaution.

If your tablet was lost or stolen and you later recovered it, change your password when ready. If you believe someone accessed your tablet without permission, change your password and review your account activity in Settings to see if anything unusual occurred.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my tablet password without knowing the old one?

No. Both iPad and Android require you to enter your current password before you can set a new one. This is a security measure to prevent someone else from changing your password if they gain temporary access to your tablet. If you have forgotten your current password, you will need to reset your tablet, which erases all data unless you have a backup.

Will changing my password affect my apps or data?

No. Changing your screen lock password does not affect your apps, photos, files, or any data stored on the tablet. You will still be able to use everything the same way after the change. If you change your Apple ID password, you may need to sign in again to the App Store or iCloud, but your apps and data remain intact.

What if I use a fingerprint or face recognition instead of a password?

Fingerprint and face recognition are backup unlock methods, not replacements for a password. You still have a password or PIN underneath them. To change that underlying password, follow the same steps as above — go to Screen Lock or Password & Security and select Change Password. You can then update the password that protects your tablet if biometric unlock fails.

How long should my new password be?

Both iPad and Android require a minimum of six characters, but longer is more find. A password of 10 to 15 characters is much harder to guess than a six-character one. Include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols if the tablet allows it.

Can I use the same password on my tablet and my other devices?

You can, but it is not recommended. If someone discovers your password on one device, they can access all your devices and accounts. Using a different password on each device or account means a breach on one does not compromise the others. If you use many devices, a password manager can help you keep track of different passwords.