The fastest way to change your tablet password

The steps depend on whether you use an iPad or an Android tablet, but both take less than five minutes. You will need to know your current password or, on some devices, your recovery email or phone number. The process happens entirely in your tablet's settings — you do not need a computer or to contact anyone.

On an iPad, you change your Apple ID password through Settings. On an Android tablet, you change your Google account password through Settings as well, though the exact menu names vary by manufacturer. Both methods lock you out temporarily if you enter your current password wrong three times in a row, so take your time typing.

Key Takeaways

  • iPad users go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password and Security > Change Password and type their current password first.
  • Android users go to Settings > Accounts > Google > [Your Account] > Security > Password and enter their current password before the new one.
  • You will be signed out of some apps after changing your password and will need to sign back in with the new one.
  • If you forget your current password, you can reset it using your recovery email or phone number instead of typing the old one.
  • The new password takes effect when ready on your tablet and on all other devices linked to the same account.

How to change your password on an iPad

Open Settings and tap your name at the top of the screen. Tap Password and Security. Tap Change Password. Type your current Apple ID password in the first field — this confirms you own the account. Type your new password in the second field, then type it again in the third field to confirm you did not make a typo.

Tap Change or Done (the button name varies by iPad model). Your password changes when ready. You will stay signed in on your iPad, but you may be signed out of the App Store, iCloud, or other Apple services. When that happens, sign back in with your new password.

How to change your password on an Android tablet

Open Settings. Scroll down and tap Accounts or Users and Accounts — the exact name depends on your tablet brand. Tap Google or your Google account name. Tap Security or Manage Your Account. Tap Password. Type your current password in the first field. Type your new password in the second field, then type it again in the third field.

Tap Change Password or Update Password. Your password changes right away. You will stay signed in on your tablet, but Gmail, Google Play, and other Google services may ask you to sign in again. Use your new password when that happens.

What happens after you change your password

Your new password works on every device linked to your account — your phone, computer, and any other tablets. If you were signed in on a device you no longer use, that device will be signed out automatically within a few hours. This is a security feature that prevents someone else from using an old device to access your account.

Apps that use your account — like Gmail, Google Photos, Microsoft Outlook, or banking apps — may ask you to sign in again. This is normal. Sign in with your new password. If an app keeps asking you to sign in and will not accept your new password, try signing out and signing back in from the app's settings menu rather than from your tablet's main settings.

If you forgot your current password

On an iPad, tap "Forgot password?" on the Password and Security screen instead of typing your current password. Apple will send a code to your recovery email or phone number. Enter that code, then create your new password. You do not need to know the old password.

On an Android tablet, tap "Forgot password?" on the password change screen. Google will ask you to enter a recovery email or phone number. You will receive a code by email or text. Enter the code, then type your new password twice. You can then sign back into your tablet with the new password.

Why your tablet locked you out of password changes

If you typed your current password wrong three times in a row, your tablet will not let you try again for a set amount of time — usually 24 hours on an iPad or a few hours on Android. This is a security measure to stop someone who stole your tablet from guessing your password repeatedly.

If you are locked out, wait the required time and try again. If you do not remember your password at all, use the "Forgot password?" option instead of guessing. That route uses your recovery email or phone number, which is faster than waiting out a lockout.

Passwords you should not use

Avoid passwords that contain your name, birth year, or the word "password". Do not use the same password on your tablet account that you use for your bank, email, or work accounts. If someone gets one password, they should not be able to access everything.

A strong password is at least 12 characters long and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. If you have trouble remembering a long password, write it down and store the paper somewhere safe — a locked drawer at home is better than a note on your tablet or a text message to yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my password on my phone too?

No. When you change your password on your tablet, it changes for your entire account across all devices. Your phone will use the same new password automatically. You may need to sign in again on your phone, but you will use the new password when you do.

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

Use the "Forgot password?" option on the sign-in screen. You will receive a code at your recovery email or phone number. Enter the code and create another new password. You do not need to remember the old one.

Will changing my password delete my photos or files?

No. Your photos, documents, and all other data stay on your tablet and in your cloud storage. Changing your password only changes how you sign in — it does not affect what is stored in your account.

Can I change my password without knowing my recovery email?

If you do not have access to your recovery email or phone number, contact Apple Support or Google Support. They can verify you own the account through other methods and help you reset your password. This process takes longer than using your recovery email, so have that information ready if you can.

How often should I change my tablet password?

Change it if you think someone else knows it, if you used it on a device you no longer own, or if you have not changed it in over a year. You do not need to change it every month unless your workplace or school requires it.