Where to find the password settings on your tablet

The steps to change your password depend on what kind of tablet you have and what password you want to change. Most tablets let you change either your device lock screen password (the one you use to unlock the tablet itself) or your account password (for services like Google, Apple ID, or Microsoft). The location of these settings differs between iPad and Android tablets.

On an iPad, go to Settings, then tap Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode depending on your model. You will need to enter your current passcode first. On an Android tablet, open Settings, then look for Security or Lock screen — the exact name varies by manufacturer (Samsung calls it Lock screen, while other brands may say Security).

Key Takeaways

  • iPad users change their lock screen passcode in Settings under Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode.
  • Android tablet users find lock screen password settings under Security or Lock screen, which varies by brand.
  • You will need to enter your current password or passcode before you can create a new one.
  • If you forget your lock screen password, you may need to reset your tablet, which erases all data unless you have a backup.
  • Account passwords (Google, Apple ID, Microsoft) are changed in the account settings, not the device settings.

Changing your iPad lock screen passcode

Open Settings and tap Face ID & Passcode (if your iPad uses Face ID) or Touch ID & Passcode (if it uses a fingerprint). At the top of the screen, you will see Change Passcode. Tap it.

The tablet will ask you to enter your current passcode. Type it in. Then you will be prompted to enter your new passcode twice — once to set it, and once to confirm it. Make sure both entries match exactly. Your new passcode takes effect when ready.

Changing your Android tablet lock screen password

Open Settings and scroll down to find Security or Lock screen. The exact wording depends on your tablet's brand and Android version. Once you open that section, look for an option called Screen lock, Lock type, or Change password.

Tap that option. Your tablet will ask for your current password or pattern. Enter it. Then select the type of lock you want — password, PIN, pattern, or biometric (fingerprint or face recognition). If you choose a password, type your new one twice to confirm. If you choose a PIN, enter a four-digit or longer number twice. The change takes effect right away.

Changing your Google Account password on Android

If you want to change the password for your Google Account (which controls access to Gmail, Google Play, and other Google services on your tablet), you cannot do it from the tablet itself. You must go to Google's website on a computer or another device.

Visit myaccount.google.com in a web browser, sign in with your current password, and click Security in the left menu. Scroll down to Password and click Change password. Google will ask you to enter your current password, then your new password twice. After you change it, you may need to sign back into your tablet with the new password.

Changing your Apple ID password on iPad

To change the password for your Apple ID (which controls access to the App Store, iCloud, and other Apple services), go to Settings and tap your name at the top. Then tap Password & Security. You may be asked to enter your Apple ID password or to verify your identity using Face ID or Touch ID.

Tap Change Password. Enter your current Apple ID password, then type your new password twice. Apple will check that your new password is strong enough — it must be at least eight characters and include uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. After you change it, you will be signed out of your iPad and will need to sign back in with your new password.

What to do if you forget your lock screen password

If you cannot remember your lock screen password or passcode, you will need to reset your tablet. On an iPad, you can use iCloud to reset it remotely if you set up Find My iPad beforehand. Go to iCloud.com on another device, sign in with your Apple ID, click Find My, select your iPad, and choose Erase iPad. This removes your passcode but also erases all data on the device.

On an Android tablet, the process varies by brand. Most tablets have a recovery mode that lets you reset the device. You will need to hold down specific buttons (usually Power and Volume Down together) while the tablet starts up, then select the option to erase or reset the device. This also erases all your data. If you have a backup, you can restore your files and apps after the reset is complete.

How to create a strong password you will remember

A strong password is at least 12 characters long and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using your name, birthdate, or common words that appear in the dictionary. Do not use the same password for multiple devices or accounts.

One way to create a password you can remember is to use a phrase and take the first letter of each word, then add numbers and symbols. For example, "My dog ate three socks in July" becomes "Mdats1J!" — which is harder to guess than a straightforward word. Write your password down and store it in a safe place, or use a password manager app to store it securely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my password without knowing my current 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 without your knowledge. If you have forgotten your current password, you will need to reset your tablet, which erases all data.

Will changing my tablet password affect my email or social media accounts?

Changing your device lock screen password will not affect your email or social media accounts. Those are separate passwords stored on their own servers. If you want to change the password for Gmail, Facebook, or another service, you must change it through that service's website or app, not through your tablet settings.

How often should I change my tablet password?

There is no set rule. Change your password if you think someone else knows it, if you have used the same password for a long time, or if you suspect your tablet has been compromised. For everyday security, a strong password that you do not share is usually enough.

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

You will have to reset your tablet, which erases everything on it. This is why it is important to write down your new password or store it in a password manager before you close the settings screen. If you have a backup, you can restore your files and apps after the reset.

Can I use the same password for my tablet and my email account?

It is not recommended. If someone guesses or steals your tablet password, they could also access your email account. Use a different strong password for each important account so that a breach in one place does not compromise the others.