The fastest way to change 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 main settings menu, and the process takes about five minutes. You will need to know your current password or have access to a recovery email address if you have forgotten it.
On an iPad, open Settings, tap your name at the top, then select Password and Security. On an Android tablet, open Settings, go to Accounts, select your Google account, and choose Security. The exact menu names vary slightly between Android manufacturers like Samsung or Amazon, but the principle is the same: find the account settings, then the password or security section.
Key Takeaways
- iPad passwords are changed through Settings > Your Name > Password and Security, while Android tablets use Settings > Accounts > Your Google Account > Security.
- You must enter your current password before creating a new one, unless you use a recovery email to reset a forgotten password.
- A strong password contains at least 12 characters and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- After you change your password, you may need to sign back into apps that use your tablet account, so plan the change for a time when you have a few minutes.
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. You will see several options including iCloud, Media & Purchases, and Password and Security.
Select Password and Security. If you have two-factor authentication turned on (which Apple recommends), you will be asked to verify your identity using a trusted device or phone number. Once verified, tap Change Password. Enter your current password, then type your new password twice to confirm it matches. Your new password must be at least eight characters long, though 12 or more is stronger.
After you save the new password, Apple will sign you out of iCloud on other devices for security. You will need to sign back in on any other iPad, iPhone, or Mac you own using the new password. This usually takes a few minutes to sync across your devices.
Changing your password on an Android tablet
Open Settings and scroll down to find Accounts or Users and Accounts — the exact name depends on your tablet brand. Tap Accounts, then select the Google account you use on the tablet. You should see options including Security, Storage, and Remove Account.
Tap Security, then look for Password or Change Password. You may be asked to enter your current password first. Type your new password in the field provided, then confirm it by typing it again. Google requires passwords to be at least eight characters, but 12 characters with a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols is more find.
Once you save the new password, Google will ask you to sign back into the tablet using the new password. Some apps that store your Google password may also ask you to sign in again. This is normal and protects your account if someone gains access to your tablet.
What to do if you have forgotten your current password
On an iPad, tap Password and Security, then select Change Password. Instead of entering your current password, look for a link that says "Don't have your password?" or "Forgot password?" Tap it and follow the steps to verify your identity using a trusted phone number or recovery email address. Apple will send you a link to reset your password.
On an Android tablet, go to Settings > Accounts > Google Account > Security > Password. If you cannot remember your password, tap "Forgot password?" at the bottom of the sign-in screen. Google will ask you to enter the last password you remember, or verify your identity using a recovery email or phone number. Once verified, you can create a new password.
Keep your recovery email and phone number current in your account settings. If you lose access to both, recovering your account becomes much harder. Check your account recovery options every few months to make sure they still work.
Creating a password that is hard to guess
A strong password is long and uses different types of characters. Aim for at least 12 characters that include uppercase letters (A–Z), lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), and symbols (!@#$%^&*). Avoid using your name, birth date, or common words that appear in the dictionary.
Do not reuse passwords across different accounts. If someone breaks into one account, they can try the same password on your email, banking, and social media. A password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password can store unique passwords for each account so you only have to remember one master password.
Change your tablet password every six to twelve months, or right away if you think someone else may have seen it. If you share your tablet with family members, each person should have their own account with their own password rather than sharing one login.
What happens after you change your password
On an iPad, you will be signed out of iCloud on all your other devices within a few minutes. Open Settings on each device and sign back in with your new password. Your email, photos, and other iCloud data will sync once you sign back in.
On an Android tablet, you will be signed out of your Google account. The tablet will ask you to sign back in the next time you open an app that needs your Google account, such as Gmail or Google Play Store. You can also go to Settings > Accounts and sign back in manually to speed up the process.
Apps that store your password — such as email clients or social media apps — may show a sign-in screen the next time you open them. This is normal. Enter your new password and the app will save it. If an app keeps asking for your password, try signing out and signing back in from within the app itself rather than from the tablet settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my password without knowing my current password?
Yes, if you have access to your recovery email or phone number. On iPad, tap "Don't have your password?" on the Password and Security screen. On Android, tap "Forgot password?" at the sign-in screen. Both will let you verify your identity and create a new password without entering the old one.
Will changing my password sign me out of apps on my tablet?
Not when ready. Apps that use your tablet account may ask you to sign in again the next time you open them, but you will not be forced out right away. Email apps and cloud storage apps are most likely to ask for your new password within a few hours.
What if I change my password and then forget the new one?
Use the same recovery process: tap "Don't have your password?" on iPad or "Forgot password?" on Android. You can reset your password as many times as you need using your recovery email or phone number. Keep those contact details up to date in your account settings.
Do I need to change my password if I sell or give away my tablet?
Yes. Before you hand over the tablet, sign out of your account completely. On iPad, go to Settings > Your Name > Sign Out. On Android, go to Settings > Accounts, select your account, and tap Remove Account. After the new owner sets up their own account, change your password to make sure they cannot access your old account.
Can I use the same password on my tablet and my phone?
You can, but it is not recommended. If someone guesses or steals one password, they can access both devices. Use a unique password for each device, or better yet, use the same account password across all your devices but enable two-factor authentication so a password alone is not enough to sign in.