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 you're changing the password for. Most tablets let you change either your device 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, so start by identifying which one you own.

On an iPad, password settings live in the Settings app under your name at the top of the menu. On Android tablets, they're usually in Settings under Accounts or Security, though the exact path varies by manufacturer. If you're changing a password for a specific app or service rather than your device itself, you'll often find that option within the app's own settings menu.

Key Takeaways

  • iPad passwords are changed through Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security, while Android tablets use Settings > Accounts or Settings > Security depending on the manufacturer.
  • You will need to enter your current password or use biometric authentication (fingerprint or face recognition) before you can set a new one.
  • Your new password should be at least 8 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols for stronger security.
  • If you forget your new password when ready after changing it, most tablets offer a recovery option using a backup email address or phone number.
  • Changing your device password does not automatically change passwords for individual apps or online accounts linked to your tablet.

Changing your device password on an iPad

Open the Settings app and tap your name at the very top of the screen. Then tap Password & Security. You'll see an option that says Change Password. Tap it, and you'll be asked to authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your current password—whichever method your iPad uses.

Once you've authenticated, enter your new password twice to confirm it matches. Apple requires passwords to be at least 8 characters and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. After you tap Change, your new password takes effect when ready. You'll need to use this new password the next time you unlock your iPad or make purchases through the Apple App Store.

Changing your device password on an Android tablet

Open Settings and look for Accounts or Security—the exact name depends on your tablet's manufacturer. If you see Accounts, tap it and select the account type you want to change (usually Google Account). If you see Security, look for Screen Lock or Lock Screen Password. Tap the option, then select Change Password or Update Password.

You'll be asked to enter your current password or use your fingerprint or face recognition to verify your identity. Then enter your new password twice. Android also recommends using at least 8 characters with a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. After you confirm, the change takes effect the next time you lock and unlock your tablet.

What to do if you don't remember your current password

If you can't remember your current password but your tablet is already unlocked, you can still change it. On iPad, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security > Change Password and use Face ID or Touch ID instead of entering your old password. On Android, the process is similar—use your fingerprint or face recognition to skip the password verification step.

If your tablet is locked and you can't unlock it, you'll need to use your recovery email address or phone number to reset it. This process varies by device type and may require you to sign into your account on a computer or another device. If you're locked out completely, contact Apple Support or your Android tablet manufacturer's support line for help.

Changing passwords for apps and online accounts on your tablet

Your device password is separate from passwords for individual apps and online accounts. If you want to change your Google account password, Apple ID password, or password for a specific app like email or social media, you'll do that within each service's own settings, not in your tablet's main Settings app.

For most online accounts, open the app, go to Settings or Account within that app, and look for Password or Security. You'll usually be asked to enter your current password before setting a new one. Some services also let you change your password through their website on a computer, which can be easier if you have a keyboard available. After you change a password for an online account, you may need to sign out and sign back in on your tablet for the change to take effect.

Tips for creating a strong new password

A strong password is harder for someone else to guess or crack. Use at least 8 characters, and mix 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. Don't reuse passwords across multiple accounts—if one service is compromised, others stay protected.

If you have trouble remembering a complex password, consider using your tablet's built-in password manager. iPad has iCloud Keychain, and Android tablets have Google Password Manager. Both can generate strong passwords and store them securely so you don't have to remember them yourself. You'll only need to remember one strong password to access the password manager.

What happens after you change your password

Once you change your device password, you'll use the new one every time you unlock your tablet. If you change a password for an online account (like Google or Apple ID), you may be signed out of that account on your tablet and need to sign back in with the new password. This is a security feature that prevents unauthorized access.

If you have multiple devices linked to the same account, changing your account password on your tablet will affect all of them. You'll need to sign in again on your phone, computer, or other tablets using the new password. This can take a few minutes to sync across all your devices, so don't be alarmed if one device still shows the old password temporarily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my password without knowing my current one?

Yes, if your tablet is unlocked. Use Face ID, Touch ID, or fingerprint recognition to verify your identity instead of entering your old password. If your tablet is locked and you can't unlock it, you'll need to use your recovery email or phone number to reset it through your account settings.

What if I forget my new password right after changing it?

If you're still on the password change screen, go back and change it again using your biometric authentication. If you've already left Settings, use your recovery email address or phone number to reset your password. Most tablets send a reset link to your backup email within a few minutes.

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

No. Your device password only unlocks your tablet. Passwords for email, social media, and other apps are separate and must be changed within each app's own settings. Changing your device password won't log you out of these services.

Do I need to change my password regularly?

There's no set rule, but changing your password every few months adds security, especially if you think someone may have seen it. Change it when ready if you suspect unauthorized access, if you've used the same password on multiple sites, or if a service you use reports a data breach.

What should I do if someone else knows my password?

Change it right away using the steps above. If the person had access to your tablet or accounts, also check your recovery email and phone number to make sure they haven't been changed. Consider enabling two-factor authentication for added security—this requires a second verification step even if someone knows your password.