Change Your Email and Password in a Few Steps
Most websites and apps let you change your email address and password from your account settings, usually found in a menu labeled "Account," "Settings," or "Profile." The exact steps depend on which service you're using, but the process is similar across most platforms: you log in, navigate to the security or account section, verify your identity, and make the changes. This guide walks you through the general process and shows you what to expect on common services.
Key Takeaways
- Your account settings are usually found by clicking your name, profile picture, or a gear icon in the top right or left corner of the screen.
- Most services ask you to enter your current password before letting you change your email or password, as a security check.
- When you change your email address, you may need to confirm the new email by clicking a link the service sends you.
- After changing your password, you will be logged out on all devices and will need to log back in with the new password.
- If you forget your current password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login screen rather than trying to change it from settings.
Finding Your Account Settings
The first step is locating where your account settings live. On most websites, look for a menu in the top right corner—this is usually your name, initials, a profile picture, or a gear icon. Click it and you should see options like "Account," "Settings," "Profile," or "Security." On mobile apps, the settings menu is often at the bottom of the screen, sometimes labeled with three horizontal lines (called a hamburger menu) or three dots.
Once you click into settings, look for a section called "Account Settings," "Security," "Email and Password," or "Login Information." Different services organize this differently—Gmail puts it under "Manage your Google Account," while Facebook calls it "Settings & Privacy." If you cannot find it, try searching the settings page for the word "password" or "email" using your browser's search function (Ctrl+F on Windows, Cmd+F on Mac).
Changing Your Email Address
To change your email address, navigate to the email or account section of your settings and look for a field that shows your current email. Click "Edit," "Change," or "Update" next to it. The system will usually ask you to enter your current password to confirm it is really you making the change.
Type in your new email address and submit. The service will then send a confirmation link to that new email address—you must click the link to complete the change. This step protects your account: if someone else had access to your account, they would not be able to change the email without also having access to the new email inbox. Check your new email's inbox and spam folder for the confirmation message, and click the link within a few hours (most links expire after 24 hours).
After you confirm, your account is now tied to the new email address. You will use this new email to log in from now on. Your old email address will no longer work for logging in, though some services keep it on file as a recovery option.
Changing Your Password
To change your password, find the "Password" or "Change Password" section in your account settings. You will see fields for your current password and your new password. Enter your current password first—this is a security measure to prevent someone who briefly gains access to your unlocked device from changing your password and locking you out.
When you create your new password, most services show you a strength meter that tells you whether your password is weak, medium, or strong. A strong password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (like ! or #). Avoid using words from the dictionary, your name, or information that appears in your email address. Write down your new password somewhere safe, or use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password to store it.
After you submit your new password, you will usually be logged out of all devices and apps that use this account. This is normal and intentional—it ensures that anyone who may have stolen your old password cannot stay logged in. You will need to log back in on each device using your new password. This process can take a few minutes to sync across all your devices.
What Happens If You Forget Your Current Password
If you cannot remember your current password and the settings page asks for it, do not guess repeatedly. Instead, log out and go to the login screen, then click "Forgot Password" or "Forgot Your Password?" The service will send a reset link to your email address (or ask you security questions), and you can set a brand new password without needing to know the old one.
This is safer than trying to change your password from the settings page when you are locked out, because the reset process includes extra verification steps to make sure it is really you.
Changing Your Password on Specific Services
| Service | Where to Find Settings | Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Gmail | Click your profile picture (top right) → "Manage your Google Account" → "Security" tab | Scroll to "How you sign in to Google" → "Password" → Enter current password → Type new password twice → "Change Password" |
| Click the down arrow (top right) → "Settings & Privacy" → "Settings" → "Security and login" | Find "Change password" → Enter current password → Type new password twice → "Save Changes" | |
| Microsoft (Outlook, OneDrive) | Click your profile picture (top right) → "View account" → "Security" tab | Click "Change password" → Enter current password → Type new password twice → "Next" |
| Apple (iCloud, App Store) | Go to appleid.apple.com → Sign in → "Security" section | Click "Change Password" → Enter current password → Type new password twice → "Change Password" |
| Amazon | Hover over "Account & Lists" (top right) → "Account" → "Login & security" | Click "Edit" next to "Password" → Enter current password → Type new password twice → "Save changes" |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most common mistakes is forgetting to confirm your new email address. The service sends a confirmation link, and if you do not click it within the time limit (usually 24 hours), the email change does not go through. Check your spam folder if you do not see the confirmation email in your inbox.
Another mistake is using a password that is too similar to your old one. If your old password was "Blue2024!" do not change it to "Blue2025!"—use something completely different. Also avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts. If one service gets hacked, a criminal can try your email and password on other sites. A password manager makes it straightforward to use a unique, strong password for every account.
Finally, do not change your password on a public or shared computer, and do not let anyone watch you type it. If you must use a public computer, change your password again as soon as you get home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose access to my account if I change my email address?
No. You will lose access only if you do not confirm the new email address. The service sends a confirmation link to your new email—you must click it to complete the change. Until you confirm, your old email still works for logging in.
What should I do if I change my password and cannot log back in?
Click "Forgot Password" on the login screen and follow the reset process. The service will send a link to your email address. If you do not receive the email, check your spam folder. If the problem continues, contact the service's support team through their website.
Do I need to change my password on my phone or tablet after I change it on my computer?
You will need to log back in on each device, but you do not need to do anything special. straightforward open the app or website, and when it asks for your password, enter your new one. The device will remember it after you log in.
Can I change my email address without changing my password?
Yes. Email address and password are separate settings. You can change one without changing the other. However, it is a good idea to change both occasionally for security.
How often should I change my password?
Change your password if you think someone else knows it, if you used it on a service that was hacked, or if you have not changed it in over a year. You do not need to change it every month if it is strong and unique to that account.