Change Your Facebook Password From Settings
To change your Facebook password, open Facebook on any browser or the mobile app, go to Settings & Privacy, select Settings, then find Password in the left menu. Click Edit next to your current password, type your old password once to confirm your identity, then enter your new password twice. Click Save Changes and you are done — Facebook will log you out of all other devices within a few minutes.
The whole process takes about two minutes. You do not need to know your old password if you cannot remember it — Facebook offers a separate recovery path for that situation, which we cover below.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your password from any device by going to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Password and clicking Edit.
- Facebook will ask you to type your old password once to prove you own the account, then type your new password twice.
- After you save, Facebook logs you out of every other device within a few minutes for security.
- If you cannot remember your old password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login screen instead of trying to change it from Settings.
- A strong new password should be at least 8 characters and mix letters, numbers, and symbols — avoid birthdays, names, or words from the dictionary.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Desktop and Mobile
On a computer: Log into Facebook, click the down arrow in the top right corner, select Settings & Privacy, then click Settings. On the left side, find Password and click it. Click the Edit button next to your current password. Type your old password in the first box, then type your new password in the second and third boxes. Click Save Changes.
On iPhone or Android: Open the Facebook app, tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the bottom right, scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy, then tap Settings. Scroll down to find Password and tap it. Tap Edit, type your old password, then type your new password twice. Tap Save.
After you save, Facebook will show a confirmation message. You may see a notification that you have been logged out of other sessions — this is normal and happens within a few minutes. If you are still logged in on another device after 10 minutes, try logging out manually and logging back in.
What to Do If You Forgot Your Old Password
If you cannot remember your current password, do not try to change it from Settings — that path requires you to type the old one. Instead, go to the Facebook login page and click "Forgot Password?" below the password box. Facebook will ask you to enter your email address or phone number, then send you a link to reset your password.
Click the link in the email or text message within 24 hours. Facebook will take you to a page where you can type a brand new password without needing the old one. Type it twice and click Save. You will then be logged in automatically, and all other sessions will be cleared.
How to Make Your New Password Strong
A strong password is harder for someone else to guess or crack. Use at least 8 characters — longer is better. Mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! @ # $ % or &. For example, "BlueSky#2024Tree" is stronger than "password123" because it uses mixed cases, a symbol, and words that are not in the dictionary.
Avoid using your name, birthday, pet's name, or any word that appears in a dictionary by itself. Do not reuse a password you have used on other websites, because if one site is hacked, someone could try that same password on Facebook. If you have trouble remembering a strong password, consider using a password manager — a tool that stores passwords securely so you only have to remember one master password.
Why Facebook Logs You Out After a Password Change
When you change your password, Facebook automatically logs you out of every device except the one you are currently using. This is a security feature. If someone else had access to your account on another device, logging them out stops them from using it. You will need to log back in on those devices with your new password.
This logout usually happens within a few minutes, but can take up to an hour on older devices or slow connections. If you notice you are still logged in somewhere you do not recognize after an hour, change your password again and then check your login activity to see if someone else has been accessing your account.
Check Your Login Activity After Changing Your Password
After you change your password, you can see which devices are logged into your account. On a computer, go to Settings & Privacy > Settings, scroll down to Security and Login, and click Where You're Logged In. You will see a list of devices, locations, and the last time each one was active. If you see a device you do not recognize, click it and select Log Out.
On mobile, tap Settings & Privacy > Settings, scroll to Security and Login, tap Where You're Logged In, and tap any device you do not recognize, then tap Log Out. If you see login activity from a place you have never been, consider changing your password again and turning on two-factor authentication — a second security step that requires a code from your phone when someone tries to log in from a new device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my password from the device I am currently using?
No. You can change your password from any device where you are logged in — a computer, phone, or tablet. You can even change it from a friend's device if you log into Facebook first. The important thing is that you are logged in before you go to Settings.
Will changing my password delete my messages or photos?
No. Changing your password only changes how you log in. All your messages, photos, friends, and posts stay exactly the same. The only thing that changes is that you will need to use your new password the next time you log in on a different device.
How often should I change my Facebook password?
Facebook does not require you to change your password on a schedule. Change it if you think someone else knows it, if you used the same password on another website that was hacked, or if you have not changed it in over a year. If you turn on two-factor authentication, you have extra protection even if someone learns your password.
What if I change my password and then cannot log back in?
Make sure you are typing your new password correctly — passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital letters matter. If you still cannot log in, click "Forgot Password?" on the login screen and follow the steps to reset it. Facebook will send you a link to create a new password.
Can I change my password on the Facebook app without going to a browser?
Yes. Open the app, tap the menu icon (three lines) in the bottom right, go to Settings & Privacy > Settings, scroll to Password, tap Edit, and follow the same steps as on a computer. The app version works the same way as the browser version.