Change Your Facebook Password From Settings

To change your Facebook password, open Facebook on any browser or the mobile app, go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then scroll to Security and Login, and select Change Password. You will need to enter your current password once and your new password twice. Facebook will then log you out of all other devices and sessions, so you will need to sign back in on any phone, tablet, or computer where you use Facebook.

The entire process takes about two minutes. You do not need to know your old password if you cannot remember it — Facebook has a separate recovery process for that situation — but if you can remember it, changing the password is faster than resetting it.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your password from Settings and Privacy > Settings > Security and Login > Change Password on any device.
  • Changing your password logs you out everywhere, so have your new password written down before you start if you use Facebook on multiple devices.
  • Your new password should be at least six characters and should not be a password you use on other websites.
  • If you cannot remember your current password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login screen instead of the Settings method.
  • After you change your password, check Security and Login again to see a list of devices and browsers where you are signed in.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Desktop or Mobile Browser

Start by going to Facebook.com and signing in if you are not already signed in. Look for the downward-pointing arrow or three horizontal lines in the top right corner of the screen — this is your menu button. Tap or click it.

From the menu, select Settings and Privacy, then tap or click Settings. Scroll down the left side of the screen until you see Security and Login. Click or tap that option. You will now see a section called Change Password near the top of the page. Click or tap Change Password.

Facebook will ask you to enter your current password. Type it in and click Next. Then type your new password in the first box and type it again in the second box to confirm it. Click Change Password. You will see a message saying your password has been changed, and Facebook will log you out of all other sessions.

How to Change Your Password on the Facebook Mobile App

Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (called a menu icon) in the bottom right corner on iPhone or the top right corner on Android. Scroll down and tap Settings and Privacy, then tap Settings. Scroll down to Security and Login and tap it.

Tap Change Password. Enter your current password and tap Next. Type your new password twice — once in each box — and tap Change Password. The app will log you out of all sessions and return you to the login screen. Sign back in with your new password.

What Happens After You Change Your Password

Facebook when ready logs you out of every device and browser where you were signed in. This includes your phone, tablet, laptop, and any other place you use Facebook. You will need to sign back in on each device using your new password. This is a security feature — it means that if someone else knew your old password, they can no longer access your account.

After you change your password, go back to Settings and Privacy > Settings > Security and Login and look at the section called Where You Are Logged In. This shows every device and browser currently signed into your account. If you see a device you do not recognize, tap or click it and select Log Out to remove that session.

Choosing a Strong New Password

Your new password should be at least six characters long, but longer is better — aim for 12 characters or more if you can remember it. Mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or #. Do not use your name, birthday, or the word "Facebook" in your password.

The most important rule: do not use the same password on Facebook that you use on other websites. If another website gets hacked and your password is stolen, hackers will try that same password on Facebook, Gmail, and every other site. Using a different password for each website means a breach on one site cannot hurt your other accounts.

If You Forgot Your Current Password

If you cannot remember your current password, you cannot use the Settings method described above. Instead, go to Facebook.com and look for the link that says Forgot Password below the login boxes. Click it. Facebook will ask for your email address or phone number. Enter whichever one you used when you created your account.

Facebook will send you a link to that email or phone number. Click the link, and you will be taken to a page where you can create a new password without needing to know the old one. This process takes a few minutes longer than changing your password through Settings, but it works if you have lost access to your current password.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If you see an error message saying your current password is wrong, make sure Caps Lock is not on. Passwords are case-sensitive, meaning A is different from a. If you are still stuck, use the Forgot Password link instead.

If you changed your password but you are still seeing old sessions in the Where You Are Logged In list after waiting a few minutes, refresh the page or close and reopen Settings. Sometimes the list takes a moment to update. If a device still shows as logged in after an hour, tap or click it and select Log Out manually.

If you cannot access your email or phone number to reset a forgotten password, Facebook has a recovery process. Go to the Forgot Password page and select I No Longer Have Access to These. Facebook will ask you to verify your identity using a photo ID or by answering security questions you set up earlier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my password delete my photos or messages?

No. Changing your password does not affect any of your photos, messages, friends, or posts. It only changes the password you use to sign in. All your account data stays exactly the same.

How often should I change my Facebook password?

Change your password 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. You do not need to change it more often than that unless you have a reason to suspect your account is at risk.

Can I change my password on Facebook if I am locked out?

If you are locked out and cannot sign in, you cannot use the Settings method. Use the Forgot Password link on the login screen instead. Facebook will send a reset link to your email or phone, and you can create a new password that way.

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

Use the Forgot Password link on the login screen. Facebook will send a reset link to your email or phone number, and you can create another new password. There is no limit to how many times you can reset your password.

Does changing my password affect my two-factor authentication?

No. Two-factor authentication is a separate security setting. Changing your password does not turn it off or change how it works. You will still need to enter a code from your phone or authentication app when you sign in on a new device, even after you change your password.