The quickest way to change your password
Open Facebook on any device and go to Settings & Privacy, then Settings. On the left side, click Security and Login. Scroll down to the "Change password" section, click the button, and enter your current password once and your new password twice. Facebook will ask you to confirm — click "Change Password" and you're done. The whole process takes about two minutes.
If you're on the Facebook app instead of a browser, tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner, scroll down to Settings & Privacy, then tap Settings. Follow the same path: Security and Login, then Change password. The steps are identical.
After you change your password, Facebook will log you out of all other devices and browsers where you were signed in. You'll need to sign back in with your new password on each one. This is a safety feature — it makes sure that if someone else had access to your account somewhere, they lose it when you change the password.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your Facebook password from Settings & Privacy > Settings > Security and Login > Change password on any device.
- Changing your password logs you out everywhere, so you'll need to sign back in on your phone, tablet, and any other devices you use.
- If you can't remember your current password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login screen instead of trying to change it from Settings.
- A strong password has at least 12 characters and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — avoid using words from your name or birthdate.
When to change your password
Change your password if you think someone else knows it, if you've used the same password on multiple websites and one of those sites had a data breach, or if you haven't changed it in over a year. You should also change it if you've logged into Facebook on a public computer or a friend's device that you don't fully trust.
If you suspect your account was actually hacked — meaning someone logged in without your permission — changing the password alone may not be enough. Check the "Where you're logged in" section on the Security and Login page to see all active sessions. If you see a location or device you don't recognize, click the three dots next to it and select "Log out." Then change your password and consider enabling two-factor authentication, which adds a second security step when you or anyone else tries to log in.
Making sure your new password is strong
A strong password is hard for someone else to guess or crack, even if they know things about you. Use at least 12 characters. Mix uppercase letters (A–Z), lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), and symbols like ! @ # $ % or &. Avoid using your name, birthdate, pet's name, or any word that appears in a dictionary.
The easiest way to create a strong password you won't forget is to use a password manager — a program that generates and stores passwords for you. Popular options include Bitwarden (free), 1Password, Dashlane, and LastPass. These programs fill in your password automatically when you visit Facebook, so you don't have to type it or remember it yourself. If you use a password manager, you can make your Facebook password completely random, which is more secure than any password you could memorize.
If you don't use a password manager, write your new password down on paper and store it somewhere safe — a locked drawer, a safe, or a place only you know about. Never write it in a text file on your computer or phone, and never text it to yourself or email it to yourself.
If you're locked out and can't change your password
If you can't log into Facebook because you've forgotten your password, go to facebook.com and click "Forgotten password?" on the login screen. Enter your email address, phone number, or username. Facebook will send you a link to reset your password — check your email or text messages for it. Click the link and create a new password.
If you don't have access to the email address or phone number connected to your account, Facebook has a longer recovery process. On the "Find Your Account" page, click "No longer have access to these?" and follow the steps to verify your identity. You may need to answer security questions, upload a photo ID, or wait for Facebook to review your request. This process can take several days.
Signing back in on all your devices
After you change your password, you'll be logged out of Facebook everywhere. On your phone, open the Facebook app and sign back in with your new password. Do the same on your tablet, computer, and any other device where you use Facebook. If you have Facebook Messenger installed separately from the main app, you'll need to sign back into that too.
If you use Facebook on a shared computer or a device that belongs to someone else, do not check the "Keep me logged in" box when you sign back in. This prevents the next person who uses that device from accessing your account. On your own personal devices, you can stay logged in if you want — just make sure your device itself is password-protected so no one else can pick it up and use it.
Two-factor authentication adds an extra security layer
Two-factor authentication (often called 2FA) means Facebook asks for a second piece of information when you or someone else tries to log in — usually a code from your phone. This stops someone from accessing your account even if they know your password. To turn it on, go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Security and Login > Two-Factor Authentication and choose your method.
Facebook offers three ways to receive your second code: a text message to your phone, an authentication app like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator, or a backup code you save and keep safe. The authentication app method is the most secure because it doesn't rely on your phone number, which can be taken over by someone else. If you choose text messages, make sure your phone number is current in your Facebook settings.
What happens if you change your password but still can't log in
If you've changed your password and you're still getting an error when you try to log in, wait 15 minutes and try again. Sometimes Facebook's systems need time to update. If the error persists, clear your browser's cache and cookies, then try logging in again. On most browsers, you can do this by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Delete (Windows) or Command+Shift+Delete (Mac), then selecting "All time" and checking the boxes for cookies and cached images.
If you're using the Facebook app and it won't let you log in with your new password, try uninstalling the app completely, restarting your phone, and reinstalling it from the App Store or Google Play. Sometimes the app holds onto old login information and needs a fresh start. If none of these steps work, use the "Forgotten password?" link again to make sure your password change went through, or contact Facebook's support through the Help Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my password delete my photos, messages, or posts?
No. Changing your password only changes how you log in — it doesn't affect any of your account data. Your photos, messages, posts, and friends list stay exactly as they are.
Can I change my password on Facebook without a phone number?
Yes. You only need a phone number if you want to use text messages for two-factor authentication. You can change your password using just your email address, and you can set up two-factor authentication using an authenticator app instead of text messages.
What should I do if I think someone else changed my Facebook password?
Go to facebook.com and click "Forgotten password?" to reset it. If you can't access the email or phone number on your account, click "No longer have access to these?" and follow Facebook's identity verification process. Once you regain access, change the password again and turn on two-factor authentication.
Do I need to change my password if I only use Facebook on my own computer?
You don't need to change it more often than once a year, but it's a good habit. If you've used the same password anywhere else online, change it right away — if that other website had a breach, your Facebook account is at risk.
Can I use the same password for Facebook and other websites?
No. If you use the same password everywhere and one website gets hacked, someone can log into all your accounts. Use a different password for each important account, especially email and banking. A password manager makes this much easier.