Gmail has more than a billion active users. Most use it as their primary email address, which is often also connected with other accounts. Therefore, keeping it safe is especially important. Passwords are the first line of defense, and everyone should change them once in a while. It's internet safety 101, and since your email account is the most important one, it's best to start there.
Here's a short guide on how to change your Gmail password.
How to reset a Gmail password on a computer
To change your password from any browser:
Go to your “Google Account.”
Click “Security” on the left.
Under “Signing in to Google,” choose “Password.”
Sign in again and enter your new password.
Click “Change password.”
How to change a Gmail password on Android
To change your password from an Android phone or tablet:
Go to your device's “Settings” > “Google” > “Manage your Google Account.”
Select “Security” at the top.
Under “Signing in to Google,” choose “Password.”
Sign in again and enter your new password.
Tap “Change password.”
How to reset a Gmail password on iPhone and iPad
To change your password from an iPhone or iPad:
Open the Gmail app and tap on your profile picture in the top right.
Tap “Manage your Google Account” and select “Personal info.”
Under “Profile,” choose “Password.”
Sign in again and enter your new password.
Tap “Change password.”
Note that you will automatically be signed out of all your devices once you change the password.
How to reset a forgotten Gmail password
To reset a forgotten Gmail password:
Visit the Gmail recovery page.
Enter your email address and click “Next.”
Because you've forgotten your password, click “Try another way.”
Gmail will allow you to choose how you would like to receive the recovery code if you've set up a recovery phone number associated with your account. Choose between “Text” and “Call.”
If you don't have your phone on you, you can click, click “I don't have my phone” at the bottom and proceed to step six.
If you have another email associated with your Gmail account, Google will allow you to receive the recovery code to that email. Click “Send.”
If you don't have access to the recovery email account or have not set up your recovery phone, you will need to click “Try another way.” Google will then ask for an alternative email address that you can access. The team at Google will assess your situation individually and determine where they can help you recover the account.
Enter your recovery code.
Finally, create a new password.
What happens after you change your Gmail password
As soon as you change or reset your Gmail password, you will be automatically signed out of that account on all your devices. This means that you will need to log back in using the new password.
Set up MFA
While you're at it, you can also set up multi-factor authentication. Follow the same steps, but instead of choosing “Password,” click on “2-step verification” and follow the instructions.
You can choose a phone prompt, where you will need to unlock your phone and prove that you – and not someone else – are trying to sign in. Another option is to get a six-digit code sent to your phone via SMS or a call. You can also use authenticator apps such as Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, Duo Mobile, or Authy. Furthermore, you can obtain backup codes. However, one of the safest methods is using a security key. It's a small device you can connect to a smartphone or computer to prove it's you.
Why is MFA so important? A hacker can crack most passwords in a few hours if they have the right tools. Security questions are not a good way to protect your account either. The answers can be found online because most people willingly give away information about themselves. MFA offers an extra layer of reliable protection that drastically reduces the chances of your accounts getting hacked.
Pick a strong password
When you change your password, pick one that is hard to guess or crack. That means using at least 12 characters, upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and special symbols. Try our password generator for the best results — it will also tell you how strong your password is.
Also, remember not to reuse the newly created password for any of your other online accounts. You may follow all the rules for making your password strong, but it won't matter if you reuse it across multiple accounts. Say one of the online services or sites that you use gets breached. If hackers can get their hands on your super strong passwords, they will be able to enter any of your accounts that use that password.
You might think that long strings of random characters will be nearly impossible to remember. And you're right! So use a password manager like NordPass to store all your passwords safely.
NordPass syncs across all your devices so that you can use it at home, work, and on the go. NordPass encrypts your passwords on your device and then sends them to the cloud for safe storage. This way, even if someone manages to break into your vault, they won’t be able to decipher your passwords.
Get NordPass and enjoy peace of mind.