How to change your Google password?

With over 2.5 billion users and the world's second-largest email client market share, thanks to Gmail’s popularity, Google is undoubtedly a dominant force on the internet. It’s unsurprising that Google Accounts are a usual target for hackers—with so many users around, they can gather plenty of valuable data.

If you’re concerned that your account might be compromised, have detected suspicious activity, or simply forgot your login details, this guide will cover how to change your Google password on desktop and mobile devices. Google keeps it pretty simple, as all password settings follow the same layout across different devices. So, let’s get started.

How to change your Google password on the desktop

To access your account settings, you can use one of Google’s services. For the purposes of this guide, let’s use Gmail. However, Google’s home page, Drive, YouTube, and other adjacent pages can also be used.

1. Visit the Google Account page.

2. Select “Personal info,” and under “Other info and preferences for Google services,” select “Password.” You can also find password settings in the “Security” tab under “How you sign in to Google.”

3. To verify you’re trying to access these security settings, you will need to enter your current Google password.

4. Once you’ve verified your access attempt, you can enter your new Google Account password. Google requires a password to be at least 8 characters long. You can use a password generator to create a strong and unique new password. Once you’ve entered it, select “Change password.”

5. That’s it! You’ve just changed your Google password.

Keep in mind that Google will automatically log you out of your devices except for the device you use for verification or some third-party apps and home devices with authorized access. You will need to confirm your login attempts using your selected verification method.

How to change your Google password on iPhone or iPad

1. Open the Gmail app and tap your profile picture at the top right corner. If you don’t use the app, go to https://myaccount.google.com/ to access your account and proceed to step 3.

2. Tap the “Manage your Google Account” button.

3. Select the “Personal info” tab and navigate down to “Other info and preferences for Google services.” Here, select “Password.” You can also find the same password settings in the “Security” tab under “How you sign in to Google.”

4. For security reasons, you will be prompted to enter your current Google password.

5. Now, enter your new Google password—make sure it’s at least 8 characters long—and select “Change Password.”

6. That’s it! You can now use your new password to log in to your Google Account.

After being automatically logged out, you will need to enter your new credentials to access your Google Account.

How to change your Google password on Android

Since Android devices are owned by Google, you can update your credentials in the settings or via one of the Google apps on your device. Here’s how to change your Google password via Android settings:

1. Go to your phone settings. The access may vary depending on your device model.

2. Find the “Google” section, and under “Google services,” tap your Google Account name. Then, tap “Google Account.”

3. You can find the password settings in the “Personal info” section under “Other info and preferences for Google services,” or in the “Security” settings under “How you sign in to Google.” In either section, select “Password.”

4. You will be prompted to enter your current Google password.

5. Now, enter your new Google Account password. To ensure it matches password strength criteria, make it at least 8 characters long and include a random combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. Then, select “Change password.”

6. That’s it! You’ve now successfully reset your Google password on Android.

Keep in mind you may be prompted to log in to your device’s Google Account again using the new credentials.

How to reset your Google password if you forgot it

It’s all fun and games until you’re setting up a new device, get to the Google Account login screen, and realize your password has vanished. It’s not in your head, it’s nowhere to be found in your notes. To avert disaster, it’s time for a quick Google password reset.

Thankfully, Google has put the work in to make account reset as smooth and painless as can be during the sign up process. You have the option to add a phone number or additional email address to your account for account reset and authentication purposes.

Here’s how you can reset your Google password:

1. Go to https://accounts.google.com/signin/recovery to begin the recovery process.

2. Enter your email address or, if you have it linked to your account, your phone number, and select “Next.”

3. You can enter the last password you remember using for your Google Account and select “Next.” If you can’t remember any of your previous passwords, select “Try another way.”

4. You will then be prompted to enter the phone number provided in your security settings. If you know the phone number, enter it and select “Next.” If you can’t use the related phone number, skip to step 6.

5. You will be sent a recovery code to your phone number. Enter the code and select “Next.”

6. If you can’t access your phone number in step 4, select “I don’t have my phone.” You’ll be able to enter your recovery email address to get a verification code. Enter the code and select “Next.”

7. You’ll then be able to set up a new password for your account. Select “Save password.”

8. Congratulations! You’ve reset your Google Account password.

How to secure your Google Account after changing the password

Now that your account is secure, let’s take some steps to ensure it stays that way. There are a few different security measures you can switch on, both internally and externally, to keep your Google Account protected from unauthorized access.

Two-factor authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication, or “2-Step Verification” as it’s called in your Google settings, is an easy way to protect your account by adding an additional authentication step. You can find the 2FA setup in your Google Account’s security settings:

1. In the “How you sign in to Google” section, select “2-Step Verification.”

2. If you haven’t already, link a phone number to your Google Account. You’ll receive an SMS with a verification code.

3. Enter the code and select “Done.”

4. That’s it! Now Google will send a verification code to your phone whenever you log in to your account. You can turn off 2FA at any time.

Passkeys

Setting up a passkey is perhaps a lesser-known yet certainly reliable way to protect your Google Account. A passkey is an authentication method that combines your biometric information with your personal device to create a more secure login experience. Google started supporting passkeys back in 2023, creating an easier way for users to authenticate their accounts without worrying about forgetting passwords.

To set up a passkey for your Google Account, go to “Security” settings and select “Passkeys and security keys” under “How you sign in to Google.” Then, simply select “Create a passkey.”

Check for unauthorized sessions and devices

If you’re receiving suspicious emails or requests to verify login attempts, it’s possible someone has added their device to your Google Account without your authorization. Likewise, if you’ve transferred your device ownership to another person, you may want to disconnect your Google Account access from that device.

To check what devices are connected to your Google Account, go to your “Security” settings and find the “Your devices” section. Then, select “Manage all devices” and carefully look at the list. If you spot any suspicious device connected to your account, tap it and select “Sign out” to cut off access. For security reasons, you may want to change your Google password if you haven’t done so already.

Store your new password securely

Even with additional security measures switched on, it’s essential to keep your Google Account password secure. To do this easily, you can use a password manager like NordPass. It provides encrypted storage for all your credentials, Google included, and comes equipped with a Password Generator that you can use to create your new account password.

NordPass is available as a Google Chrome extension, meaning you can easily access it on your browser. Simply save your Google login details in NordPass and, whenever you need to log in, they’ll be autofilled for you.

In addition to its password management features, NordPass also provides additional security for your accounts. With the Data Breach Scanner, you can check whether any of your email addresses or credit card details have been compromised, while Password Health informs you about old, weak, reused, and breached passwords.

Try NordPass for free today and discover a higher level of security, whether it’s for your Google Accounts, or any other sensitive data on the web.

Frequently asked questions