How to change or reset your password on Facebook

Cybersecurity Content Writer

Forgot your Facebook password? The experience can be unsettling, especially when that account is linked to other online services. But there's no need to worry. If you need to change or reset your Facebook password, there's a straightforward process to follow. Just be sure that you have the email or phone number you signed up with, and regaining access will be a quick procedure.

How to change your Facebook password

Facebook remains an important hub for personal and professional interactions, as well as a service that is quite commonly linked to other accounts, making the security of your Facebook account significant to say the least.

The process for changing your Facebook password is largely consistent across desktop, iOS, and Android devices. However, if you're specifically looking for how to change Facebook password on iPhone or Android, always ensure you have the latest version of the Facebook app installed for the most up-to-date instructions.

So, whether you're taking proactive measures or responding to a potential concern, updating your password is a simple yet effective step. Here's a detailed guide to help you change your Facebook password with ease.

Changing Facebook password on desktop

Facebook has made it relatively straightforward to update your security settings on a desktop device.

Here's a step-by-step guide to changing your password on a PC or Mac:

  1. Sign in to your Facebook account.

  2. Click the downward-pointing arrow in the upper-right corner.

  3. Select “Settings and privacy” followed by “Settings.”

  4. In the left sidebar, click on “Security and login.”

  5. Under the “Login” section, find and click “Change password.”

  6. Enter your current password and then, enter your new password in both the “New” and “Retype new” fields.

  7. Click “Save changes.”

  8. Your password is now updated.

Changing Facebook password on mobile

With the increasing reliance on mobile devices for our daily online activities, it's essential to know how to secure your Facebook account on the go. Whether you're using an iPhone or an Android device, here's how you can change your Facebook password:

For both iOS and Android:

  1. Open the Facebook app on your mobile device.

  2. Tap your profile picture.

  3. Select “Settings and privacy” and tap “Settings.”

  4. Scroll to find the “Security and login” option and tap it.

  5. Under the “Login” section, tap “Change password.”

  6. Enter your current password, then your new password in both the “New password” and “Retype new password” fields.

  7. Tap “Update password.”

  8. Your password is now updated.

Remember, while changing your password is a great security measure, always consider additional protective steps like enabling multi-factor authentication for enhanced account safety.

How to reset your password on Facebook

You can try a few methods if you have forgotten your Facebook password. The most straightforward one is to use the “Forgot password?” functionality, but you must have access to the email account or a phone number you used when you signed up for Facebook.

But what should you do if you no longer have access to the email address you signed up with? No worries – you can still recover your Facebook account through a backup email address or phone number or recover your account using the Find Your Account page. Here's how it works:

  1. First, go to Facebook’s homepage.

  2. Try to log in with the last password you remember using.

  3. If it’s incorrect, click “Forgot password?”

  4. You will be redirected to the “Find your account” page. Type into the search field the email address, phone number, full name, or username associated with your Facebook account.

  5. Follow further on-screen instructions.

If you can't access the email account that you used when signing up for Facebook or you haven’t set up a backup email or phone number, then unfortunately, you won't be able to log in to your Facebook account. There is no way to verify that it's you trying to regain access to your Facebook.

How to set recovery email or phone number

If you managed to remember your password and login, it’s best to add additional verification and recovery methods, like an email address or a phone number. You never know when you might forget your password or someone might try to hack your account – it’s best to have a few different verification methods.

  1. Log in to your Facebook account, click your profile image on the upper right side of the screen, and select “Settings and privacy.”

  2. Click “Settings.”

  3. In the “General” tab, select “Contact.”

  4. Enter the backup email address and click “Add.”

  5. To add an extra phone number once again click “Contact.”

  6. Select “Add your phone number?”

  7. Enter your phone number and click “Continue.”

  8. Facebook will send you a text message to confirm the new phone number. Follow the instructions to confirm the new number.

Improve your Facebook account security

While you’re at it, you can tweak other security and privacy settings to further improve your Facebook account security. Here are a few quick tips on leveling up your security posture on Facebook.

Enable two-factor authentication if you haven’t already

  1. Log in to your Facebook account, click your profile image on the upper right side of the screen, and select “Settings and privacy.”

  2. Click “Settings.”

  3. Select “Security and login.”

  4. Scroll down and locate the “Two-factor authentication” section.

  5. Select “Use two-factor authentication.”

  6. Choose the security method that you want to add and follow further instructions.

Set up alerts for unrecognized logins

  1. Log in to your Facebook account, click your profile image on the upper right side of the screen, and select “Settings and privacy.”

  2. Click “Settings.”

  3. Select “Security and login.”

  4. Scroll down and locate the “Setting up extra security” section.

  5. Select “Get alerts about unrecognized logins.”

  6. Under “Notifications” check “Get notifications.”

  7. Under “Email address” check “Receive email alerts at.”

  8. Click “Save changes.”

Change your password to something long and complex

A long and complex password might be tough to remember, but it might be the best way to keep your Facebook account safe.

Consider using a password that's at least 12 characters long and includes a mix of numbers, special symbols, and upper- and lowercase letters. Determining whether your new password is as strong as it should be can be tricky, and that's where our password strength checker can help.

While long and complex passwords are your best bet to keeping your online accounts secure, it can be challenging to remember them on the spot. And that's one of the reasons why password managers such as NordPass exist. NordPass provides an all-around solution for passwords and passkeys management. With the ability to automatically prompt users to save passwords for new websites, NordPass streamlines the often tedious process of having to manually type out your passwords. Additionally, with NordPass you get secure password sharing, biometric authentication, and encrypted note storage, ensuring a holistic approach to online security.

Subscribe to NordPass news

Get the latest news and tips from NordPass straight to your inbox.