Changing your Facebook password regularly is an important step to help protect your account’s security. Facebook requires you to update your password every few months. You may also want to change it if you think someone else has gained access to your account.
Creating a new password for Facebook only takes a few minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process.
Requirements for a Facebook Password
Before creating your new Facebook password, it’s important to understand Facebook’s password requirements:
- Must be at least 6 characters long
- Cannot contain your name or email address
- Cannot contain dictionary words or consecutive strings of letters/numbers
- Should be something only you would know
Keeping these requirements in mind will help you create a strong and secure password that protects your account.
How to Change Your Facebook Password on a Computer
If you’re on a desktop or laptop, follow these steps to change your Facebook password:
- Go to Facebook.com and log into your account
- Click on the down arrow in the top right corner and select “Settings”
- On the left sidebar, click “Security and Login”
- Under “Password,” click “Edit” next to your current password
- Enter your current password to confirm your identity
- Type your new password and then re-type it to confirm
- Click “Save Changes”
Once you save your new password, you’ll be logged out of all active Facebook sessions as a security measure. You’ll have to enter your new password the next time you log in.
How to Change Your Facebook Password on Mobile
If you want to change your Facebook password on your iPhone, Android, or tablet, here are the steps:
- Open the Facebook app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines)
- Scroll down and choose “Settings & Privacy”
- Tap “Settings”
- Select “Security and Login”
- Tap “Change Password”
- Enter your current password and tap “Continue”
- Type your new password and retype it to confirm
- Tap “Save Changes”
The Facebook app will log you out after you change your password. You’ll need to enter your new password when logging back in.
Tips for Creating a Strong Facebook Password
When making a new Facebook password, aim to create one that is difficult for others to guess but easy for you to remember. Here are some tips:
- Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters
- Include numbers and symbols
- Try using a passphrase instead of a single word
- Don’t use personal information like your birthday or name
- Avoid dictionary words or common strings like “123456”
- Consider using a password manager to generate and store secure passwords
You may want to write down your new Facebook password or store it in a password manager until you can memorize it. Avoid storing passwords in plain text files on your computer.
Recovering Your Password if You Forget It
If you forget your new Facebook password, you can recover it through the “Forgot Password” option:
- Go to the Facebook login page
- Click “Forgot Password?” below the password field
- Enter your email or phone number associated with your account
- Facebook will send you an email or text with a reset link
- Click the reset link which will allow you to create a new password
This will let you securely create a new password without needing your old one. Just be sure to enter an email or phone number that you have access to.
Enabling Two-Factor Authentication
For added security, consider turning on two-factor authentication after changing your password. With two-factor enabled, you’ll need to enter a code from your phone as well as your password when logging in to Facebook.
Here’s how to set up two-factor authentication:
- Go to “Settings” and choose “Security and Login”
- Select “Use Two-Factor Authentication”
- Choose to receive codes via text or an authentication app
- Enter your phone number and select the option to have codes sent via text
- A confirmation code will be texted to you to complete setup
With two-factor enabled, both your password and a code from your phone will now be required to access your Facebook account. This provides extra protection in case your password is compromised.
Conclusion
Creating new passwords for Facebook is easy to do through the settings menu. Make sure your new password follows the Facebook guidelines for security. Enable two-factor authentication for better protection, and use the password recovery option if you ever forget your new password.
Changing your Facebook password regularly is a simple way to boost your account’s security and prevent unauthorized access. Just be sure to store it somewhere safe so you don’t get locked out!