Changing your Facebook password on your phone is a simple process that can be done in just a few steps. Keeping your Facebook account secure by regularly updating your password is important for protecting your privacy and preventing unauthorized access.
Why Should You Change Your Facebook Password Regularly?
Here are some key reasons why it’s important to change your Facebook password regularly:
- Prevent unauthorized access – By changing your password often, you make it harder for hackers or anyone else to gain access to your account if they manage to obtain your password.
- Limit damage from data breaches – If your Facebook password is part of a website or service data breach, regular password changes ensure that even if your old password is compromised, your new password remains secure.
- Good security habit – Getting into the routine of changing passwords frequently for all important online accounts trains you to keep security top of mind.
- Peace of mind – Knowing that you have a strong, up-to-date password that only you know provides peace of mind that your Facebook account is properly protected.
When Should You Change Your Facebook Password?
Some good rules of thumb to follow for changing your Facebook password include:
- Every 60-90 days – Facebook does not force you to change your password after any set time period, but it’s wise to do it every 2-3 months.
- If you notice suspicious activity – If you see any signs that someone may have accessed your account, change your password right away.
- After a data breach involving a password you use – If another online account or service you use is breached, change your Facebook password if you used the same or a similar password.
- When you get any new device – When getting a new phone, computer or tablet, one of the first things to do is change your Facebook password.
Changing your password regularly is one of the easiest and most effective ways to enhance your Facebook security over time.
How to Change Your Facebook Password on an iPhone
Changing your Facebook password on an iPhone only takes a few minutes. Here is the step-by-step process:
- Open the Facebook app on your iPhone.
- Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner.
- Scroll down and choose ‘Settings & privacy’.
- Tap ‘Settings’.
- Select ‘Security and login’.
- Tap ‘Change password’.
- Enter your current password.
- Enter your new password twice.
- Tap ‘Save Changes’.
That’s all there is to it! Your Facebook password will now be updated. Going forward, make sure to use the new password whenever logging in to Facebook on your iPhone or any other device.
How to Change Your Facebook Password on an Android
Similar to the iPhone, changing your Facebook password on an Android phone is a quick and easy process:
- Open the Facebook app.
- Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner.
- Choose ‘Settings & privacy’.
- Select ‘Settings’.
- Tap ‘Security and login’.
- Choose ‘Change password’.
- Enter your old password.
- Type your new password twice.
- Tap ‘Save Changes’.
That’s it – your new Facebook password is now active. Going forward, be sure to login using your new password on any device.
Tips for Creating a Strong Facebook Password
When changing your Facebook password, it’s important to make sure your new password is strong and secure. Here are some tips:
- Use at least 8 characters – The longer the password, the tougher it is to crack.
- Mix upper and lowercase letters – Using a mix of cases improves password strength.
- Include numbers and symbols – Incorporating digits and symbols will make your password more complex.
- Avoid common words or phrases – Easily guessed passwords leave accounts vulnerable.
- Don’t reuse passwords – Unique passwords should be used for each important account.
You may also want to consider using a password manager app to generate and store long, random passwords for accounts like Facebook.
How Facebook Notifies You About Suspicious Login Attempts
Facebook has measures in place to monitor suspicious login attempts and notify you about password change requests, including:
- Email notifications – If a login from a new device or location is detected, Facebook may send you an email asking if the login was you. Replying “No” will secure your account.
- Login approvals – For sensitive actions like password changes, Facebook may require approving a login attempt by entering a code sent to your phone.
- Login alerts – Facebook may send alerts about unrecognized logins via email, texts or Facebook notifications.
- Activity log – You can check your Facebook activity log for any logins, password changes or other actions that look suspicious.
Staying on top of these Facebook notifications allows you to quickly take steps to secure your account if any unauthorized access is detected.
What to Do If You Think Your Facebook Account Has Been Hacked
If you see signs that someone has accessed your Facebook account, here are the steps to take right away:
- Change your password – Even if you regain account access, choose a new strong password immediately.
- Check recent posts and activity – Look for any recent posts, messages, password changes or new logins that you don’t recognize.
- Remove suspicious apps – Check your app settings and remove any unknown or suspicious apps.
- Alert your friends – Let your Facebook friends know your account was compromised in case they received unwanted messages.
- Run a virus scan – Scan all your devices in case your account was hacked via malware or spyware.
- Enable two-factor authentication – Add an extra security layer like requiring codes from your phone to log in.
- Contact Facebook – Use Facebook’s account recovery steps to report unauthorized access and attempt to secure your account.
Taking quick action as soon as you notice anything amiss can help limit the damage from a hacked Facebook account.
Conclusion
Keeping your Facebook password updated regularly is an important security measure for any Facebook user. Thankfully, changing your password on both iPhones and Android phones can be done in just a few quick steps through the Facebook app. Be sure to choose a strong, unique password and enable extra login protections like two-factor authentication whenever possible.
Stay vigilant for any notifications from Facebook about unrecognized logins, and act right away if you suspect your account has been compromised. With good password hygiene practices, you can feel confident that your Facebook account and private information are properly protected.