If you need to change your Facebook password, the process is relatively simple. Facebook allows users to update their passwords directly through the Facebook website or mobile app. In this article, we’ll walk through the step-by-step instructions for changing your Facebook password on both desktop and mobile.
Requirements for Changing Your Facebook Password
Before going through the steps to change your password, there are a few requirements you’ll need to meet:
- You must be logged into your Facebook account to change the password. If you don’t remember your current password, you’ll need to go through the password reset process first.
- Your new Facebook password must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 6 characters long
- Contain a mix of letters, numbers and punctuation
- Cannot contain your name or email address
- You’ll need to enter your current Facebook password before setting a new one (this verifies your identity).
As long as you meet these requirements, you can change your Facebook password as often as you like. Now let’s look at how to do it.
Changing Your Password on Desktop
If you’re accessing Facebook on a desktop computer, here are the steps to update your password:
- Go to www.facebook.com and log into your account
- Click on the arrow icon in the top right corner of the page
- Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu
- On the Settings page, click “Security and Login” in the left sidebar
- Under the “Password” section, click “Edit”
- Enter your current Facebook password and click “Continue”
- Type your new password and re-enter it to confirm
- Click “Save Changes”
Once you hit Save Changes, your new Facebook password will be active. The next time you log into Facebook from that device, you will need to enter the new password.
Tips for Changing Your Password on Desktop
- Make sure caps lock is not accidentally enabled as you enter your current and new password.
- Use a password manager to generate and store a secure, random password.
- Enable two-factor authentication for added security beyond just a password.
- Don’t share your new password with anyone or save it in an unsecured location.
Changing Your Facebook Password on Mobile
You can also change your Facebook password directly from the Facebook mobile app for iPhone, Android or other devices. Here is the process:
- Open the Facebook app and tap the three-line menu icon
- Scroll down and choose “Settings & Privacy”
- Select “Settings”
- Tap “Security and Login”
- Tap “Change Password”
- Enter your current Facebook password and tap “Continue”
- Type your new password, confirm it and tap “Save”
The steps may be a little different depending on which mobile device you’re using, but you should be able to find the Change Password option somewhere in your Facebook app settings.
Tips for Updating Your Password on Mobile
- Make sure your mobile device requires a passcode for added security.
- Tap the eye icon when entering your password to verify you’re typing it correctly.
- Save your new password in a trusted password manager rather than in your mobile browser.
- Turn on login approvals if your device supports it.
Resetting Your Password if You Forgot It
If you don’t remember your current Facebook password, you won’t be able to change it until you reset your password. Here is how to reset your password if you get locked out of your account:
- Go to the Facebook login page on desktop or mobile.
- Tap “Forgotten password?” below the password field.
- Enter your email address or phone number associated with your Facebook account.
- Facebook will send you a password reset link.
- Click the password reset link which will open Facebook and prompt you to enter a new password.
- Type your new Facebook password twice to confirm.
- Click “Save Changes” and you should now be able to log in with your new password.
This process works both on mobile and desktop devices. Make sure to use a valid email or phone number that you have access to so that you can complete the password reset process.
Reasons to Change Your Facebook Password
Here are some common reasons why you may want to change your Facebook password periodically:
- Your password is old or weak – If you’ve had the same Facebook password for years, it’s a good idea to update it to something more secure. Use a strong mix of numbers, letters and symbols.
- You suspect your password was compromised – If you have any suspicion that someone else may have accessed your password, change it right away.
- You use the same password on multiple sites – Using unique passwords on all your accounts prevents compromised.
- You shared your password with someone – Never share Facebook passwords, even with friends or family.
- Facebook requires you to reset it – Facebook may prompt you to reset your password if they detect suspicious activity.
- You were locked out of your account – Resetting your password is necessary if you can’t remember your current one.
Best Practices for Facebook Passwords
Here are some tips for keeping your Facebook password secure:
- Never use simple or common passwords like “password123” or “123456”.
- Try to use a unique password just for your Facebook account.
- Consider using a password manager to generate and store secure passwords.
- Enable two-factor authentication or login approvals for added security.
- Change your Facebook password every 60-90 days if desired.
- Don’t share your Facebook password with others or access Facebook on public devices.
- Use strong alphanumeric passwords with special characters.
- Avoid using personal information like your name or birthday in passwords.
Conclusion
Keeping your Facebook password updated is an important part of protecting your account’s security. Thankfully Facebook makes it easy to change your password either on desktop or mobile. Just visit your Facebook Settings, choose Security and Login, then select Change Password. If you ever get locked out, you can also reset your Facebook password by following the password reset steps.
Be sure to use strong, unique passwords and enable extra security options like two-factor authentication when possible. Avoid reusing the same password across different accounts. Change your Facebook password periodically and whenever you suspect it may have been compromised. Following strong password practices keeps your account safe from unauthorized access.