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How to Change Facebook Password

kokou adzo

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how to change facebook password

How to Change Facebook Password : Keeping your Facebook password secure and up to date is essential to protect your personal information and maintain control of your social media presence. In this guide, you’ll learn how to change Facebook password step by step—on both desktop and mobile devices. You’ll also discover why updating your password regularly matters, what to do if you’ve forgotten your current password, and tips for creating a strong passphrase that keeps your account safe. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

  1. Why You Should Update Your Facebook Password
  2. How to Change Your Facebook Password on Desktop
  3. How to Change Your Facebook Password on the Mobile App
  4. What to Do If You’ve Forgotten Your Current Password
  5. Tips for Creating a Strong Password
  6. How Often Should You Update Your Facebook Password?
  7. Conclusion

Why You Should Update Your Facebook Password

Your Facebook account is more than just a platform for connecting with friends and family—it often contains personal details, photos, and even financial information if you’ve used it for transactions or linked payment methods. Updating your password regularly is crucial for multiple reasons:

  1. Enhanced Security: Changing your Facebook password periodically helps prevent unauthorized access. If someone has guessed or otherwise obtained your old password, you can cut off their access by updating it.
  2. Protection Against Data Breaches: Large companies, including social media platforms, can experience security breaches. If hackers gain access to user credentials, having a new password every few months can reduce the risk of your account being compromised.
  3. Good Security Habit: Regularly updating passwords across all your online accounts—including Facebook—helps you adopt a security-focused mindset, making you more aware of potential threats and best practices.
  4. Prevent Unwanted Access: If you have shared your login details with someone (intentionally or by accident) or suspect that someone else might have gained access to your account, changing your password is a quick and easy fix.

How to Change Your Facebook Password on Desktop

Below are the steps to change your Facebook password using a desktop browser. Make sure you’re logged into the account you want to modify.

  1. Go to Facebook Settings
    • Open Facebook in your web browser.
    • Click the small downward-facing arrow (or your profile picture) in the top-right corner of the page.
    • Select Settings & privacy from the drop-down menu.
    • Click Settings.
  2. Access the Security and Login Section
    • On the left-hand menu, choose Security and login.
    • This will show you various security options for your account.
  3. Locate the Change Password Option
    • In the Login section, you’ll see Change password.
    • Click Edit next to “Change password.”
  4. Enter Your Current Password and Create a New One
    • You’ll be prompted to enter your current password.
    • Then, type in your new password and retype it for confirmation.
  5. Save Your Changes
    • Click Save Changes.
    • Facebook will typically offer to Review other devices or Stay logged in, depending on your situation. Choose whether you want to log out from other devices or remain logged in.

Tip: After you change your Facebook password, update any saved login credentials in your password manager or browser to avoid login issues in the future.

How to Change Your Facebook Password on the Mobile App

You can also change your Facebook password directly from the mobile app, whether you’re using an Android or iOS device. Here’s how:

  1. Open the Facebook App
    • Tap the Menu icon (three horizontal lines on Android, or the bottom-right icon on iOS).
  2. Access Settings & Privacy
    • Scroll down until you see Settings & Privacy.
    • Tap Settings.
  3. Navigate to Security and Login
    • Under the Account section, look for Password and Security or Security and login (the label may vary slightly depending on the app version).
    • Tap to open it.
  4. Find the Change Password Section
    • Look for Change password within the Login section.
  5. Enter Current Password and New Password
    • Enter your current password for verification.
    • Choose a secure new password and confirm it by typing it twice.
  6. Save Changes
    • Tap Save or Update password.
    • Choose whether to remain logged in on other devices or log out.

Tip: Make sure your mobile app is up to date. Facebook regularly updates its interface, so having the latest version ensures the steps are accurate and you have the most recent security features.

What to Do If You’ve Forgotten Your Current Password

Sometimes, you might need to change your Facebook password but can’t remember your current one. Don’t worry—Facebook provides an easy reset option:

  1. Go to the Facebook Login Page
    • If you’re on a desktop, visit facebook.com. On mobile, open the app.
  2. Click or Tap “Forgot Password?”
    • Under the login fields, you’ll see a Forgot Password? option. Select it.
  3. Identify Your Account
    • Enter your email address or phone number associated with your Facebook account.
    • If you don’t remember these details, Facebook may allow you to use your username or a trusted contact to help identify the account.
  4. Choose a Recovery Method
    • Facebook will ask if you want to receive a reset code via email or SMS.
    • Choose the method you can access.
  5. Enter the Security Code
    • Check your email or phone for the code.
    • Type the code into the prompt on Facebook.
  6. Create a New Password
    • Once your identity is confirmed, you’ll be able to create a brand-new password.
    • Make it strong and unique (more on that below).
  7. Log Back In
    • After resetting your password, you’ll be automatically logged in.
    • Update your password manager or browser-saved credentials, if applicable.

Tips for Creating a Strong Password

Choosing a strong password is one of the easiest yet most effective ways to protect your Facebook account. Here are some guidelines:

  1. Use a Mix of Characters
    • A secure password typically has a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
    • Example: P@ssw0rd!923
  2. Avoid Common Words and Patterns
    • Steer clear of dictionary words, consecutive numbers, or predictable patterns.
    • For instance, “password123” or “abc1234” are easy to guess.
  3. Make It Long
    • Aim for at least 12 characters or more. Longer passwords are exponentially harder to crack.
  4. Don’t Reuse Passwords
    • Using the same password for multiple accounts increases your vulnerability.
    • If one site is compromised, hackers could gain access to all your other accounts.
  5. Consider a Passphrase
    • Instead of a single word, use a phrase with punctuation.
    • Example: “!IHeartCoffeeAt7AM!” is both long and memorable.
  6. Use a Password Manager
    • Password managers like LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden can generate secure passwords and store them for you.
    • This eliminates the need to memorize multiple complex passwords.

How Often Should You Update Your Facebook Password?

The frequency of password updates can vary depending on personal preference and security best practices. Here are some considerations:

  1. Regular Intervals
    • Some experts recommend changing your social media passwords every three to six months. This ensures that even if someone has obtained your old password, they won’t have indefinite access.
  2. After a Security Breach
    • If Facebook announces a security breach, or if you hear about a leak of passwords, update your password immediately.
  3. Signs of Suspicious Activity
    • If you notice unusual logins, unrecognized devices, or any odd behavior (like posts you didn’t make), change your password at once.
  4. Post-Sharing or Compromises
    • If you ever share your password with someone—even a close friend or partner—or log in on a public computer, be sure to update it when you get the chance.

Bottom Line: There’s no hard-and-fast rule, but erring on the side of caution by updating your Facebook password at least twice a year can go a long way in safeguarding your account.

Conclusion

Learning how to change your Facebook password is a simple yet crucial step in securing your online presence. Whether you prefer to manage your account on a desktop or through the mobile app, the process is straightforward—just head to your account’s Security and login settings, enter your current password, and create a new one. If you’ve forgotten your existing password, follow Facebook’s reset process to recover your account.

To truly protect your Facebook profile, make sure you create a strong, unique password and update it regularly. With cyber threats continually evolving, taking proactive measures like password updates, two-factor authentication, and routine account reviews can help keep your personal information safe. Stay vigilant, and you’ll enjoy a more secure and worry-free experience on Facebook!

 

Kokou Adzo is the editor and author of Startup.info. He is passionate about business and tech, and brings you the latest Startup news and information. He graduated from university of Siena (Italy) and Rennes (France) in Communications and Political Science with a Master's Degree. He manages the editorial operations at Startup.info.

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