How to change your email password on the major providers

The steps differ slightly depending on whether you use Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or another provider, but the basic path is the same: sign in, find the security or account settings section, locate the password change option, enter your current password, type your new one twice, and confirm. Most providers let you change your password from any device in under five minutes. You do not need to sign out of other devices first, though you may be asked to sign in again on some of them afterward.

The instructions below cover the three largest email providers. If you use a smaller provider or your company email, the same general steps explore — look for "Account Settings," "Security," or "Password" in your account menu.

Key Takeaways

  • Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo all let you change your password through their account settings without signing out first.
  • You will need to enter your current password before creating a new one, so have it ready.
  • Your new password should be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols to prevent unauthorized access.
  • After you change your password, you may be signed out of some devices and asked to sign in again with the new password.
  • If you cannot remember your current password, use the "Forgot password" option instead of the password change tool.

Changing your password on Gmail

Go to myaccount.google.com and sign in if you are not already. On the left side, click Security. Scroll down to the section labeled How you sign in to Google and click Password. Enter your current password when prompted, then type your new password twice. Click Change Password to save it.

Google will show you a list of devices where you are currently signed in. You do not need to do anything with this list — you will straightforward be asked to sign in again on some devices the next time you use them. If you want to sign out of all devices when ready, you can do that from the same security page by clicking Your devices, but it is not required.

Changing your password on Outlook or Microsoft 365

Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in. Click Security at the top. Under Password and security info, click Change my password. Enter your current password, then type your new password twice. Click Next and then Finish.

Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity before letting you change your password. If you have a phone number or backup email on file, they will send a code to one of those. Enter the code when prompted. If you do not have either one set up, you may be asked security questions instead.

Changing your password on Yahoo Mail

Go to account.yahoo.com and sign in. Click Account info at the top. On the left, click Security and privacy. Under Password, click Change password. Enter your current password, then type your new password twice. Click Change password to save it.

Yahoo may ask you to verify your identity by sending a code to your phone or backup email. This is a security step to make sure someone else has not gained access to your account. If you do not have a phone number or backup email on file, you can add one during this process.

What to do if you forgot your current password

If you cannot remember your current password, do not try to use the password change tool. Instead, sign out of your email account completely, then go to the sign-in page and click Forgot password? or Can't sign in? You will be asked to enter your email address, and the provider will send a recovery code or link to a backup email address or phone number you have on file.

This process takes longer than a regular password change — usually 15 to 30 minutes — because the provider needs to verify that you actually own the account. If you do not have a backup email or phone number on file, you may not be able to recover your account. This is why setting up a recovery method now, before you need it, is important.

Creating a strong new password

A strong password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like !, @, #, or $. Avoid using your name, birthdate, or common words. Do not reuse a password you have used before, especially one you used on other websites.

If you have trouble remembering a long, complex password, consider using a password manager — a tool that stores your passwords securely and fills them in for you. Password managers like Bitwarden, 1Password, or Dashlane cost money or are free, depending on which one you choose, and they reduce the risk that you will reuse the same password across multiple sites.

What happens after you change your password

Your new password takes effect when ready. On devices where you are currently signed in, you will usually stay signed in for a while longer, but you may be asked to sign in again the next time you open the email app or refresh the page. On devices where you are not currently signed in, you will need to use your new password the next time you sign in.

If you see sign-in attempts from devices you do not recognize after you change your password, that is a sign that someone else had access to your old password. Go back to your security settings and review the list of devices that are signed in. You can sign out of any device you do not recognize from that same page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to sign out of all my devices before changing my password?

No. You can change your password while staying signed in on your phone, computer, and other devices. You may be asked to sign in again on some of them later, but you do not have to do it all at once.

What if I change my password and then forget the new one?

Use the "Forgot password" option on the sign-in page, just as you would if you forgot any password. The provider will send a recovery code to your backup email or phone number. You will then be able to set a new password.

Can someone else change my email password if they know my current password?

Yes, which is why a strong, unique password matters. If someone else has your password, they can change it and lock you out of your account. If this happens, use the "Forgot password" option to recover your account, then change your password again and review your security settings for unauthorized sign-ins.

Will changing my password affect my email on my phone?

You may need to sign in again on your phone after you change your password. When you do, use your new password. If your phone keeps asking for the old password, try signing out of the email app completely, then signing back in with the new password.

How often should I change my email password?

There is no set rule. Change it if you think someone else knows it, if you used it on a website that was hacked, or if you have not changed it in over a year. If you use a strong, unique password and no one else has access to it, changing it frequently is less important than making sure it is strong in the first place.