Let's be real: Facebook's menu system is a labyrinth. Just when you finally memorize where they hid the "Log Out" button, Meta goes and moves everything again. Honestly, trying to figure out how to change password on fb app in 2026 feels a bit like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube in the dark.
It’s frustrating.
You’ve probably been there—scrolling through endless tabs of "Permissions" and "Preferences," just looking for that one simple "Security" link. Why is it so buried? Well, Meta wants to keep everything under one roof now, which they call the Accounts Center. Whether you're on an iPhone or an Android, the path has changed slightly from the old days.
If you’re worried about a weird login from a city you’ve never visited, or you just realized your password has been "P@ssword123" since 2012, it’s time for an update.
The Quick Path to Peace of Mind
Forget the old tutorials that tell you to look for "Security and Login." That's dinosaur talk. These days, everything lives inside the Meta Accounts Center.
First, pop open your Facebook app. Look for your profile picture in the corner. If you’re on an iPhone, it’s usually at the bottom right. Android users, check the top right. Give that a tap. You'll see a little gear icon near the top. That's your shortcut to the "Settings & Privacy" menu.
Once you’re in Settings, you’ll see a big, flashy box at the very top. It says Accounts Center. This is the cockpit of your entire Meta existence. Tap "See more in Accounts Center."
From here, look for Password and security. It’s usually tucked under the "Account settings" header. Inside that menu, you’ll find the holy grail: Change password.
Selecting the Right Account
If you have Instagram or Threads linked to your Facebook, they’re all going to show up here. Make sure you tap on your Facebook profile specifically.
Now comes the part where most people get stuck. You need your current password.
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Facebook won't let you change a thing unless you prove you're actually you. Type in your old one, then punch in your new, super-secure one twice. Meta is pretty picky about security these days—they want a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Basically, if it’s easy for you to remember, it might be too easy for a bot to guess.
Hit "Change Password" at the bottom. Boom. You're done.
What if You Forgot the Old Password?
This is the classic "Catch-22." You want to change your password because you're worried you'll forget it, but you've already forgotten the current one. Don't panic.
On that same "Change password" screen where it asks for your current credentials, look for the blue link that says Forgot your password?.
Facebook will give you a few options to bail yourself out:
- Email: They’ll send a six-digit code to the email address on file.
- SMS: They’ll text a code to your phone.
- WhatsApp: If you’ve linked it, they can send the code there.
- Notifications: Sometimes they’ll just send a push notification to another device where you’re still logged in.
Check your spam folder if the email doesn't show up in thirty seconds. It’s a common glitch. Once you get that code, type it in, and you’ll be prompted to create a brand new password immediately.
The 2026 Security Shake-up: What’s New?
Meta has been rolling out some pretty heavy-duty AI security features lately. You might have noticed that the app asks for your face or fingerprint more often. This is part of the move toward "biometric" security.
Experts like those at AllAboutCookies and various cybersecurity firms have noted that traditional passwords are becoming the "weakest link" in digital safety. That's why, when you how to change password on fb app, you might also see a prompt to enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).
Kinda annoying? Maybe. Worth it? Absolutely.
If you turn on 2FA, even if someone steals your new password, they can’t get in without a secondary code from your phone. It’s like having a deadbolt and a security alarm on the same door.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- The Password Loop: Sometimes, the app gets "stuck" and tells you that you must change your password in the Accounts Center... while you are literally in the Accounts Center. If this happens, clear your app cache or just log in through a mobile browser like Safari or Chrome to bypass the glitch.
- Reuse: Don't use your Netflix password for Facebook. If one gets hacked, they both get hacked.
- The 24-Hour Lock: If you try to reset your password too many times in one day, Facebook will put you in "time out" for 24 hours. No amount of clicking will fix it; you just have to wait.
Keeping Your Data Safe Moving Forward
Changing your password is a great first step, but it's only half the battle. If you suspect someone has been snooping in your account, there's one more thing you should do while you're in that Password and security menu.
Look for Where you're logged in.
This is a list of every device currently using your Facebook account. If you see a "Linux Desktop" in a country you can't pronounce, hit "Select devices to log out" and kick them off. Once you change your password and log out of unrecognized devices, you’re officially in the clear.
Honestly, the best way to handle this is to use a password manager. Apps like Bitwarden or 1Password can generate 20-character gibberish passwords that are impossible to crack, and they'll remember them so you don't have to.
Your Security To-Do List
- Update the App: Ensure you’re running the latest version of Facebook from the App Store or Play Store. Old versions have security holes.
- Check Contact Info: Make sure the email and phone number listed in your "Personal details" are current. If you lose access to that old college email, you might lose your Facebook account forever.
- Review Authorized Apps: Go to "Apps and Websites" in your settings. Delete any random games or quizzes you haven't played since 2019. They often have more access to your data than they need.
Security doesn't have to be a full-time job. A quick five-minute check-up once every few months is usually enough to keep the hackers at bay. Now that you've got the new password set, you can go back to scrolling through memes with a little more peace of mind.
Actionable Next Steps:
Open your Facebook app right now and navigate to the Accounts Center. Even if you don't change your password today, check the Where you're logged in section to ensure no unauthorized devices are accessing your profile. If you see anything suspicious, follow the steps above to update your credentials and enable Two-Factor Authentication immediately.