Forgot your smartphone password or want to update it to improve security? Changing passwords on devices Google account on your smartphone or want to update it to improve security? Changing passwords on devices Android is a procedure that every user encounters. However, not everyone knows that this can be done not only through the phone settings, but also from a computer, through a browser or even special applications. In this article we will analyze all the current methods, including nuances for devices with different versions of Android (from Android 8.0 Oreo to Android 15).

It is important to understand that the password from Google account is the key not only to your smartphone, but and to all company services: Gmail, YouTube, Google Drive, Google Play. Its leak can lead to theft of personal data, financial losses or blocking of the device. Therefore, regularly changing the password (at least once every 3-6 months) is one of the basic measures of cybersecurity.

If you have lost access to account or suspect a hack, don’t panic: the article has a section on restoring access. And for those who want to protect their data as much as possible, we have added tips on creating a strong password and setting up two-factor authentication.

📊 How often do you change your Google account password?
Once a month
Once a month 3-6 months
Only if you forgot
Never changed

1. Changing the password through the Android settings

The most obvious way is to use the smartphone settings menu. This method is suitable for most devices, regardless of the manufacturer (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, Google Pixel etc.). The main condition: the phone must be connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile data).

The instructions are relevant for Android 10 and newer. On older versions, the path may be slightly different, but the logic remains the same:

  1. Open the application Settings (gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
  2. Scroll down and select the section Google (or Accounts and archiving → Google on devices Samsung).
  3. Click on your Google profile (usually your email and avatar are displayed).
  4. At the top of the screen, tap on the tab Security.
  5. Find the block Log in to your Google account and select Password.
  6. The system will ask for your current password to confirm your identity. Enter it.
  7. Come up and enter new password (requirements: at least 8 characters, a combination of letters, numbers and special characters).
  8. Confirm the changes with the button Change password.

After successfully changing the password, you will automatically log out of your account on all devices, where it was active. This is done for security: if someone else knew your old password, they will lose access.

☑️ What to check before changing your password

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⚠️ Attention: If you use corporate Google Workspace account, changing the password may be restricted by the organization administrator. In this case, contact your company's IT service.

2. Changing the password through a browser on a phone or PC

If for some reason you cannot change the password through the smartphone settings (for example, the phone is locked or there is no access to the menu), use the browser. This method is universal and works on any. device: Android, iOS, Windows or MacOS.

First, open any browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari) and follow these steps:

  • 🌐 Go to page myaccount.google.com (or enter "my Google account" in the search).
  • 🔑 Log in to your account if you are not logged in yet.
  • 🛡️ In the left menu, select the section Security.
  • 🔄 In the block Login to account Google click on Password.
  • 📱 Confirm your identity: the system may request your current password, SMS code or notification on a trusted device.
  • 🔐 Enter new password twice and save changes.

The advantage of this method is that you can change the password even from someone else’s device (for example, if your smartphone is lost). The main thing is after completing the procedure be sure to log out of your account in the browser to avoid data leakage.

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If you often forget passwords, use a password manager (for example, Google Password Manager, 1Password or Bitwarden). It will help you generate and store complex passwords, as well as automatically enter them during authorization.

3. Changing the password through the Google application (for older versions of Android)

On devices with Android 7.0 Nougat and older (or on some firmware from manufacturers) there may be no direct path to changing the password in the settings. In this case, the official application Google will help (not to be confused with Google Play Services).

Here's how to do it:

  1. Open the application Google (colored letter "G" icon on a white background).
  2. Tap on your profile avatar in the upper right corner.
  3. Select Manage Google account.
  4. Go to the tab Security.
  5. Find the block Login to Google account and click Password.
  6. Confirm the current password and set new.

If the application Google is not on your device, it can be downloaded from Google Play. This method is especially useful for owners of devices with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), where the standard paths can be changed.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices Huawei (without Google services) this method will not work. In this case, use the browser method or special tools from the manufacturer.

4. Restoring access if you forgot your password

Forgot your password and can’t log into your account? Don’t despair - Google has a recovery mechanism. The main thing is that a backup email or phone number is linked to your account. Here’s what to do:

  • 📱 On the Google account login screen, click Forgot your password?.
  • 🔍 Enter the last password you know (if you remember) or click Another option.
  • 📧 Select a recovery method: via backup email or SMS code to the linked number.
  • 🔢 Enter the confirmation code you received.
  • 🔄 Create a new password and save it in a safe place.

If you do not have access to either the backup email or phone number, the recovery process becomes more complicated. In this case, Google may request an additional one. information:

  • 📅 Account creation date.
  • 📝 Last used passwords.
  • 📱 Models of devices from which you logged in.
  • 💳 Information about linked payment methods (if any).

The more data you provide, the higher the chances of successful recovery. However, be prepared that the process may take up to 24-48 hours —Google carefully checks recovery requests to prevent hacks.

What to do if your account is blocked for suspicious activity?

If Google suspects a hack, it may temporarily block your account. In this case, you will have to undergo an extended verification, including sending a scan of your document (passport) to confirm your identity. This process may take up to 5 business days. Avoid repeated login attempts until the situation is resolved - this will only prolong the blocking.

5. Setting up two-factor authentication (2FA) after the change. password

Changing the password is only half the battle. For maximum protection, we recommend enabling two-factor authentication (2FA)This means that in addition to the login password, additional confirmation will be required (for example, a code from an SMS or a notification in the application).

How to set up 2FA:

  1. Go to myaccount.google.com → Security.
  2. Find the block Login to Google Account and select Two-Step Verification.
  3. Click Get Start and confirm the current password.
  4. Select the method of receiving codes:
    • 📱 SMS or call —the code is sent to the linked number.
    • 🔑 Authenticator application (for example, Google Authenticator or Authy) - generates codes without the Internet.
    • 🔐 Backup codes - one-time codes for emergency access.
  • Follow the instructions on the screen to complete settings.

    • After activating 2FA, even if someone finds out your password, they will not be able to log into your account without the second factor. Be sure to save backup codes in a safe place (for example, print them out or write them down in a notepad) - they will come in handy if you lose access to the main verification method.

    2FA method Pros Cons
    SMS codes Simplicity, no need to install additional applications Vulnerable to SIM-swap attacks, depends on the operator's network
    Authenticator application Works without the Internet, more secure You need to install and configure the application
    Physical security key (for example, YubiKey) Maximum protection against phishing and hacking You need to buy separately, you can lose it
    Backup codes Work even without a phone or the Internet Can be lost or stolen
    💡

    Two-factor authentication is a mandatory minimum of security for accounts with important data (mail, payments, work documents).

    6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

    When changing a password, users often encounter typical problems and ways to solve them:

    • 🔄 "Can't change your password" — check your internet connection. If you are using a VPN, turn it off. Also make sure the date and time on your device is correct.
    • 📵 "SMS is not being received. with code" —check if your operator is blocking service messages. Try requesting a code via call or use a backup email.
    • 🔒 "Account is temporarily blocked" — wait 24 hours and try again. Repeated attempts will only worsen the situation.
    • 📱 "After changing the password, applications stopped working" —some apps (for example, email clients) require re-authorization. Update the password in their settings.
    • 🔑 "Forgot the new password" - immediately after changing, write it down in a password manager or a safe place. Do not store passwords in notes on your phone!

    If you encounter an error that is not described here, try to find a solution on the official support forum Google: support.google.com/accounts. There is a knowledge base for most problems with accounts.

    ⚠️ Attention: Never enter your Google password on third-party sites, even if they look like official ones! Phishing pages are often disguised as Google services. Always check the address in your browser - it should start with https://accounts.google.com.

    7. Tips for creating a strong password

    A weak password is one of the main reasons for account hacking. According to Google, more than 60% of users use the same password for several services. and 20% are passwords from the top 100 most popular (for example, “123456” or “qwerty”). To keep your account protected, follow these recommendations:

    • 🔢 Length: at least 12 characters. The longer, the better.
    • 🔤 Complexity: use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters (for example, !@#$%).
    • 🚫 Avoid: personal information (date of birth, pet name), repeated characters (aaaa) or sequences (1234).
    • 🔄 Uniqueness: do not use the same password for different services.
    • 📝 Storage: Do not write passwords on paper or in unprotected files. Use password managers.

    Example of a strong password: Purple$Elephant!2026@Moon. It is long, contains different types of characters and is not associated with personal information. To remember such a password, you can use association method: imagine a purple elephant on the moon in 2026.

    If coming up with passwords is difficult, use a generator (for example, built into Google Password Manager or on the website passwordsgenerator.net).The main thing is not to use generators on dubious resources!

    FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

    Do I need to change my password if I haven’t told it to anyone?

    Yes, changing your password regularly is a good practice. Even if you have not disclosed it to third parties, there is a risk of leakage through hacking of service databases (as happened with LinkedIn or Facebook recommended frequency - once every 3-6 months.

    Is it possible). change your password without access to your phone?

    Yes, if you have access to a computer or other device with a browser. Go to myaccount.google.com, log in (if you have not yet logged out of your account) and change your password through the section Security. If you log out of your account and don’t remember your password, use the recovery procedure through your backup email or number. phone.

    What to do if, after changing the password, the phone requires the old one?

    This can happen if synchronization with Google servers is disabled on the device. Try:

    1. Restart the phone.
    2. Check your Internet connection.
    3. Manually update your account data in the settings (Settings → Accounts → Google → Synchronization).
    4. If all else fails, remove the account from the settings and add it again.
    How to find out if my account?

    Check the section Security → Yours. devices in your Google account settings. All gadgets from which you were logged into your account are displayed. If you see unfamiliar devices, immediately change the password and revoke access for suspicious sessions. Also pay attention to:

    • Unusual activity in Gmail (letters in Sentthat you did not write).
    • Unknown purchases in Google Play.
    • Changes in account settings (for example, changing your backup email).
    Can I cancel the password change if I made a mistake?

    No, you cannot cancel the password change. However, you can immediately set a new password (for example, return the old one if you remember it). access.