How to Change Email Password? For Different Email Providers

Most people still use email for communicating, so it's really important to keep your account safe from hackers. The best way to do this is to change your password regularly. 

This guide will show you how to change email password on different platforms, so you can keep your online security on track. Whether you're a Gmail user, an Outlook fan, or you use a private encrypted email service like Atomic Mail, it's really important to know how to change your email password if you want to keep your sensitive data safe.

Why Changing Your Email Password Matters

Ever used the same password for different accounts? If so, you're in the same boat as a lot of people, but it's one of the biggest security risks you can take. If one account gets hacked, cybercriminals often try the same password on other services, which can lead to a domino effect of security breaches.

So, make sure you update your email password regularly to minimise the risk of unauthorised access, even if your credentials do get exposed in a data breach.

Risks of Using Weak or Outdated Passwords

A weak password is a recipe for disaster. Hackers use techniques like brute-force attacks, where automated bots guess thousands of passwords per second. If your password is something simple like "password123" or "qwerty", it won't take long for them to break in.

According to Verizon’s Data Breach Investigations Report, 81% of hacking-related breaches involve stolen or weak passwords.

To prevent this, always use a strong, unique password for your email. A good rule of thumb is to include at least 12-16 characters with a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

How to Change Email Passwords Across Platforms

Now, we'll show you how to change email password on different platforms, like Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, iCloud Mail, and Atomic Mail. Each platform offers slightly different methods, depending on whether you're using a computer, an iPhone/iPad, or an Android device. But don't worry, we'll break down each step so you can follow along without any trouble.

How to Change Email Password in Gmail

⚠️ When you change your Gmail password, you're actually updating the password for your entire Google Account, which means the new credentials will apply to all associated services like YouTube, Google Drive, and more – not just Gmail itself.

⚠️ If you change or reset your Google Account password, you’ll be signed out everywhere except:

• Devices you use to verify that it's you when you sign in.
• Some devices with third-party apps that you've given account access.
• Helpful home devices that you've given account access.

Changing Your Gmail Password

On a Computer

1. Open your Google Account. You might need to sign in.
2. Go to Google Account Settings.
3. On the left-hand side of the navigation pane, click Security.
4. Find the “How you sign in to Google” > “Password”.
5. You’ll be prompted to enter your current password for verification.
6. Type in your new password (make sure it’s strong and unique).
7. Confirm the password and click “Change Password”.

On an iPhone/iPad

1. Open the Gmail app.
2. Tap your profile picture in the top right corner and select "Manage your Google Account." If you don't use Gmail, go to myaccount.google.com
3. At the top, tap "Personal info." 
4. Under "Basic info," tap "Password."
5. Enter your current password.
6. Set a new password and tap "Change Password." 

⚠️ When you enter your password on mobile, the first letter isn't case sensitive.

On an Android Device

1. Open your device’s Settings.
2. Scroll to Google and tap on your name.
3. Tap “Manage your Google Account.” > Security
4. Under "How you sign in to Google," tap Password. You might need to sign in.
5. Enter your current password.
6. Enter your new password, then tap "Change Password." 

Resetting a Forgotten Gmail Password

If you've forgotten your Gmail password, you can reset it using the account recovery options provided by Google. Here's how:

On a Computer

1. Go to the Google Account Recovery page.
2. Enter your Gmail address and click Next.
3. Since you've forgotten your password, click "Try another way." 
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to verify your identity (via phone number, email, or security questions).
5. If you don't have access to the recovery email account or have not set up your recovery phone, you will need to click "Try another way." Google will then ask for an alternative email address that you can access. The team at Google will assess your situation individually and determine where they can help you recover the account.
6. Once verified via the selected way, create a new password and confirm it.
7. Click Save to update your password.

On an iPhone/iPad

If you've forgotten your Gmail password on your iPhone or iPad, you can reset it by following similar steps to resetting it on a computer. You can use the Gmail app or a web browser to access the Google Account Recovery page and follow the prompts to reset your password.

On an Android Device

To reset your Gmail password on an Android device, you can use either the Gmail app or your device's Settings app to access the Google Account Recovery page. Follow the prompts to reset your password using your recovery email, phone number, or other available options.

How to Change Email Password in Outlook

⚠️  Outlook.com uses Microsoft account passwords. To change your Outlook password, you need to change your Microsoft account password.

⚠️  Changing your Microsoft password will log you out of every device and service associated with that account, including Outlook.com, OneDrive, Skype, Xbox Live, and Microsoft 365. When you change your password, these services will require you to sign in again with the new password for security purposes.

Changing Your Outlook Password

On a Computer

1. Open your web browser and go to Microsoft Account Security page.
2. Sign in with your current password if you are logged out.
3. Select "Password security."
4. You might be prompted to verify your identity with a security code.
5. Click Change password under the Security section.
6. Enter your current password, then create and confirm a new password.
7. Click Save to update your Outlook password.

On an iPhone/iPad

You can't change email password from an email app. To change the password for your email account, access your email on an internet browser. Once you're signed in, you'll be able to change your password.

1. Open a web browser on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Go to the Microsoft Account Security page and sign in.
3. Select "Password security."
4. Follow the prompts to change your password.
5. Enter your current password, then create and confirm a new password.
6. Click Save.
7. The Outlook mobile app will detect the change and prompt you to sign in again with your new password.

On an Android Device

Similar to iPhone/iPad, you can change your Outlook password on an Android device by changing your Microsoft account password through a web browser on the Microsoft Account Security page.

Resetting a Forgotten Outlook Password

If you've forgotten your Outlook password, you can reset it by following these steps:

On a Computer

1. Go to the Microsoft Recover your account page.
2. Enter your Outlook email address and click Next.
3. Choose a verification method (phone number, email, or security questions) and follow the prompts.
4. If you don't see an option for where to send a code, or you no longer have access to any of the verification options shown, use the sign-in helper tool.
5. Create a new password and confirm it.
6. Click Save to recover access.

On an iPhone/iPad

Similar to the computer version, you can reset your Outlook password on an iPhone or iPad by visiting the same recovery page through a web browser.

1. Open a web browser on your iPhone/iPad.
2. Go to the Microsoft Recover your account page and sign in.  
3. Choose a verification method.
4. Create a new password and confirm it.
5. Click Save to recover access.

On an Android Device

To reset your Outlook password on an Android device, you can follow similar steps to those for iPhone/iPad. Visit the Recover your account page on a web browser to initiate the password reset process.

How to Change Email Password in Yahoo Mail

⚠️  When you update your Yahoo Mail password, it’s essential to understand that this change applies not only to your email but also to all other services linked to your Yahoo Account, such as Flickr, Fantasy Sports, and Finance. 

⚠️ When you change your Yahoo password, you will be logged out of all devices and services associated with that account . 

Changing Your Yahoo Mail Password

On a Computer

1. Sign in to your Yahoo account.
2. Click on your profile name in the upper-right corner, then select Account Info.
3. Under "Account Security", click Change password.
4. Enter your old password.
5. Enter a new password and confirm it.
6. Click Continue to save your changes.

On an iPhone/iPad and an Android Device

1. Open the Yahoo Mail app (or open Safari or another browser and visit login.yahoo.com)
2. Tap your profile icon.
3. Go to Settings > Account Info > Security.
4. Tap Change Password and enter your old password.
5. Enter a new password.
6. Confirm and tap Save.

Resetting a Forgotten Yahoo Mail Password

On a Computer

1. Go to Yahoo Password Recovery (or Go to Yahoo's sign-in page and click on "Forgot password?”)
2. Enter your email address and click Next.
3. Verify your identity through a recovery method.
4. Enter the recovery code.
5. Create and confirm a new password.
6. Click Save to update your account.

On an iPhone/iPad or an Android Device 

1. Open the Yahoo Mail app and tap Forgot password? (Or open web browser and visit Yahoo Password Recovery or Yahoo's sign-in page)
2. Enter your email address and click Next.
3. Verify your identity through a recovery method.
4. Enter the recovery code.
5. Create and confirm a new password.
6. Click Save to update your account.

How to Change Email Password in iCloud Mail

⚠️  When you update your iCloud Mail password, it’s essential to recognize that this change applies to your entire Apple ID. This means changing your email password for iCloud Mail will also affect access to all Apple services linked to your account, including iTunes, iCloud Drive, and even your iMessages and FaceTime. By updating your Apple ID password, you're enhancing the security of your entire digital ecosystem.

⚠️  Changing your iCloud password will log you out of all devices and services associated with your Apple ID. 

Changing Your iCloud Mail Password

On a Mac

1. Choose Apple menu (Apple icon in the top left corner) > System Settings
2. Click [your name] Apple Account.
3. Click Sign-In & Security.
4. Click Change Password. 
5. Before you can change your Apple Account password, you’ll be required to enter the password used to unlock your Mac.
6. Enter a new password and Confirm the new password.

On the Web

1. Open Apple ID Account Page.
2. Sign in and choose Sign-In & Security > Password.
3. Enter your current password, then set a new password.
4. After you complete the required information, choose Change Password.

On an iPhone/iPad

1. Open Settings on your iPhone/iPad and tap your name at the top.
2. Go to Sign-In & Security.
3. In Security tap Change Password
4. Enter your current password or device passcode, then set a new one.
5. Confirm and tap Change.

On an Android Device

iCloud Mail is primarily designed for Apple devices. While you can access iCloud Mail through a web browser on Android, changing your password must be done through the Apple ID website. Follow the "On the Web" instructions:

1. Open Apple ID Account Page.
2. Sign in and choose Sign-In & Security > Password.
3. Enter your current password, then set a new password.
4. After you complete the required information, choose Change Password.

Resetting a Forgotten iCloud Mail Password

On a Mac

1. Choose Apple menu > System Settings > Sign-In & Security.
2. Click Change Password. 
3. Follow the onscreen instructions to reset your password.

On the Web

1. Go to iforgot.apple.com.
2. Click Reset password.
3. Enter your email address or phone number that you use with your account to continue.
4. Select “my password” in which information you would like to reset.
5. Select how you want to reset the password (receive an email or answer security questions).
6. Verify your identity.
7. Create and confirm a new password.
8. Save changes.

On an iPhone/iPad

1. Open Settings and tap your name.
2. Select Sign & Security > Change Password
3. Follow the onscreen instructions to reset your password.

If you Have a New Apple Device

If you’re not signed in to your Apple Account on an Apple device, you can select “Forgot password or don’t have an Apple Account?” during device setup on the Apple Account sign-in screen.

After setup, you can reset your password in Settings:

• iPhone or iPad: Go to the Settings > Apple Account. Tap “Sign in manually”, and then tap “Forgot password?” and follow the onscreen instructions.
• Mac: Choose Apple menu  > System Settings. Click Sign in, then click “Forgot password” and follow the onscreen instructions.

On an Android Device

Follow the "On the Web" instructions:

1. Go to iforgot.apple.com.
2. Click Reset password.
3. Enter your email address or phone number that you use with your account to continue.
4. Select “my password” in which information you would like to reset.
5. Select how you want to reset the password (receive an email or answer security questions).
6. Verify your identity.
7. Create and confirm a new password.
8. Save changes.

Password Security Best Practices

Now that you've learned how to change email password across various platforms, let's look at how to create and manage secure passwords. After all, a strong password is your first line of defence against cyber threats. Whether you're a tech novice or a seasoned pro, these best practices will help you stay one step ahead of hackers.

Password Creation

Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Instead of using simple, predictable passwords, follow these guidelines:

• Length Matters: Use at least 12–16 characters.
• Mix It Up: Combine uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special symbols.
• Avoid Common Words: Never use passwords like password123, qwerty, or yourname1990.

Use Passphrases

Consider using passphrases instead of complex passwords. Passphrases are longer and easier to remember, making them a more secure option. For example, "OrangeQuokkaDance$!" is a strong passphrase that is easy to remember but difficult to crack.

Never Reuse Passwords

Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. If one account is compromised, all your other accounts using the same password will be at risk.

Account Management

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Even if someone gains access to your password, 2FA acts as an extra security layer by requiring a secondary verification step. Most secure email services, including Atomic Mail, offer TOTP-based authentication apps or hardware security keys for added protection.

Use a Password Manager

A password manager can help you generate and store strong, unique passwords for all your accounts. It also eliminates the need to remember multiple complex passwords.

Regularly Update Your Password

Even strong passwords need to be refreshed periodically. A good rule of thumb is to change your email password every 3–6 months. If a service you use suffers a data breach, change it immediately!

Secure Your Recovery Options

Your backup email, phone number, or security questions should be as secure as your primary login. Avoid using easily guessable security answers and ensure your recovery email has a strong password and 2FA enabled.

Threat Awareness

Beware of Phishing Attacks

Be wary of suspicious emails or links that ask for your password or personal information. Phishing attacks are designed to steal your credentials, so always verify the sender and the legitimacy of any requests for personal information.

Choose a Secure, Encrypted Email Provider

For ultimate email protection, switch to an encrypted email service like Atomic Mail. Unlike traditional providers, Atomic Mail offers:

• End-to-End Encryption (E2EE): Only you and your recipient can read emails.
• Zero-Access Encryption: Even we cannot see your messages.
• Alias & Burner Email Features: Protect your real email identity.
• Password Recovery with a Secure Seed Phrase: No tracking, no phone number required.

Key Takeaways

1. Knowing how to change your email password is essential, but real security comes from strong practices.
2. Use unique, complex passwords and never reuse them.
3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication to prevent unauthorized access.
4. Stay vigilant against phishing attacks and online scams.
5. For ultimate email security, use an encrypted provider like Atomic Mail.

🔒 Sign up for Atomic Mail and take control of your email privacy today!