Having a strong and unique password for your Facebook Messenger app account is crucial for protecting your privacy and security. With over 1 billion users, Facebook Messenger is one of the most popular messaging platforms worldwide. Like any online account containing private conversations and personal information, it’s important to change your Facebook Messenger password periodically to prevent unauthorized access.
As a security researcher and writer focusing on social media privacy for over 5 years, I will walk you through the step-by-step process to change your Facebook Messenger app password securely on both iOS and Android devices.
Table of Contents
Prerequisites Before Changing Your Password
Before changing your Facebook Messenger password, make sure:
- You have the latest version of the Facebook Messenger app installed on your device
- Your device software is updated to the latest OS version
- You have access to your current Facebook Messenger password
- You have access to the email associated with your Facebook account
If you don’t have access to your current Messenger password or account email, you’ll need to go through Facebook’s account recovery process before resetting your password.
How to Change Facebook Messenger App Password on iOS
Follow these steps to change your Facebook Messenger password if you use an iPhone or iPad:
Step 1: Open the Facebook Messenger App Settings
- Launch the Facebook Messenger app on your iOS device
- Tap your profile icon in the top left
- Scroll down and tap “Settings”
- In Settings, tap “Account Settings”
- Tap “Change Password”
Step 3: Enter New Password
- Enter your current Messenger password when prompted
- Enter a new, strong password you don’t use on any other accounts
- Confirm the new password
I recommend using a randomly generated 15+ character password containing letters, numbers and symbols for maximum security.
Step 4: Change Password on Facebook Account
For extra security, also change your Facebook account password, since Messenger uses your Facebook login.
- Open the Facebook app > Tap the menu icon > Settings & Privacy > Password > Change Password
- Enter your new Messenger password to match
You’ll need to enter your new password anytime you login to Messenger going forward.
How to Change Facebook Messenger Password on Android
The process is very similar on Android devices:
Step 1: Open the Facebook Messenger App Settings
- Launch the Facebook Messenger app on your Android device
- Tap your profile picture in the top left
- Scroll down and tap “Settings”
- In Settings, tap “Account Settings”
- Tap “Change Password”
Step 3: Enter New Password
- Enter your current Messenger password when prompted
- Enter and confirm a new, strong 15+ character password
Step 4: Change Facebook Account Password
Match your new Messenger password to your Facebook account password for extra security:
- Open Facebook app > Tap the menu icon > Settings & Privacy > Password > Change Password
- Enter the same new password
Password Best Practices
When creating a new password for your Facebook Messenger account, be sure to follow these password security best practices:
- Use a minimum of 15 characters – The longer the password, the harder it is to crack
- Include uppercase, lowercase, numbers and symbols – Using all character types makes passwords more complex
- Don’t use personal info or common words – Avoid using your name, birthday, pet’s name or dictionary words
- Don’t reuse passwords – Your Messenger password should be unique and not used on any other accounts
- Consider using a password manager – Tools like LastPass or 1Password can generate and store secure, randomized passwords for you
It’s also crucial to change your Messenger password periodically every few months, or anytime you think it may have been compromised.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication as Well
In addition to using a strong password, I highly recommend enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) for both your Facebook and Facebook Messenger accounts:
- 2FA adds an extra layer of security, requiring both your password AND a temporary access code generated by an authenticator app or SMS text message.
- With 2FA enabled, an attacker needs access to both your password AND a code from your personal device to login.
Turning on 2FA drastically decreases the odds of your account being hacked.
Conclusion
I hope this comprehensive guide gives you the steps and knowledge needed to change your Facebook Messenger app password to stay secure. As a frequent Messenger user myself, I know the importance of keeping our private conversations protected.
