Introduction
In the buzz of today’s digital age, Facebook stands out as one of the leading social media platforms used by billions of people worldwide to connect with friends, family and to discover what’s happening in their communities. As the usage of this social platform increases, it has become critically important to maintain account security by regularly updating your Facebook password. The purpose of this article is, therefore, to guide users through the process of how to change their Facebook password on a computer.
The Importance of Updating Facebook Passwords
Before digging into the detailed steps of changing your Facebook password, it’s vital to understand why this needs to be a regular practice.
Security Reasons
The online world is not devoid of hackers and cybercriminals looking for opportunities to exploit unprotected accounts. Regularly changing your password helps bolster your account’s security, reducing the likelihood of unauthorized access.
Prevent Unsolicited Access
In situations where you’ve logged into Facebook from a public device, changing your password prevents the risk of unsolicited access from individuals who might misuse your account.
Maintaining Account Privacy
Keeping your personal information private is essential. Regularly updating your password helps you maintain control of your account privacy and protect you from potential identity theft.
Steps to Change Facebook Password on Computer
Changing your Facebook password is remarkably straightforward and can be done in a few simple steps.
Accessing the Settings Option
First, log into your Facebook account. Click the downward arrow located at the top right section of your homepage, then select ‘Settings & Privacy’, followed by ‘Settings’.
Navigating to the Security and Login Settings
In the settings menu, locate and click on ‘Security and Login’, which you will normally find on the left-hand side of the page.
Changing of Password Step-by-step
Find the ‘Change password’ section. You will be prompted to enter your current password and then asked to enter your new password twice for confirmation.
Saving Changes
Once you’ve entered your new password, click ‘Save Changes’. If performed correctly, you should have successfully changed your Facebook password.
Common Issues While Changing Facebook Password on Computer
Users occasionally encounter some issues when changing their Facebook passwords.
Forgot your Current Password
In case you can’t remember your existing password, click ‘Forgot your password?’ to begin the password recovery process.
System not Accepting the New Password
If the system doesn’t accept your new password, ensure it meets the Facebook password requirements – minimum of 6 characters including numbers, letters, and punctuation marks.
System Error During the Process
If a system error occurs, try refreshing the page or checking your internet connection. If that doesn’t work, try again later or contact Facebook support.
Best Practices for a Secure Facebook Password
Adopting best password practices enhances the security of your Facebook account.
Creating Strong Passwords
A strong password should be unique, consisting of a mix of numbers, upper and lowercase letters, and special characters.
Use of Password Managers
Password managers are useful tools that automatically generate and store strong, unique passwords for you.
Never Sharing Your Password
To prevent unauthorized access, don’t share your password.
Avoid Using Predictable Information
Avoid personal information like dates of birth, which can be easily guessed.
Conclusion
Regularly updating your Facebook password is a crucial step towards securing your account, and hence it should be a consistent practice. This article has detailed the steps for changing your Facebook password successfully keeping the security best practices in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often should I change my Facebook password?
While there are no specific guidelines, it is advisable to update your password every three months.
What should I do if I forget my Facebook password?
You can reset your password by clicking on ‘Forgot Password?’ during the login process.
Why won’t Facebook accept my new password?
Ensure your new password is at least six characters long and includes a mix of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols.
What makes a strong and secure Facebook password?
A strong, secure password is unique, preferably randomly generated and includes a variety of character types.
How can a password manager help?
A password manager can generate and store complex passwords automatically, increasing your account’s security.
What should I do if someone else has access to my Facebook password?
As an immediate step, change your password. Then review your account security settings and secure your account by enabling options like two-step verification.