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Easy-to-follow steps to change your password for Facebook, Google, Apple ID, and more
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In the event you forget a password for your computer, email, or social media accounts, you can reset your password directly through the system or application you’re using. In most cases, you can reset your password by answering a series of security questions or by requesting an email that contains a password reset link.

Things You Should Know

  • Forgetting a password isn't too big of a deal for most platforms, since you can click a link to recover it.
  • For many sites, like Google and Apple ID, you can use a different verified account to recover your original account's password.
  • If you don't have another account, like for Google or Apple ID, you can also get a phone call, text message, or email with the recovery code.
Method 1
Method 1 of 10:

Resetting Google Password

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  1. Navigate to the Google Accounts login page at https://accounts.google.com/ServiceLogin .
  2. ” below the sign-in section.
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    • If you don’t remember any previous passwords, click on “I don’t know.”
  3. Google may require you to answer a series of security questions to verify your identity; such as your phone number, the name of your first pet, your current address, etc.
  4. The password you choose will be applicable for all Google products you use with that particular username. [1]
    EXPERT TIP

    Brandon Phipps

    Technology Specialist
    Brandon Phipps is a Technology Specialist based in Bakersfield, CA. He is the owner of Second Star Technologies and specializes in Managed IT Services for small and mid-sized businesses in Bakersfield, CA. With over 23 years of experience, he offers expert cloud computing, cybersecurity, and network management solutions. Brandon is a committed community member and coach who leads and innovates in tech and sports coaching. His dedication to local businesses and communities is evident in his hands-on, tailored approach to IT solutions.
    Brandon Phipps
    Technology Specialist

    Secure your digital life with online password best practices. Choose a long, easy-to-remember passphrase as your password. You should also avoid using the same password for multiple services or websites. Use web browser password managers to create and securely store your passwords.

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Method 2
Method 2 of 10:

Resetting Apple ID Password

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  1. Navigate to the “My Apple ID” home page at https://appleid.apple.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MyAppleId.woa/ .
  2. You may be asked to provide the name of your favorite sport, your favorite teacher, etc.
  3. Your password will now be changed. [2]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 10:

Resetting Windows 8 Password

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  1. live.com/password/reset.
    • Contact your system administrator to reset your password if your computer resides on a domain.
    • If you still cannot sign in to Windows 8 as a result of having an incorrect password, you will be required to reinstall Windows 8 on your computer. [3]
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Method 4
Method 4 of 10:

Resetting Windows 7 Password

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    • Contact your system administrator to reset the password if your computer resides on a domain or workgroup.
    • If your Windows 7 computer is not part of a domain or workgroup, and there are no other user accounts, you will be required to reinstall Windows. [4]
  1. The Password Reset Wizard will display on-screen.
  2. Your Windows 7 password will now be reset. [5]
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Method 5
Method 5 of 10:

Resetting Mac OS X Password

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    • If your computer is part of a domain, contact your system administrator to reset your password.
    • If using Mac OS X v10.3, select “Reset Password” from the “Installer” menu.
  1. Your Mac OS X password will now be reset. [6]
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Method 6
Method 6 of 10:

Resetting Facebook Password

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  1. Navigate to the main Facebook login page at https://www.facebook.com .
  2. Facebook will send you an email that contains a link that will allow you to reset and change your password. [7]
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Method 7
Method 7 of 10:

Resetting Twitter Password

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  1. Navigate to Twitter’s website at https://twitter.com/ .
  2. ” below the sign-in section.
  3. Twitter will immediately send you an email that contains a link you can use to reset your password.
  4. Your password will now be reset. [8]
    • If the password reset link fails to reset your password, repeat the steps to receive a new email. Twitter’s password-reset emails are time-sensitive, and will need to be accessed immediately when resetting your password.
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Method 8
Method 8 of 10:

Resetting LinkedIn Password

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  1. Navigate to LinkedIn’s sign-in Web page at https://www.linkedin.com/uas/login .
  2. LinkedIn will send you an email that contains a password reset link.
  3. [9]
    • Reset your password within one day of receiving the password reset email, since the link will expire after that timeframe.
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Method 9
Method 9 of 10:

Resetting Instagram Password

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  1. Navigate to Instagram’s login screen at https://instagram.com/accounts/login/# .
  2. Instagram will send you an email that contains a password reset link.
  3. Your Instagram password will now be reset. [10]
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Method 10
Method 10 of 10:

Resetting Pinterest Password

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  1. Navigate to Pinterest’s login page at https://www.pinterest.com/login/ .
  2. ” below the sign-in section.
  3. Pinterest will send you an email that contains a password reset link.
  4. Your Pinterest password will now be reset.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I help my child remember their password?
    Luigi Oppido
    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.
    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Expert Answer
    For kids, there are two ways to do this. You can have them jot it down in the margins of a book and then they can refer to the book if they ever forget. The only thing with this is that you have to make sure they never take the book out of the home. The other option is to use a service like LastPass, which is just a password manager.
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