To change email password on Android, you must update it with your email provider (like Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo) first, then update the saved password on your phone. This is the only correct method because Android system settings and mail apps do not have the ability to change your provider’s password themselves.
The Right Way to Change Your Email Password on Android
Many users mistakenly believe they can change their email password inside their Android phone’s settings or email app. In reality, the password belongs to your email provider, not your device.
Step 1: Change Your Password with Your Email Provider
- Open a web browser on your Android phone.
- Go to your email provider’s website (Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook, iCloud, or Microsoft 365).
- Log in with your current email address and password.
- Navigate to the account security or password settings. This is often found under your profile icon, then “Account” or “Security.”
- Choose the option to change or update your password. Enter your current password, then your new password.
- Save the changes. Your email provider will now use the new password.
Microsoft explicitly states that for Outlook, Gmail, Yahoo, iCloud, Microsoft 365, Exchange, and IMAP accounts, the password change must be done at the provider’s website, not inside the phone’s mail settings.
Step 2: Update the Saved Password on Your Android Phone
After changing your password with the provider, your Android mail app will still try to use the old password. You must update it so the app can connect successfully.
- Open the Settings app on your Android phone.
- Tap “Accounts” or “Users & accounts” (the exact name depends on your Android version).
- Select the email account you updated.
- Tap “Account settings” or a similar option.
- Find the password field and enter your new password.
- Save the changes. Your mail app will now sync with the updated credentials.
If you prefer, you can also update the password directly inside your email app’s settings by going to the account settings and editing the password field there.
What If I Can’t Change My Work or School Email Password?
For Microsoft 365 or Exchange accounts provided by your employer or school, the self-service password reset option may be disabled by the organization. Self-service password reset for Microsoft 365 only works if the organization allows it. Microsoft’s support confirms that Exchange on-premise users and some IMAP setups require contacting the IT team. For Exchange on-premise and some IMAP setups, Microsoft says the user must contact the IT team or provider. If you cannot find a password change option on your provider’s website, reach out to your company’s IT department or help desk. They can reset the password or tell you the correct procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I forgot my email password and can’t log in on Android?
Open a browser on your Android phone, go to your email provider’s website, and click the “Forgot password” or “Reset password” link. Follow the identity verification steps (such as answering security questions or receiving a code via a recovery email or phone number). Once reset, update the new password in your phone’s account settings.
Can I change my email password inside the Gmail or Email app on Android?
No. The Gmail app and other email apps on Android do not have a documented feature to change your provider’s password. Apple’s official Mail settings page (for iPhone) also confirms that mail app settings are for configuration only, not for changing the account password. Apple’s Mail settings guide is for iPhone and is labeled with iOS content. You must use the provider’s website.
Why does my Android phone keep asking for my email password after I changed it?
This happens because the saved password in your Android account settings still matches the old one. Follow Step 2 above to update the password in Settings > Accounts. If the issue persists, remove the account from your phone and add it again with the new password.
Is it safe to view saved passwords on Android to check my email credentials?
Yes, Android has a built-in password manager that lets you view saved passwords on Android for apps and websites. This can help you confirm what password your mail app is currently using, but remember that changing the password must still be done with your email provider.
Can bypassing phone lock screens help me change my email password?
No. Bypassing phone lock screens only gives access to the device itself, not to the email provider’s account settings. You still need to log into the provider’s website with the correct credentials to change your email password. The lock screen is unrelated to your email account security.
