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10 Tech How-To

How to Change Your Microsoft Teams Password

Guide 10-33892 · Updated · Step by step

Changing your Microsoft Teams password is done through your Microsoft account settings, not within the Teams app itself. This guide walks you through updating your password on both desktop and web, and covers what to do if you’re locked out or have forgotten it.

What You’ll Need

  • Access to your current Microsoft Teams password (or a recovery method like a backup email or phone number)
  • A web browser or the Microsoft Teams desktop app
  • An internet connection
  • Your Microsoft account email address (the one you use to sign in to Teams)

Step-by-Step

  1. Open Microsoft Teams. Launch the desktop app or go to teams.microsoft.com in your browser. Sign in if you aren’t already logged in.
  2. Click your profile picture. It’s in the top-right corner of the Teams window. A dropdown menu will appear.
  3. Select “View account”. This opens your Microsoft account page in a new browser tab. If you’re using the web version, you may see a link that says “Manage account” instead.
  4. Sign in to your Microsoft account. If prompted, enter your password again to verify it’s you.
  5. Go to “Security”. On the Microsoft account page, look for a tab or tile labeled “Security” (often with a shield icon). Click it.
  6. Click “Change my password”. Under the “Password security” section, you’ll see this option. Click it.
  7. Verify your identity. Microsoft may ask you to confirm you’re not a robot or to enter a code sent to your recovery email or phone. Follow the prompts.
  8. Enter your current password. Type in the password you’re currently using for your Microsoft account.
  9. Create a new password. Choose a strong password that’s at least 8 characters long and includes a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Enter it in the “New password” field.
  10. Re-enter the new password. Type it again in the “Confirm new password” field to make sure there are no typos.
  11. Click “Next” or “Submit”. This saves your new password. You’ll see a confirmation message.
  12. Sign out and sign back in. To ensure the change takes effect everywhere, sign out of Teams on all your devices, then sign back in with your new password.

Common Mistakes

  • Changing the wrong account password. If you sign in to Teams with a work or school account, the password is managed by your organization’s IT department. The steps above only work for personal Microsoft accounts (like @outlook.com or @hotmail.com). For work/school accounts, you’ll need to use your company’s password reset portal.
  • Not signing out of all devices. Your old password may still work on devices where you’re already signed in for a short time. Sign out everywhere to force the new password.
  • Using a password you’ve used before. Microsoft may reject a password that’s too similar to a previous one. Try a completely new combination.
  • Ignoring two-factor authentication. If you have two-factor authentication enabled, you’ll need to complete that step before you can change your password. Don’t skip it.

Tips

  • Use a password manager. Let it generate and store a strong, unique password for you. This reduces the risk of reusing passwords across sites.
  • Create a passphrase. Instead of a single word, use a sentence or a series of random words, like “BlueElephant!RunsFast42”. It’s easier to remember and harder to crack.
  • Update your recovery info. Before you change your password, make sure your recovery email and phone number are current. This makes it easier to reset if you forget it later.
  • Change your password regularly. Set a reminder to update it every 3-6 months, especially if you use the same password for other services.
  • Check if your organization requires a specific format. Some companies enforce password complexity rules. If your new password is rejected, check your IT policy.

Troubleshooting

I can’t see “View account” in Teams. If you’re using a work or school account, the option might be hidden. Instead, go directly to myaccount.microsoft.com in a browser. If that doesn’t work, contact your IT admin.

I forgot my current password. On the sign-in screen, click “Forgot password?” and follow the prompts to reset it via your recovery email or phone. If you don’t have access to those, you may need to contact Microsoft support or your IT department.

I changed my password, but Teams still asks for the old one. This can happen if Teams is cached. Sign out completely, close the app, and restart it. If it persists, clear your browser cache (if using web) or uninstall and reinstall the desktop app.

My new password is rejected. Make sure it meets Microsoft’s requirements: at least 8 characters, no spaces, and not the same as your username or a common password. Try adding a symbol or making it longer.

I’m locked out of my account. Wait a few minutes and try again. If you’re still locked out, use the “Forgot password” link to reset. For work accounts, contact your IT admin immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I change my Microsoft Teams password?
A: For personal accounts, every 3-6 months is a good practice. For work/school accounts, follow your organization’s policy—many require changes every 60-90 days.

Q: Will changing my password sign me out of all my devices?
A: Not automatically. You’ll need to sign out manually on each device. However, after a password change, some devices may require you to re-authenticate.

Q: Can I change my password from the Teams mobile app?
A: No, the mobile app doesn’t have a direct option. You’ll need to use a browser or the desktop app to access your Microsoft account settings.

Q: What if I use a work or school account for Teams?
A: You cannot change the password yourself through the steps above. Contact your IT administrator or use your organization’s self-service password reset portal.

Q: Why does Microsoft ask me to verify my identity before changing my password?
A: This is a security measure to ensure that only you can change your password. It prevents unauthorized access even if someone steals your current password.

Q: My new password works on Teams but not on other Microsoft services like Outlook.
A: It may take a few minutes to sync across all services. If it doesn’t work after 10 minutes, try signing out and back in on those services.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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