How to Make a Strong Password That Works

Creating a strong password is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your personal information online. Whether you’re logging into your email, banking app, or favorite shopping site, your password is often the first and only line of defense. In this guide from Google Keith, we’ll walk you through how to make a good password, avoid common mistakes, and use simple tools to stay secure.

This article is part of our growing library of how-to guides and tech tips designed to help you stay safe and confident online.

What Makes a Password Strong?

A strong password is one that’s hard for others to guess but easy for you to remember. It should be:

• Long – At least 12 characters is recommended.
• Complex – Use a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Unique – Don’t reuse passwords across different accounts.
• Unpredictable – Avoid using personal information or common words.

Think of your password like a lock on your front door. The more secure it is, the harder it is for someone to break in.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, many people fall into the trap of using weak or predictable passwords. Here are some of the most common mistakes:

Using Personal Information

Avoid using names, birthdays, or favorite sports teams. These are often easy to guess, especially if someone knows you or can find your information online.

Reusing Passwords

If you use the same password for multiple accounts, a breach on one site could give hackers access to all your accounts.

Simple Patterns

Passwords like 123456, qwerty, or password1 are among the most commonly hacked. These are the first guesses attackers will try.

Short Passwords

Short passwords are easier to crack. Aim for at least 12 characters, and more if possible.

Easy Ways to Create Strong Passwords

Creating a strong password doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few simple methods that work well:

Use a Passphrase

Pick a sentence or phrase that’s easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess. For example:

• MyDogEatsPizzaOnFridays!
• Books&CoffeeAt7AM

These are long, memorable, and include a mix of characters.

Combine Random Words

Choose three or four unrelated words and add numbers or symbols. For example:

• Train$Banana!Cloud7
• River99*Chair&Moon

This method creates a strong password that’s still easy to recall.

Modify a Familiar Phrase

Take a line from a song or book and change it up. For example:

• Original: To be or not to be
• Password: 2BorNot2B!

Just make sure it’s not too obvious or widely known.

Password Managers: A Helpful Tool

If remembering multiple strong passwords feels overwhelming, a password manager can help.

What Is a Password Manager?

A password manager is a secure app that stores all your passwords in one place. You only need to remember one master password to access them.

Benefits of Using One:

• Automatically generates strong passwords
• Fills in login forms for you
• Keeps your passwords encrypted and safe
• Syncs across devices

Trusted Options:

Some popular password managers include:

• NordPass
• Bitwarden
• 1Password
• LastPass
• Dashlane

Using a password manager is one of the most effective tech tips for improving your online security.

When and How to Change Your Passwords

Even a strong password should be updated from time to time. Here’s when and how to do it:

When to Change:

• You receive a security alert or breach notification
• You shared your password with someone
• You used the same password on multiple sites
• You haven’t changed it in over a year

How to Change:

• Log into your account settings
• Look for Password or Security options
• Choose a new, strong password using the tips above
• Update your password manager if you use one

Changing your password regularly is a simple habit that can prevent major problems.

Bonus Tips for Extra Security

Want to go a step further? These additional tips can help you stay even safer:

Turn On Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

2FA adds a second step to your login process, like a code sent to your phone. Even if someone gets your password, they can’t log in without the second factor.

Avoid Saving Passwords in Your Browser

Browsers can be convenient, but they’re not always secure. A dedicated password manager is a safer choice.

Be Careful on Public Wi-Fi

Avoid logging into sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi unless you’re using a VPN. Hackers can intercept your data on unsecured networks.

Don’t Share Your Passwords

Even with people you trust, it’s best to keep your passwords private. If you must share access, use tools that allow temporary or limited sharing.

Keep Your Accounts Safe with Simple Habits

Creating a strong password doesn’t require technical skills—just a few smart habits and the right tools. By following the steps in this guide, you’ll be better protected against common threats and more confident in your online activity.

For more how-to guides and tech tips, visit Google Keith. We’re here to help you stay informed, secure, and in control of your digital life.