How to Check if Your Email Was in a Data Breach

Check whether your email address or passwords have been exposed in a known data breach.

Steps

1
Go to a data breach checker website
like Have I Been Pwned or Firefox Monitor. These services are free and safe to use.
2
Enter your email address
in the search box on the website. The tool will scan its database of known breaches for your address.
3
Review the list of breaches
that involved your email. The site tells you which company was breached and what type of data was exposed.
4
Change your password
for each affected account immediately. Use a strong, unique password for every site or service you use.

Is it safe to check my email on a breach website?Show

Yes, reputable breach checkers like Have I Been Pwned use secure connections and do not store the addresses you search.

What information gets exposed in a data breach?Show

Common exposed data includes email addresses, passwords, phone numbers, and names. Some breaches also reveal credit card numbers or addresses.

What should I do if my password was in a breach?Show

Change that password on every account where you used it. Enable two-factor authentication on important accounts for extra protection.

Written by the HowToDoStuff.online editorial team. Last updated May 18, 2026.