How to Fix a Loose Toilet Seat

Tighten the bolts underneath the toilet bowl using a screwdriver or wrench, or replace worn plastic bolts with new hardware if they're stripped or broken.

1. Find the Hidden Bolts. Look for two bolts at the back of the toilet seat where it connects to the bowl. These are usually covered by plastic caps that pop off or twist away. Remove these caps to expose the bolt heads.
2. Diagnose the Problem. Examine the bolts and nuts underneath the bowl. If they're plastic and cracked, stripped, or broken, you'll need to replace them entirely. If they're just loose but intact, you can proceed with tightening.
3. Tighten the Hardware. Hold the bolt head steady with a screwdriver while turning the nut clockwise underneath the bowl with your fingers or pliers. Don't overtighten plastic hardware as it can crack. Test the seat stability after each quarter turn.
4. Swap in New Bolts. Remove old bolts completely by unscrewing the nuts underneath. Take the old hardware to the hardware store to match the size. Install new bolts by dropping them through the holes and securing with nuts underneath, hand-tight plus a quarter turn.
5. Confirm Solid Stability. Sit on the toilet seat and rock gently to test stability. If still loose, tighten another quarter turn. Replace the plastic caps over the bolt heads to finish the job.