Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Go to paypal.com in a browser, or open the PayPal app. Then sign in with the email address and password registered to the account, and complete any security check PayPal shows. If you can’t get in, there are separate fixes for a forgotten password, a forgotten login email, missing verification codes and a locked account. This guide covers each one. The details come from PayPal’s US help and security pages, and the flows can differ by country.
Sign in the standard way
- Type paypal.com into your browser’s address bar, or open the PayPal app. Don’t use a login link from an email or text you didn’t expect.
- Enter the email address registered to the account, then the password.
- Complete any security check or verification step PayPal asks for.
PayPal’s security page states: “PayPal will never ask you for your password.” Don’t give your password or a security code to anyone who contacts you, even if they say they are from PayPal.
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Pick the route that matches your problem
| Situation | What to use | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| You know your email and password | Normal login | The registered credentials |
| You forgot your password | “Forgot password?” on the login page | Access to the registered contact details, plus the security check |
| You forgot which email you used | PayPal’s login-help flow | Up to three email addresses you might have used |
| You want faster sign-in | Passkey | An eligible device and browser, with the passkey already saved |
| You’re on a desktop and your phone has the app | QR login | The current PayPal app with biometrics previously enabled; described for Personal accounts |
| You’re locked out and recovery fails | Contact Us, then the guest call option | Ownership details (see below) |
If you forgot your password
- Open the PayPal login page.
- Choose Forgot password?
- Complete the security check.
- Follow the prompts to create a new password. PayPal also lets you continue with your current one, if the prompt offers that option.
PayPal also offers a recovery flow in the app. If you reached the reset page from a message rather than by typing the address yourself, close it and start again from paypal.com. Reset links are a common phishing lure.
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PayPal’s help flow asks you to enter up to three email addresses that might be registered. If it recognizes one, it identifies that address so you can continue, provided you remember the password. If you don’t remember the password either, reset it after you’ve found the right email.
#1 Best Overall
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key C NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key C NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key C NFC via USB-C and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
If verification codes don’t arrive
PayPal describes 2-step verification using an authenticator app. Its security page also discusses text-message codes. If your phone number has changed while 2-step verification is on, codes may still go to the old number. Keep your contact information current, ideally before you change numbers. If you’ve already lost the old number, you may need to go through support.
Passkeys and QR login
Passkeys
A passkey lets you sign in with the same biometrics, PIN or password you use to unlock your device. PayPal’s help page lists the supported platforms, including iOS 16 or higher, Android 9 or higher and Windows 10 or higher, plus specific browser versions. These thresholds can change, so check the current list on PayPal’s help page.
Rank #2
- PHISHING-RESISTANT 2FA: Cryptographically binds to real domains, making phishing attacks impossible unlike SMS codes or authenticator apps.
- 3-SIDE CAPACITIVE TOUCH: Tap the end, left, or right side to authenticate, so it works in any orientation or crowded USB port.
- MULTI-COLOR LED INDICATOR: Blue means ready, blinking blue means tap now, green means success, and red means error for instant status feedback.
- IP68 WATERPROOF & BATTERY-FREE: Crush-resistant one-piece construction survives daily carry on a keychain or in a bag for years without any batteries.
- UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY: Works with Google, Microsoft, Apple, GitHub, AWS, and any FIDO2 / U2F / WebAuthn service, storing up to 100 passkeys.
QR login
QR login uses the PayPal app and biometrics you’ve already enabled to open a session on a desktop. PayPal says it is currently available only for Personal accounts. Update the app first if the option doesn’t appear.
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If you’re locked out
PayPal’s help directs locked-out users to its Contact Us page, then Call Us. The guest option shows phone details if you can’t log in. Support may ask for information to confirm the account is yours:
Rank #3
- HARDWARE 2FA AND MFA: FIDO Alliance Certified FIDO2 v2.1 with CTAP2 plus legacy U2F and CTAP1 for strong two-factor login and passwordless sign-in on services that support security keys
- BUILDING ACCESS ON ONE CARD: MIFARE DESFire EV2 4K applet with AES encryption adds office door and physical access control alongside digital authentication
- CERTIFIED SECURE ELEMENT: An NXP Common Criteria EAL6+ certified secure controller and Java Card platform protects your keys on a tamper-resistant chip
- DUAL INTERFACE SMART CARD: Contactless NFC ISO 14443 plus ISO 7816 contact reader support in an ISO 7810 ID-1 format that is passive and needs no battery
- SWISS ENGINEERED DESIGN: Built by Cryptnox as a single card for authentication and access control and backed by a 2 year warranty
- the phone number on the account
- a statement for the linked card or bank account
- the email used to register
- details of recent payments
Gather these before you call. Use only the contact details shown on PayPal’s own site, not a number from a search ad, message or pop-up.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key NFC via USB-A and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
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