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To enable two-factor authentication on PayPal, sign in through a web browser, open Settings → Security, and select Set Up beside 2-step verification. Choose an authenticator app or SMS if PayPal offers the option, then follow the on-screen prompts. PayPal calls this feature “2-step verification.”
Enable 2-step verification in a browser
- Open PayPal in a web browser and sign in to your account.
- Select the Settings icon, then choose Security.
- Find 2-step verification and select Set Up.
- Choose an available code method: an authenticator app or SMS.
- Follow PayPal’s on-screen instructions to complete setup.
PayPal’s US instructions describe this route in its account security guide. Available methods and labels can vary by account or country, so use the options shown after you sign in.
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Choose an authenticator app or SMS
Authenticator app
For app-based codes, PayPal’s US Help Center gives the path Settings → Security → Set Up beside 2-step verification, then Use an authenticator app → Set it Up. Follow the prompts to finish. PayPal names Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator as examples; the Help Center does not say that every app is supported.
SMS
If SMS is offered, select it to receive verification codes by text message and complete the prompts. PayPal’s US security page documents SMS as an option, but it may not be available to every account or in every region.
#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.
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The documented difference is how you receive the code: an authenticator app generates it in the app, while SMS delivers it by text. PayPal’s setup guidance does not provide a universal availability rule or a detailed security comparison.
Can you set it up in the PayPal app?
PayPal’s Help Center says to complete this setup in a web browser, not through the PayPal app. If you cannot find the setting in the app, sign in to PayPal in a browser and follow the steps above.
Rank #2
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5C NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5C NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5C NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
Keep your codes and phone number safe
- Never share a verification code. PayPal says it will never ask for the code by phone, email, or text. Treat anyone requesting it as suspicious.
- Update your number if it changes. When 2-step verification is enabled, codes may continue going to your old number until you update the phone number on your PayPal account. PayPal’s mobile-number login guidance says you may need to recover account access first if you cannot sign in.
Turn off 2-step verification
PayPal’s regional Help Center describes this route: open Settings → Security, select Update beside 2-step verification, choose Turn Off, and confirm with Turn It Off. That page cautions that customers using SMS verification may not be able to enable SMS again after turning it off. Because the warning is on a regional page, check what your own account displays before disabling the feature.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Security Key : Protect your online accounts against unauthorized access by using FIDO2 and U2F authentication with T110. It's the world's most protective security key that works with windows, Mac OS, Linux as well as Chrome, Firefox, Edge and many other major browsers.
- Certified with the new FIDO2 standard, T110 provides the benefit of fast login and strong protection against phishing, account takeover as well as many other online attactks.
- Works with : Bank of America, Github, Google, Microsoft, DUO, Twitter, Facebook, Dropbox, Apple, ebay, BINANCE, mor and more.
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- For the driver download and user guide, please visit TrustKey Solutions Home support page.
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.
Rank #3
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5 NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5 NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5 NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
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