Protect your PayPal account

If you receive an email or text asking you to change your password, it could be phishing. Be cautious and don't click the link in the message. Instead, open a browser window, type paypal.com and log into PayPal. This is the safe way to reset your password.

How to change your PayPal password

Password complexity is only one component of secure passwords.

• Don't reuse passwords because using the same password across accounts means a hacker only needs to access one site to steal your info and gain access to every account that used that password
• Longer passwords are stronger, so make it at least 12 characters
• Create a passphrase using 3 or more words—they're easier to remember and harder to break
• Be creative and don't use common words, or personal info that hackers can easily access, like birthdates, family or pet names, and phone numbers

Remembering all of your unique passwords can be a challenge. A password manager app can store and sync passwords across all devices. You only need to remember one master password, so make sure that it’s as complex, unique, and memorable as possible.

It's important to change your password immediately if you:

• Notice unauthorized activity on your account
• Suspect someone untrustworthy has it
• Encounter something suspicious in your email account or other online accounts
• Have recently found and removed malware
• Receive a notice from PayPal that asks you to change your password because of unusual activity¹

How to change your PayPal password

If available, enable fingerprint or Face ID authentication for any account that offers it.

This extra layer of security makes it much more difficult for unauthorized users to gain access. When 2-Step verification is enabled, you’re required to enter both your password and a different code each time you log in to your account. PayPal will never ask you for this code over the phone, email or text. Never share it with anyone.