It goes without saying that you should protect all your online accounts with strong passwords. Data breaches, phishing attacks, and misplaced Post-it notes could all lead to stolen accounts. But when it comes to financial services, it’s particularly important to be careful.
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How to change your PayPal password
PayPal is a quick and easy way to send and receive money. But since it is usually linked to your credit card, it’s important to change your password regularly and always use a strong one.
Please note that you can’t change the password through the PayPal app — you’ll have to log in through a browser.
Here’s how to change your PayPal password in four easy steps:
Log into your PayPal account and click the little gear icon in the upper right corner.
Click on “Security” in the top banner.
Click “Update” in the “Password” field.
Enter your current and new passwords and click “Change password.” All done!
How to reset your PayPal password
If you forgot your PayPal password, you can reset it through the browser and the PayPal app. For that, you need to:
Go to PayPal, click “Log in,” and select “Forgot password?.”
Enter the email address you linked to your PayPal account and click “Next.”
Select your preferred method for the security check, then click “Next” to proceed.
After completing the security check, create a new password for your PayPal account.
How to change your PayPal security questions
Please note that you can’t change the security questions through the PayPal app — you’ll have to log in through a browser.
Here’s how to change your security questions on PayPal:
Log into your PayPal account and click the little gear icon in the upper right corner.
Click on “Security” in the top banner.
Click “Update” in the “Security questions” field.
Select new security questions and write your answers. Click “Save” and you’re done!
How to set up a passkey for your PayPal account
Passkeys are a new and secure authentication standard introduced by the FIDO Alliance. Think of passkeys as a replacement for passwords that use your fingerprint, face, or a device PIN to sign in to apps and websites across the internet. Designed for supreme security and convenience, passkeys facilitate a seamless login process.
If you are interested in setting up a passkey for your PayPal account, here’s a quick rundown of how to do it:
Access your PayPal account using your existing username and passwords.
Once you access your account you will see an option “Create a passkey.”
Now you will need to authenticate via biometrics.
Once you’re authenticated, the passkey will be automatically created, and the next time you log in to your PayPal account, you will not need your username or passwords. The passkey will do the trick.
How to use PayPal safely
Using financial services online is convenient, but it can also be risky — there are many malicious actors lurking on the internet, trying to steal your money. Follow these simple tips to increase your security while making payments online:
Avoid making transactions when connected to public Wi-Fi. Hackers can set up fake hotspots and then monitor your actions online. Using a VPN will encrypt your connection, making it impossible for anyone to see the data you send and receive. You only need to be aware of snoopers looking over your shoulder as you type in your passwords!
Keep the PayPal app up to date. Apps can have vulnerabilities and bugs that are not discovered for months. But once they are brought to light, your account could be in danger. Set up automatic updates on your PayPal app to make sure you have the latest security patch installed.
Be cautious with links and attachments in emails. If you get an alarming email from PayPal claiming that your account is in danger and you must change your password immediately, don’t click any links. Open a new tab, enter the address manually, and check to see if your account is really in danger.
Enable two-factor authentication. Passwords are your first line of defense, but using 2FA will take your account security to another level. You can choose to receive a code via text or use an authenticator app or a security key for your PayPal account’s 2FA.
Set up passkeys. Passkeys are a new, passwordless authentication method that offer a more secure and convenient way to access websites and apps using only your fingerprint, face scan, or a device PIN. Because passkeys leverage public key cryptography, they are resistant to phishing attacks, making them even more secure than most multi-factor authentication methods.
Use a unique and strong password. When you change your password, pick one that is impossible to guess. That means using at least 12 characters that include upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols. Need help? Try our password generator.
Keep your PayPal password safe with NordPass. Let’s be frank. All of us have way too many passwords on our hands. Remembering each one — well, that’s just an illusion. But with the NordPass password manager you can have all of your passwords securely stored in a single place, and you can autofill them with just a click. The same goes for passkeys — the NordPass Passkey Holder is designed as a secure storage for all of your passkeys. Tidy mess of online life with NordPass today.
Make using financial services online stress-free with NordPass!
FAQ
You can change your PayPal password as often as you like—there’s no limit. However, PayPal may have security measures in place that could temporarily lock your account if you change your password too frequently or in quick succession. Additionally, it’s important to treat your PayPal password with the same level of care as any other critical password. Changing it every six months is a smart way to keep your account secure and reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
PayPal is big on security and wants its users to have strong passwords. That’s why they require passwords to be between 8 and 20 characters long, include both uppercase and lowercase letters, and have at least one number or symbol. They also recommend steering clear of common words or patterns to help protect against brute-force attacks and easy guesses.
If you’re having trouble resetting or changing your PayPal password, it could be due to a few reasons. Sometimes, a system glitch might be causing the issue. In this case, try clearing your browser’s cache or using a different browser to see if that helps. It’s also possible that you’re entering incorrect information, such as the wrong email address or security codes. Double-check these details to make sure everything is accurate. If none of these steps work, it’s important to contact PayPal Support directly. They can help you with regaining access to your account.
However, if you suspect that the issue might be due to someone else taking over your account, report it to PayPal Support immediately. They’ll assist you in securing your account and getting it back under your control as quickly as possible.
If you don’t have access to your email, you can still reset your PayPal password using your phone number. Just go to the PayPal login page, click on “Having trouble logging in?” and follow the prompts to use your phone number. If that doesn’t work, reach out to PayPal Support and explain your situation. They can help you verify your identity and assist with resetting your password.