Change your password from the Settings menu

Open PayPal in a web browser and sign in to your account. Click the gear icon in the top right corner, then select Settings. On the left side, click Security, then find the section labeled Login and click Change password.

PayPal will ask you to enter your current password first. Type it in, then enter your new password twice — once in the "New password" field and again in the "Confirm password" field. Click Change password at the bottom. You'll see a confirmation message, and you're done.

If you're using the PayPal mobile app instead, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right, then tap Settings. Scroll down and tap Security, then Change password. The process is the same from there.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your password through Settings > Security > Login > Change password on the PayPal website or app.
  • PayPal requires you to enter your current password before setting a new one, so you need to remember it first.
  • A strong password includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and should be at least 8 characters long.
  • If you forget your current password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login page instead of trying to change it from Settings.
  • After you change your password, you'll be signed out on all devices and will need to sign in again with your new password.

What makes a strong PayPal password

PayPal requires passwords to be at least 8 characters long, but longer is better. A strong password mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — for example, BlueMoon#2847 or Sunset$Waves99. Avoid using words from the dictionary, your name, your email address, or sequences like "123456" or "abcdef".

The reason is simple: passwords made of random words or patterns are faster for attackers to guess. A password like "PayPal2024" looks strong but can be cracked in hours. A password like "Kx7@mP2$vL9" takes much longer because there's no pattern an attacker can predict.

If you use the same password across multiple websites, changing it on PayPal alone won't fully protect you. If one website gets hacked and your password leaks, an attacker can try that password on PayPal and other sites. Using a unique password for PayPal — one you don't use anywhere else — means a breach at another site won't put your PayPal account at risk.

What happens after you change your password

Once you confirm your new password, PayPal signs you out of your account on all devices. This includes your phone, tablet, computer, and any other place where you were signed in. You'll need to sign back in using your email address and your new password.

This automatic sign-out is a security feature. It makes sure that if someone else had access to your account on another device, they lose that access when you change your password. The next time they try to use PayPal, they'll be asked to sign in again — and they won't be able to because they don't know your new password.

If you've forgotten your current password

You can't change your password from Settings if you don't remember the current one. Instead, go to the PayPal login page and click Forgot password? below the password field. PayPal will ask for your email address, then send you a link to reset your password.

Check your email inbox for a message from PayPal with the subject line "Reset your PayPal password." The link in that email works for 10 minutes. Click it, and you'll be taken to a page where you can create a new password without needing to enter the old one. If you don't see the email, check your spam or junk folder — sometimes it gets filtered there by mistake.

If you can't find the email or the link has expired, go back to the login page and click Forgot password? again to request a new link. You can repeat this as many times as you need.

Protecting your account after changing your password

Changing your password is one layer of security, but PayPal offers additional protections you should turn on. Two-factor authentication (also called 2FA or two-step verification) requires a second form of proof when you sign in — usually a code from an app or a text message to your phone. Even if someone knows your password, they can't access your account without that second code.

To set up two-factor authentication, go to Settings > Security and look for the section labeled Two-factor authentication. PayPal offers several methods: the Microsoft Authenticator app, Google Authenticator, or text message codes. The authenticator apps are more secure than text messages because they can't be intercepted the way texts sometimes can be.

You should also review your connected apps and devices. In Settings > Security, scroll down to Connected apps & sites and Recognized devices. Remove any apps or devices you no longer use or don't recognize. This prevents old or compromised devices from accessing your account even if someone has your password.

Changing your password on a shared or public computer

If you change your PayPal password on a computer that other people use — a library computer, a friend's laptop, or a shared work device — take extra steps to protect yourself. After you finish changing your password, sign out of PayPal completely. Don't just close the browser window.

On a public computer, also clear your browser history and cookies before you leave. This removes any stored login information that could let someone else access your account. Most browsers have a "Clear browsing data" or "Clear history" option in the Settings menu. Select the option to clear cookies and cached images, then choose to clear data from "all time" or "the beginning of time."

The safest approach is to change your password only on a computer you own and control — your personal laptop, phone, or tablet. If you must use a shared device, use PayPal's website rather than saving your login information, and always sign out when you're finished.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change my PayPal password?

You don't need to change it on a set schedule if you use a strong, unique password and have two-factor authentication turned on. Change it if you think someone else might know it, if you used the same password on another website that got hacked, or if you haven't changed it in several years. PayPal will notify you if it detects suspicious activity on your account.

Can I use a password I've used before on PayPal?

PayPal doesn't let you reuse your last few passwords. If you try to set a password you've used recently, PayPal will reject it and ask you to choose a different one. This prevents you from cycling back to an old password that might have been compromised.

What if I change my password but still can't sign in?

Make sure you're typing your email address and new password correctly — passwords are case-sensitive, so "BlueMoon#2847" is different from "bluemoon#2847". If you're still locked out, use the "Forgot password?" link again to reset it. If that doesn't work, contact PayPal's support team through the Help Center.

Will changing my password affect my saved payment methods or linked bank accounts?

No. Your payment methods, bank accounts, and linked cards stay connected to your account. Changing your password only changes how you sign in — it doesn't touch any of the financial information you've stored.