Change your PayPal password from your account settings

To change your PayPal password, sign into your account on PayPal.com, go to Settings, select Security, and choose Change Password. You'll enter your current password once, then type your new password twice to confirm it. The change takes effect immediately.

You can do this on any device — computer, phone, or tablet — as long as you can access PayPal's website or app. The process is the same whether you use PayPal for sending money to friends, paying bills, or shopping online.

Key Takeaways

  • You need your current password to set a new one, so have it ready before you start.
  • PayPal requires new passwords to be at least 8 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers.
  • 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 stay signed in on that device, but you may need to sign in again on other devices.

Step-by-step instructions for changing your password

Start by going to PayPal.com and signing in with your email and current password. Once you're logged in, look for the gear icon in the top right corner of the page and click it to open Settings.

In Settings, click Security on the left side menu. You'll see several options; click Change Password. PayPal will ask you to enter your current password one more time for security, then type your new password in the next field. Type it again in the "Confirm password" field to make sure there are no typos, then click Change Password to save it.

If you're using the PayPal app on your phone, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right, then tap Settings. Scroll down and tap Security, then Change Password. The steps are the same from there.

Password requirements PayPal enforces

Your new password must be at least 8 characters long. It also needs to include at least one uppercase letter (A–Z), at least one lowercase letter (a–z), and at least one number (0–9). PayPal will not accept passwords that use only letters or only numbers.

Avoid using your name, email address, or obvious numbers like your birth year or phone number. The stronger your password, the harder it is for someone else to guess or crack it. If PayPal rejects your password, it usually means it doesn't meet one of these requirements — the error message will tell you which one.

What to do if you forget your current password

If you can't remember your current password, you can't change it from Settings. Instead, go to PayPal.com and click "Forgot password?" on the login page. PayPal will send a link to the email address on your account. Click that link, and you'll be able to create a new password without entering the old one.

Check your spam or junk folder if you don't see the email within a few minutes. The link in that email usually works for 24 hours, so act on it before it expires. If you don't receive the email at all, make sure you're using the correct email address for your PayPal account.

Why you might need to change your password

Change your password if you think someone else knows it, if you've used the same password on another website that was hacked, or if you simply haven't changed it in a long time. PayPal doesn't force you to change your password on a schedule, but doing it every few months is a good security habit.

You should also change your password if you've shared your account with someone (like a family member or business partner) and no longer want them to have access. Changing the password signs them out of all devices, so they won't be able to use the account anymore.

What happens after you change your password

You'll stay signed in on the device where you made the change. On other devices — like a phone, tablet, or another computer — you may be signed out automatically. The next time you try to use PayPal on those devices, you'll need to sign in again with your new password.

If you have PayPal linked to other apps or services (like a shopping site that lets you pay with PayPal), those connections stay active. You don't need to update your password anywhere else — PayPal handles the connection behind the scenes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my password on the PayPal app?

Yes. Open the app, tap the menu icon at the bottom right, go to Settings, then Security, then Change Password. The process is identical to the website version. You'll need your current password to proceed.

What if PayPal says my new password is too weak?

Your password needs at least 8 characters, including uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers. If PayPal rejects it, make sure you've included all three types of characters. Avoid dictionary words and personal information like your name or birth year.

Do I need to change my password on other websites after changing it on PayPal?

No. Your PayPal password is separate from passwords on other sites. If you use the same password everywhere, you should change it on those other sites too — but that's a separate action from changing your PayPal password.

Will changing my password sign me out of PayPal everywhere?

You'll stay signed in on the device where you made the change. On other devices, you may be signed out and will need to sign in again with your new password the next time you use PayPal.

How often should I change my PayPal password?

There's no required schedule, but changing it every few months is a good security practice. Change it immediately if you think someone else knows it or if you've reused the password on another site that was compromised.