To change your phone number on PayPal, you need to add your new number, confirm it, set it as primary, and then remove the old one. This process ensures your account remains secure and that you continue to receive important notifications and verification codes.
How to change your phone number on PayPal
Updating your phone number on PayPal requires a specific sequence because the system needs at least one confirmed number on file at all times. You must first add and verify the new number before you can remove the old one. This approach protects your account from unauthorized changes and keeps your contact information current.
Step 1: Log in to your PayPal account
Open your web browser and go to the PayPal website, or launch the PayPal app on your mobile device. Enter your email address and password in the login fields. If you have two-factor authentication enabled, enter the verification code sent to your mobile device or email. Once authenticated, you will be on your account dashboard.
Step 2: Go to your settings
On the PayPal website, look for the gear icon in the top right corner of the dashboard and click it to open your settings. If you are using the PayPal app, navigate to your "Profile", then "Account Info", and then "Phone Numbers". This section is where you manage all phone numbers linked to your account.
Step 3: Add and confirm your new phone number
- In the "Phone Numbers" section, click or tap "+ Add New."
- Enter your new phone number, including the country code if needed.
- Click or tap "Add phone number." PayPal will send a text message with a confirmation code to the number you just entered.
- Check your phone for the code and enter it into the confirmation field in your PayPal account. The confirmation code expires 15 minutes after it's issued for security reasons, so complete this step promptly.
Once you enter the correct code, the new number is confirmed and active on your account.
Step 4: Set as primary and remove the old number
- In the "Phone Numbers" section, locate your newly confirmed number and choose "Set as Primary" next to it.
- Click "Confirm" to finalize the change. Your new number now receives all account notifications and verification texts.
- Find your old phone number in the same list and click "Remove" beside it. You can only remove a phone number if you have at least two phone numbers added to your PayPal account, which is why you added the new one first.
After removing the old number, your account will have only your current, confirmed phone number.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I no longer have access to my old phone number?
If you cannot receive texts or calls at your old number, log in to your account using your email and password. Add and confirm your new number as described in Step 3, set it as primary, and then contact PayPal customer support if the system will not let you remove the old number without access to it.
Does changing your phone number affect my PayPal security?
Keeping your phone number current actually strengthens your account security. A verified number ensures you receive two-factor authentication codes, fraud alerts, and password reset links. Delaying this update after changing your phone number can leave your account vulnerable, so it is important to treat changing your phone number on accounts as a priority task.
Why does PayPal require me to add a new number before removing the old one?
PayPal requires at least one confirmed phone number on your account at all times for security and recovery purposes. This policy prevents you from accidentally locking yourself out of your own account. The process of removing phone numbers from accounts is designed to ensure you always have a way to verify your identity.
Can I update my phone number using the PayPal app?
Yes. Open the PayPal app, go to your "Profile," then "Account Info," and select "Phone Numbers." The steps for adding, confirming, setting as primary, and removing numbers are the same as on the website. This makes updating phone number on apps and accounts convenient when you are on the go.
How long does the confirmation code remain valid?
The code PayPal sends via text message expires 15 minutes after it is issued. If you do not enter it within that window, you will need to request a new code by starting the add-number process again.
