You cannot change your Afterpay password without a phone number through the automated system, as it always requires an SMS verification code. However, if you no longer have access to your registered phone number, Afterpay support can help you regain access to your account.
Can you change your Afterpay password without a phone number?
The short, honest answer is no, the automated password reset process on both the Afterpay app and website always requires an SMS code sent to the phone number on your account. Neither email verification nor a linked social media account can bypass this requirement. If you have changed your phone number and cannot receive the code, Afterpay support is the only way to proceed.
How Afterpay's password reset actually works
Whether you use the Afterpay app or the website, the password reset flow follows the same verified steps, and the SMS code is mandatory at every stage.
On the Afterpay app:
- Enter your email address.
- Select "I don't know my password."
- Enter your email address again.
- Follow the instructions sent via SMS to your registered phone number.
On the Afterpay website:
- Enter your email address.
- Click "Continue."
- Click "Forgot Password."
Afterpay does not offer an email-based reset link, nor can you verify your identity through a linked social media account to skip the SMS step. The phone number on your account is the sole channel for the verification code, which means any method claiming to bypass it, such as using your email address alone or logging in via Facebook, will not work with the current system.
What to do when your registered phone number is old or lost
The only working solution is to contact Afterpay support directly. They can assist you if you have an old phone number linked to your account and are unable to receive the verification code. When you reach out, be prepared to provide specific details to verify your identity, such as your full name, the email address on the account, and any recent transaction or order numbers.
Afterpay support can guide you through account recovery, including updating your registered phone number. Once your number is updated, you will be able to reset your password normally. This process also covers removing phone numbers from accounts if you need to replace an old number with a new one.
Afterpay password requirements and account lockouts
Before you attempt to reset your password, know the requirements to avoid unnecessary lockouts. New Afterpay passwords must be at least 8 characters long and contain a combination of numbers and symbols (such as !, #, or @). If you enter incorrect login details multiple times, your account may be temporarily restricted. After multiple failed attempts, you must wait at least one hour before trying to log in or reset your password again. This lockout applies to both the app and the website, so give yourself time before retrying.
What happens after you reset your password
After any password reset, Afterpay sends an SMS notification to your registered phone number as a security alert. This message confirms that your password has been changed. An SMS notification is sent to the registered phone number after any password reset for security purposes. If you receive an SMS about a password change you did not authorize, you should immediately reset your profile email password and change the email address on your Afterpay account. Keeping your contact information up to date helps prevent unauthorized access and ensures you receive security alerts promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I update my phone number in my Afterpay account without logging in?
No, you must be logged in to update your phone number in your account settings. If you cannot log in because you lost access to your old number, contact Afterpay support to verify your identity and update the number for you.
How long does Afterpay support take to respond to a password reset request?
Response times vary, but Afterpay typically replies within one to two business days through email or in-app chat. For urgent issues, check their support page for live chat availability during business hours.
Will I lose my payment plan history if I reset my password?
No, resetting your password does not affect your payment plans, order history, or account balance. Your account data remains unchanged; only your login credentials are updated.
What should I do if I don't receive the SMS verification code?
If you still don't receive the code, the phone number on your account may be incorrect. In that case, contact Afterpay support to update your number before attempting the reset again.
Can I use a friend's phone number to receive the SMS code?
No, the SMS code is sent only to the phone number registered on your Afterpay account. Using another person's number is not possible through the automated system. You must update your registered number via support first.
For the wider topic, see removing phone numbers from accounts.
