To remove phone number from PayPal, you must first have at least two phone numbers saved on your account, PayPal only allows removal when a second number is present. You can complete the removal on either the PayPal website or the mobile app using the steps below.
How to remove phone number from PayPal: Introduction
PayPal documents two methods for removing a phone number: through the website and through the mobile app. Both methods share a critical requirement: your account must already have at least two phone numbers added before removal is allowed.
Before you start: the two-number rule
PayPal’s documented limitation states that you can only remove a phone number if your account already has at least two phone numbers added. If you currently have only one number on your account, you cannot remove it directly. Instead, you must first add a second phone number through your account settings, then proceed to remove the old one. This rule applies whether you are using the website or the mobile app.
Remove a phone number on the PayPal website
- Go to Settings in your PayPal account.
- In the Phone Numbers section, click Remove beside the number you want to delete.
PayPal does not list any browser, device, or version requirements for this web-account setting. If the number you want to remove is your primary number, the help page does not give a separate removal flow, it simply says to click Remove beside the number.
Remove a phone number in the PayPal mobile app
- Tap the Profile Icon.
- Tap Account Info.
- Tap Phone Numbers.
- Tap the phone number you want to remove, scroll down, and tap Remove.
PayPal gives one app flow for both iPhone and Android and does not list supported operating system versions, minimum app version, or device limits.
What happens after you remove your phone number
Removing a phone number may affect two-factor authentication and account recovery if that number was your primary verification method. It may also impact certain features or services that require phone number verification. You can add a new number later using the same paths: on the website, go to Settings > Phone Numbers; in the app, tap Profile Icon > Account Info > Phone Numbers. The change is made entirely inside your PayPal account settings, no carrier-specific steps are required, and there is no documented price for removing a number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove my only phone number?
No. PayPal requires at least two phone numbers on the account before you can remove one. If you only have one number, add a second number first, then remove the old one.
Is the process different on iPhone vs Android?
No. PayPal’s help page gives one app flow and does not distinguish between iPhone and Android. The steps, tap Profile Icon, Account Info, Phone Numbers, then Remove, are the same on both platforms.
Can I add a new number later?
Yes. You can add a new phone number after removal using the same Settings or Account Info paths where you removed the old number. This is useful when removing phone numbers from accounts and you want to replace an old number with a current one.
Is there a separate website-only flow?
Yes. On the website, PayPal says to use Settings and click Remove in the Phone Numbers section. The mobile app uses a different navigation path (Profile Icon > Account Info > Phone Numbers).
Will removing my number affect two-factor authentication?
It can. If the removed number was your primary method for receiving verification codes, you may need to set up an alternative method, such as an authenticator app or email, to maintain two-factor authentication.
What other methods can I use to secure my PayPal account?
You can use a physical security key, a strong password, and monitor your account activity regularly.
Is it possible to have a PayPal account without a phone number?
A phone number is not mandatory at sign-up but is highly recommended.
Does PayPal charge to remove a phone number?
No. The change is free and completed within your account settings.
For the wider topic, see removing phone numbers from accounts.
Related reading: How Do I Change My Phone Number On PayPal and How To Get Into Paypal Without Phone Number.
