What Can I Do If I Can't I Login to My PayPal Account?

In a nutshell: Getting locked out of your PayPal account can be stressful, but there are steps to regain access. First, check your browser for saved login credentials and ensure you're entering the correct email and password. If necessary, use the “Forgot Password?” option to reset your password. Verify two-factor authentication if enabled, and make sure

Christian Allen is the editor / author responsible for this content.
Sep 26, 2025

Introduction

It can be quite scary to get locked out of your PayPal account, especially if you have bills that need to be paid immediately. However, you won’t be gone for long, since there are several steps you can take to help regain access to your funds. Follow the simple guide below to get back into your PayPal account and continue doing business as usual.

Check Your Browser for Saved Credentials

Browsers are now capable of saving your username and password, so you don’t have to. If your browser is set to automatically save your login information, your password may be available. Check your browser settings for this tool before anything else.

What Can I Do If I Can't I Login to My PayPal Account? (Step 1)

Check Your Login Info

Make sure that you are using the correct email address and password. Check for:Spelling errorsCaps lock onThe correct email is used that you provided when signing up for your PayPal accountIf you’re unsure about your password, you can use the reset password process to change it. Go to the login page and click “Forgot Password?” to begin the process.

What Can I Do If I Can't I Login to My PayPal Account? (Step 2)

Reset Your Password

After clicking “Forgot Password?”:Enter your email addressFollow the instructions sent to your inboxChoose a strong new password that you haven’t used beforeIf you don’t receive the reset email, check your spam or junk folder. Still nothing? Try again or move to the next step.

Verify Two-Factor Authentication

If you’ve enabled two-factor authentication (2FA), PayPal will send a verification code to your phone or authentication app. Make sure:Your phone is on, it has a signal, and your volume is turned upYou are checking the correct device or appYou enter the code promptly before it expiresIf you don’t receive the code within a few minutes, you may need to contact PayPal support.

Clear Browser Issues

Sometimes, login problems stem from your browser. Try the following:Clear your browser’s cache and cookiesMake sure your browser is updatedTry logging in from a different browser or deviceThis can help resolve any technical issues interfering with the login process.

What Can I Do If I Can't I Login to My PayPal Account? (Step 5)

Account Lockout

If you have attempted to log in multiple times unsuccessfully, PayPal may temporarily lock your account for security reasons. In this case:You may have to wait a few hours before trying againOr contact PayPal directly to speed up the unlocking process

What Can I Do If I Can't I Login to My PayPal Account? (Step 6)

Contact PayPal

If none of the above steps work, it is time to reach out to PayPal for assistance. PayPal’s support team is available to help you regain access and secure your account. Before calling, make sure you are ready to provide the following to verify your identity:The email address on fileYour phone numberA statement from your linked bank or credit card

Secure Your Account

Once you can log back into your account, take the following security measures:Update your passwordReview recent activityEnable two-factor authentication if you have not already done soThis ensures your account stays safe and prevents you from having future login issues.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you will be able to resolve most login problems and get back to using PayPal’s money services. Keep in mind that PayPal’s support team is just a call away, so do not hesitate to contact them when needed.

Further questions?

Ask a followup or related question and we will try to provide an answer in seconds.
Christian has been writing about long hold times and customer service call center experiences since 2010. He's been featured in Bloomberg, the Wall Street Journal and the Boston Globe.
What Can I Do If I Can't I Login to My PayPal Account?

Help from Real People

We partner with a US-based company with live tech support experts available 24/7. Take advantage of a $5 one-week trial membership and chat with an expert now.
Chat with an expert

Why does GetHuman Write How-to Guides for PayPal Problems?

GetHuman has been working for over 10 years on sourcing information about big organizations like PayPal in order to help customers resolve customer service issues faster. We started with contact information and fastest ways to reach a human at big companies. Particularly ones with slow or complicated IVR or phone menu systems. Or companies that have self-serve help forums instead of a customer service department. From there, we realized that consumers still needed more detailed help solving the most common problems, so we expanded to this set of guides, which grows every day. And if you spot any issues with our What Can I Do If I Can't I Login to My PayPal Account? guide, please let us know by sending us feedback. We want to be as helpful as possible. If you appreciated this guide, please share it with your favorite people. Our free information and tools is powered by you, the customer. The more people that use it, the better it gets.

PayPal

Asked 6 years ago
Updated 2 months ago
Viewed 2,191,518 times
PayPal
PayPalunt
Account Access
Lost Password
Recover Account
Reactivate Account
Account Access

Speak to An Expert Now

We partner with a US-based expert help site to provide you with tech support 24/7. Enjoy a $5 one-week trial membership and chat with a live expert now.
Get Live Expert Help
Was this page helpful?YesNeeds work
Sharing is what powers GetHuman's free customer service contact information and tools. You can help!