How to Add, Edit, or Change Your PayPal Phone Number
Overview
Keeping your PayPal phone number updated ensures smooth account access, verification, and better security protection.
Adding, editing, or replacing your phone number is quick, requiring only login, settings, and verification.
Always verify new numbers before deleting old ones to avoid lockouts and protect financial transactions.
PayPal is one of the most trusted online payment platforms worldwide, enabling millions of users to send, receive, and manage money securely. It also supports payments for services such as Amazon purchases and utility bills, offering fast, reliable, and convenient transactions.
To ensure smooth account access, it is important to keep your contact details, especially your registered phone number, up to date. This number is used for verification, security alerts, and two-step authentication.
If you have changed your phone number or wish to use a different one, PayPal allows you to update and replace your registered number easily with just a few clicks.
Importance of Securing Your PayPal Phone Number
Safeguarding your phone number in PayPal is crucial because it is linked to your account and financial information. A phone number is used on PayPal in multiple ways, including two-factor authentication (2FA), password resets, and payment alerts.
An unintended recipient of your phone number can read a security code message or reset your PayPal password and make unauthorized payments. An unprotected phone number could also make you a target for phony scams or identity theft.
Protecting your phone number is essential for account safety, fraud protection, and financial security.
How to Add a Phone Number on PayPal
If you want to do this for the first time, here is a quick guide to add your phone number to a PayPal account:
Sign Up or Log In: Go to paypal.com to sign up with your email and password.
Redirected to Account Page: Click on the settings icon at the upper-right corner.
Add a Phone Number: Click 'Add New' under the phone number section.
Enter the Number: Enter the number and specify whether it is a mobile or home number.
Verify Number: PayPal will verify the number by sending an SMS or calling you with a code. Enter the code to complete the verification.
After code verification, the new number will be added to the account.
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How to Edit or Update Your Phone Number
If your number has been changed, update your number promptly to avoid being locked out of your account.
Log in to PayPal.
Click the Settings
Check Your Current Phone Number: You will see a list of numbers linked to your account.
Edit the Number: Click on Edit next to the number you wish to change.
Verify the Number: Input the new phone number and choose to verify it by typing the one-time code sent to your device.
Important Note: Always verify the new number prior to deleting the old one in case there is a problem with its verification.
How to Remove or Replace a Phone Number
Sometimes, you may want to stop using a number and have it removed. To do so:
Sign in to PayPal.
Go to Settings.
Locate Number: In the Phone section, locate the number you wish to remove.
Remove it: Click Remove and confirm.
Note: PayPal requires one phone number on file to be active, so if you ever wanted to remove your only number, you would have to put in another phone number first.
Troubleshooting Phone Number Issues
Updating phone numbers through the interface may throw errors for a few users. Here are some tips:
Incorrect Format: Make sure you enter the correct country code (+1 for the U.S., +91 for India).
Verification Failure: When you do not get a code, select the call option instead of SMS.
Locked Out: In the case of being locked out due to not having the old number anymore, you have to call PayPal customer support and tell them you need to recover your account.
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Conclusion
The PayPal phone number is the main connecting item between you and your account security systems. Adding, updating, or removing a phone number is a quick process that usually takes only a few minutes.
Keeping your phone number updated ensures easy account access, seamless PayPal services, and stronger protection against fraud. Anytime you change your number, changing the number with PayPal should be one of your priorities, as a little thing like this can save you significant inconvenience later.
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FAQs
1. How can I get into my PayPal account if I have changed phone numbers?
You can still enter your PayPal account with your registered email address and password. If asked to verify, use any previously set backup method, for example, a secondary email or authenticator app.
2. How do I update my phone number on PayPal?
Sign in to your PayPal account, access Settings , click on the Phone section, click Edit beside your current number, input the new number, and confirm it with the code received via SMS or call.
3. How do I reach PayPal if I am unable to sign in?
If you can't log in, go to the PayPal Help Center or call their customer support directly. Enter your account information, including registered email, to confirm identity, and follow the instructions to log back in securely.
4. How do I access my PayPal if I lost my phone?
Use an alternate verification method associated with your account, including a backup email, authenticator app, or trusted device. If not accessible, call PayPal customer service to verify your identity and regain access to your account securely.
5. How do I recover my PayPal?
Visit the PayPal login screen, select "Having trouble logging in?", input your registered email address, and proceed with recovery instructions. Confirm identity by email, security questions, or customer support to have full access to your account.