Ready to get your new phone number linked to your PayPal account? It's a straightforward process, and I'll walk you through each step. Let's get started!
Step 1: Logging into Your PayPal Account
This is the crucial first step. You'll need to access your PayPal account either through a web browser or the PayPal mobile app.
1.1 Using a Web Browser
- Open your preferred web browser (like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge).
- In the address bar, type in the official PayPal website address: ***
www.paypal.com - You'll see the PayPal homepage. Look for the "Log In" button, usually located in the top right corner of the page. Click on it.
- You will be prompted to enter your email address or mobile number associated with your PayPal account. Type it in carefully.
- Next, enter your PayPal account password in the designated field.
- Double-check your email/phone number and password to ensure they are correct.
- Finally, click the "Log In" button to access your account.
1.2 Using the PayPal Mobile App
- Locate the PayPal app icon on your smartphone or tablet. It's usually a blue icon with the PayPal "P" logo.
- Tap on the app icon to open it.
- You will be asked to enter your email address or mobile number associated with your PayPal account. Type it in.
- Then, enter your PayPal account password.
- Make sure you've entered the correct credentials.
- Tap the "Log In" button at the bottom of the screen to access your account.
Step 2: Navigating to Your Profile Settings
Once you're logged in, you need to find your profile settings where you can manage your personal information, including your phone number. The location of this section might slightly differ between the web browser interface and the mobile app.
2.1 Via Web Browser
- After logging in, you'll typically be taken to your PayPal account summary page.
- Look for a "Settings" icon. It often resembles a gear or cogwheel and is usually located in the top right corner of the page, next to your profile name or picture. Click on this icon.
- Alternatively, you might see a "Profile" or "Account Settings" option in a dropdown menu when you hover over your name or picture. Click on that.
- Within the settings menu, you should find a section related to "Phone Numbers," "Contact Information," or similar. Click on this section.
2.2 Via Mobile App
- Once you're logged into the app, you'll likely see your account summary or a home screen.
- Look for a profile icon or your profile picture, usually located in the top left or top right corner of the screen. Tap on it.
- This will open a menu. Scroll down until you find an option like "Profile," "Account," "Settings," or "Personal Information." Tap on it.
- Within this section, look for "Phone numbers" or "Email and phone numbers." Tap on this option.
Step 3: Adding Your New Phone Number
Now you're in the right place to add your new phone number.
3.1 Initiating the Addition
- On the "Phone numbers" or similar page, you should see a list of any phone numbers already associated with your PayPal account.
- Look for an option to "Add a new phone number," "Add phone," or a "+ Add" button. Click or tap on this.
3.2 Entering Your New Phone Number
- A new screen or pop-up will appear, asking you to enter your new phone number.
- Carefully enter your complete phone number, including the country code. Make sure you select the correct country code from the dropdown menu provided before entering the rest of your number.
- PayPal will usually ask you to confirm the phone number you've entered. Double-check that it's accurate before proceeding.
3.3 Selecting the Phone Number Type (Optional)
- In some cases, PayPal might ask you to specify the type of phone number you're adding (e.g., mobile, home, work). Choose the option that best describes your new phone number.
Step 4: Confirming Your New Phone Number
For security reasons, PayPal will need to verify that the phone number you've added belongs to you. This usually involves sending a confirmation code to the new number.
4.1 Requesting the Confirmation Code
- After entering your phone number, you will typically see a "Send Code," "Continue," or "Add" button. Click or tap on it.
- PayPal will then send a text message (SMS) containing a unique verification code to the new phone number you provided.
4.2 Entering the Confirmation Code
- Check your mobile phone for the text message from PayPal. It should contain a 6-digit (or sometimes a different length) verification code.
- Go back to the PayPal website or app. You should see a field where you need to enter the confirmation code you received.
- Type the code accurately into the designated field.
- Once you've entered the code, click "Confirm," "Verify," or a similar button.
4.3 Successful Confirmation
- If you entered the correct code, PayPal will confirm that your new phone number has been successfully added to your account.
- You might see a confirmation message on the screen.
Step 5: Managing Your Phone Numbers (Optional)
After adding your new phone number, you might want to manage your existing phone numbers.
5.1 Setting a Primary Phone Number
- PayPal might allow you to set one of your phone numbers as the primary contact number. This is often the number PayPal will use for notifications and security purposes.
- In the "Phone numbers" section, you should see options to "Make primary" next to each listed phone number. Click or tap on this option next to the number you want to set as primary.
5.2 Removing a Phone Number
- If you no longer use a phone number associated with your PayPal account, it's a good security practice to remove it.
- In the "Phone numbers" section, look for a "Remove" or "Delete" option next to the phone number you want to remove. Click or tap on it and follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the removal.
Congratulations! You have successfully added a new phone number to your PayPal account. Remember to keep your contact information up to date for security and communication purposes.
How to: Frequently Asked Questions
How to find the "Settings" icon on the PayPal website?
The "Settings" icon on the PayPal website usually looks like a gear or cogwheel and is typically located in the top right corner of the page, next to your profile name or picture.
How to access "Profile" settings in the PayPal mobile app?
In the PayPal mobile app, tap on your profile icon or picture, usually in the top left or top right corner. Then, look for options like "Profile," "Account," "Settings," or "Personal Information" in the menu that appears.
How to know if PayPal has sent a confirmation code?
After you enter your new phone number and click "Send Code" or a similar button, PayPal will send a text message (SMS) to the number you provided. Check your phone's messaging app for a message from PayPal containing the verification code.
How to enter the confirmation code in PayPal?
Once you receive the SMS from PayPal, go back to the PayPal website or app. You should see a specific field where you need to type in the verification code you received. Enter it accurately and then click "Confirm" or "Verify."
How to set a phone number as primary on PayPal?
In the "Phone numbers" section of your PayPal settings, you should see an option like "Make primary" next to each listed phone number. Click or tap on this option next to the number you want to designate as your primary contact number.
How to remove an old phone number from PayPal?
In the "Phone numbers" section, look for a "Remove" or "Delete" option next to the phone number you wish to remove. Click or tap on it and follow the prompts to confirm the removal.
How to troubleshoot if I don't receive the confirmation code?
If you don't receive the confirmation code within a few minutes, double-check that you entered the correct phone number, including the country code. You can also try clicking "Resend Code" if that option is available. If you still don't receive it, ensure your phone can receive SMS messages and that there are no network issues. Contact PayPal support if the problem persists.
How to add a phone number if I don't have a mobile phone?
While PayPal often uses phone numbers for security and communication via SMS, you might be able to add a landline number in some cases. When adding the number, look for an option to specify the phone type. However, keep in mind that you won't be able to receive SMS verification codes on a landline, so alternative verification methods might be required.
How to update my phone number if it has changed?
The process for updating a phone number is essentially the same as adding a new one. You'll add the new number and then you can remove the old one once the new number is confirmed.
How to ensure my phone number is securely linked to my PayPal account?
PayPal uses a verification process to ensure the phone number belongs to you. Always keep your PayPal login credentials secure and be cautious of any suspicious messages or emails asking for your phone number or other personal information. Enabling two-factor authentication can also add an extra layer of security to your account.