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Alright! Let's get your PayPal phone number verified. It's a crucial step for security and accessing the full features of your PayPal account. Have you recently updated your phone number or are you setting up your account for the first time? Knowing this will help us tailor the initial steps slightly.
Here's a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to verify your PayPal phone number:
Step 1: Accessing Your PayPal Account Settings
This is where our journey begins. You'll need to log in to your PayPal account.
1.1: Open Your Web Browser or the PayPal Mobile App
- On a Computer: Open your preferred web browser (like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge) and navigate to the official PayPal website: ***
www.paypal.com - On Your Mobile Device: Locate and open the PayPal mobile application on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you have the latest version of the app installed for the most up-to-date interface.
1.2: Log In to Your Account
- Enter Your Credentials: On the PayPal website or within the mobile app, you'll see fields for your email address (or mobile number associated with your account) and your password. Carefully enter these details.
- Click "Log In" or "Sign In": Once you've entered your credentials, click the appropriate button to access your PayPal account.
Step 2: Navigating to Your Profile Settings
Once you're logged in, you need to find the section where you can manage your account information, including your phone number.
2.1: Locating the Settings Icon (Web Browser)
- Look for the Gear Icon: On the PayPal website, after logging in, look for a gear-shaped icon usually located in the top right corner of the page, near your profile name or picture. This icon typically represents "Settings" or "Profile."
- Click the Gear Icon: Click on this gear icon to access your account settings.
2.2: Accessing Profile Settings (Mobile App)
- Find Your Profile Icon: In the PayPal mobile app, look for a profile icon (it might be a generic silhouette or your profile picture if you've uploaded one). This is usually located in the top left or top right corner of the main screen.
- Tap the Profile Icon: Tap on your profile icon to open a menu or navigate directly to your profile settings.
- Select "Profile" or "Account Settings": Within the menu that appears after tapping your profile icon, look for options like "Profile," "Account Settings," or something similar. Tap on this option.
Step 3: Finding Your Phone Number Information
Now that you're in your profile settings, you need to locate the section that lists your contact information, including your phone number.
3.1: Identifying the "Phone Numbers" or "Contact Information" Section (Web Browser)
- Look for Relevant Tabs or Links: Within your account settings on the website, you'll likely see different tabs or links on the left-hand side or across the top. Look for options like "Profile," "Account," "Account Settings," "Contact Information," or "Phone Numbers."
- Click on the Appropriate Option: Click on the tab or link that seems most relevant to managing your contact details. You should find a section listing your email addresses and phone numbers.
3.2: Locating "Phone Numbers" in the Mobile App
- Scroll Through Profile Options: In the mobile app's profile or account settings, you might need to scroll down to find the "Phone numbers" or "Contact information" section.
- Tap on "Phone numbers": Once you locate it, tap on the "Phone numbers" option to view the phone numbers associated with your PayPal account.
Step 4: Initiating the Verification Process
Once you've found your phone number listed, you'll need to initiate the verification process if it's not already verified. Unverified numbers will usually have a "Verify" or "Confirm" link or button next to them.
4.1: Identifying the Unverified Phone Number
- Look for Status Indicators: Your listed phone numbers will likely have a status next to them, such as "Verified" or "Not Verified." Identify the phone number you wish to verify if it shows as "Not Verified."
4.2: Clicking the "Verify" or "Confirm" Button
- Click or Tap the Button: Next to the unverified phone number, you should see a "Verify" button (on the website) or a "Confirm" link or button (on the mobile app). Click or tap on this button to start the verification process.
Step 5: Choosing a Verification Method
PayPal usually offers a couple of ways to verify your phone number.
5.1: Option 1: Receiving a Verification Code via SMS
- Select "Text me a code" or similar: You'll likely be presented with an option to receive a verification code via a text message (SMS) to the phone number you're trying to verify. Select this option.
- Wait for the SMS: PayPal will send a unique verification code to your phone number. This might take a few moments. Make sure your phone is on and has good reception.
5.2: Option 2: Receiving a Call (Less Common)
- Look for a "Call me" option: In some cases, PayPal might offer the option to receive an automated phone call with the verification code. If available, you can select this option.
- Answer the Call and Note the Code: Answer the incoming call and listen carefully to the automated voice, which will provide you with the verification code.
Step 6: Entering the Verification Code
Once you've received the verification code via SMS or phone call, you need to enter it into the PayPal interface.
6.1: Locating the Code Entry Field
- A New Screen or Pop-up: After selecting your verification method, a new screen or a pop-up window will appear, asking you to enter the verification code.
6.2: Entering the Code Carefully
- Type the Code: Carefully type the verification code you received into the designated field. Double-check that you've entered it correctly.
6.3: Clicking "Confirm" or "Verify"
- Submit the Code: Once you've entered the code, click the "Confirm," "Verify," or "Submit" button to finalize the verification process.
Step 7: Confirmation of Verification
If you've entered the correct verification code, PayPal will confirm that your phone number has been successfully verified.
7.1: Checking the Status
- Look for a "Verified" Status: On the phone numbers page in your settings, the phone number you just verified should now show a "Verified" status next to it. You might also receive an email or in-app notification confirming the verification.
7.2: Troubleshooting if Verification Fails
- Double-Check the Code: If the verification fails, double-check that you entered the code correctly.
- Request a New Code: If the code has expired or you didn't receive it, you can usually click a link to "Resend code" or "Request a new code."
- Ensure Correct Phone Number: Make sure the phone number listed is the correct one. If it's not, you might need to edit it and then try to verify.
- Contact PayPal Support: If you continue to have issues, don't hesitate to contact PayPal customer support for assistance. They can provide specific guidance based on your account.
Congratulations! You have now successfully verified your PayPal phone number. This adds an extra layer of security to your account and ensures you can receive important notifications and use all of PayPal's features without limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions (How to...)
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about verifying your PayPal phone number:
How to add a new phone number to my PayPal account?
- Quick Answer: Go to your PayPal account settings, find the "Phone numbers" section, and click "Add new phone number." Follow the on-screen instructions.
How to verify a phone number I just added to PayPal?
- Quick Answer: After adding the number, PayPal will usually prompt you to verify it. If not, find the unverified number in your phone number settings and click the "Verify" or "Confirm" button next to it.
How to resend the verification code if I didn't receive it?
- Quick Answer: On the screen where you're asked to enter the code, there should be an option like "Resend code" or "Request a new code." Click this link.
How to change my primary phone number on PayPal?
- Quick Answer: Go to your phone number settings, find the number you want to make primary, and there should be an option like "Make primary" next to it.
How to remove a phone number from my PayPal account?
- Quick Answer: In your phone number settings, find the number you want to remove and click the "Remove" or "Delete" option next to it. Note: You usually need to have at least one confirmed phone number.
How to verify my phone number if I'm using the PayPal website on my phone's browser?
- Quick Answer: The steps are very similar to using a computer browser. Log in to the PayPal website on your phone's browser, navigate to your profile settings, find the "Phone numbers" section, and follow the verification prompts.
How to know if my PayPal phone number is already verified?
- Quick Answer: In your PayPal account's phone number settings, your verified phone numbers will have a "Verified" status next to them.
How to troubleshoot if the verification code isn't working?
- Quick Answer: Double-check that you entered the code correctly and that it hasn't expired. Request a new code. Ensure your phone number is correct. If issues persist, contact PayPal support.
How to verify my phone number if I don't have a smartphone?
- Quick Answer: You can still verify your phone number using the PayPal website on a computer. You'll receive the verification code via SMS to your regular mobile phone.
How to contact PayPal support if I'm having trouble verifying my phone number?
- Quick Answer: Go to the PayPal website or app and look for a "Help," "Contact Us," or "Customer Support" section. You'll find options to message, call, or browse FAQs for assistance.
