If you are locked out of PayPal because you no longer have access to the phone number on your account, you can get into PayPal without phone number by using a passkey, verifying your identity with a linked bank account, or contacting customer support for account recovery. These three official methods are the only reliable ways to regain access when your old number is unreachable and two-step verification is blocking your login. Before attempting recovery, confirm whether your current PayPal phone number is still active, since an outdated number often triggers the lockout.
How to get into PayPal without a phone number: 3 reliable methods
Being locked out of your PayPal account is frustrating, especially when you need to send or receive money urgently. The most common cause is changing your mobile number without updating it in your account settings, which means 2-step verification codes keep going to the old number. Fortunately, PayPal provides three official recovery methods that do not require access to that phone number.
Why you're locked out (and how to prevent it next time)
If 2-step verification is enabled and you change your mobile number, you must update it in your PayPal account, otherwise, access codes will continue to be sent to the old number, preventing login. This is the primary reason users find themselves locked out. To avoid this in the future, update your phone number immediately after changing it. You also have the option to deactivate 2-step verification at any time within your PayPal account settings, which eliminates the need for SMS codes entirely.
Method 1: Log in with a passkey (no phone needed)
Passkeys offer a secure way to log in to PayPal without needing a password or phone number verification. If you previously created a passkey on your device, this is the fastest and most secure method to get back in. Passkeys allow users to log in using the same biometrics (like fingerprint or Face ID) or device password/PIN used to unlock their device. Passkeys are available on Apple devices (iPhones, Macs, iPads) and Google Android devices.
To log in with a passkey, enter your email address and choose "Next," or click "Log In" if your email is already remembered, then follow on-screen instructions to confirm your identity by unlocking your device. If you set up a passkey before being locked out, you will not need your old phone number at all.
If you have a passkey on one device but are trying to log in on another, select "Other options," then "Passkey from a nearby device" (or similar), and follow the instructions to scan a QR code with the device that stores the passkey. Passkeys are saved to a password manager linked to your device, such as iCloud Keychain or Google Password Manager. A passkey cannot be used to log in on a different device that is not connected to the same password manager account, so ensure both devices share the same password manager.
If you don't have a passkey yet, you can create one the next time you log in successfully. To create a passkey, log in to PayPal from a mobile device using a supported browser (Safari or Chrome), and if the option is available, select "Create a passkey." After reviewing the information, click "Next," then "Continue," and unlock your device to complete the passkey creation.
Method 2: Verify your identity with a linked bank account
If you do not have a passkey, you can regain account access by confirming micro-deposits from a linked bank account as an alternative to SMS verification. PayPal can send small deposits to a bank account you have previously linked to your PayPal profile. Once you see those amounts in your bank statement, you can enter them on the PayPal login page to prove your identity. This method works even if you have no access to your old phone number.
Select the bank account option if available, check your online banking for the micro-deposit amounts, and return to PayPal to enter them. This bypasses the need for any SMS code.
Method 3: Contact PayPal customer service for account recovery
If all other login methods fail, you can contact PayPal customer service for account recovery. This is the official support route when you cannot use a passkey or bank account verification. When contacting support for a locked account, be prepared to provide information such as your telephone number, a statement for a linked credit card or bank account, and the email address used to register. Having these ready will speed up the process significantly.
Explain that you changed your phone number and cannot receive 2-step verification codes. The support team can manually verify your identity and help you regain access or update your phone number on file.
Secure your account after you get back in
Once you are back inside your PayPal account, take immediate steps to prevent future lockouts. Update your phone number in the account settings so that 2-step verification codes go to your current number. Set up a passkey on your device for password-free login. Review your 2FA settings and consider deactivating 2-step verification if you prefer not to rely on SMS codes. Finally, change your password to something strong and unique. These actions ensure you will not face the same problem again.
