How to enable 2FA for your PayPal account
Updated June 5, 2026
A step-by-step guide on how to set up two-factor authentication (2FA) for your PayPal account using Authenticator App. With 2FA enabled, signing in requires both your password and a temporary verification code — keeping your account safe even if your password is stolen.
Download Authenticator App
First, download the Authenticator ℠ App on your Apple device. Click the button below or scan the QR code with your iPhone camera.
Get the Authenticator ℠ App
Scan the QR codes from PayPal and generate secure one-time codes.
Sign in on the PayPal website
Log in to your account at paypal.com using a web browser. Setting up 2-step verification can only be done on the website, not in the PayPal mobile app.
Open Security settings
Click the Settings (gear) icon near "Log out" at the top of the page, then click Security near the top of the page.
Start setting up 2-step verification
Find "2-step verification" and click Set Up to the right of it.
Choose the authenticator app option
When asked how you want to get your code, select "Use an authenticator app," then click Set It Up and follow the on-screen steps.
Scan the QR code with your Authenticator App
Open the Authenticator App on your iPhone, tap the + button, and scan the QR code shown by PayPal. If you can't scan it, choose to enter a setup key manually and type in the secret key (serial key) that PayPal displays instead.
Enter the 6-digit verification code
Your authenticator app will generate a 6-digit code. Type that code back into PayPal to verify the connection.
Confirm and finish
Confirm to finish setup. PayPal will now show that 2-step verification is turned on, and your authenticator app will be required at sign-in going forward.
Backup & recovery
PayPal's authenticator-app 2-step verification does not provide downloadable backup or recovery codes. Instead, you set up a backup method (such as receiving a code by text/SMS to your phone) so you can still log in if you lose access to your authenticator app. Keep that backup method up to date.
That's it — your PayPal account is now protected with two-factor authentication. If you have any issues during setup, visit the official PayPal help page. Stay safe!
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Disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only.
Begamob is not affiliated with or endorsed by PayPal. All trademarks and product names are the property of their respective owners and are used solely for identification purposes. Interface labels and menu names may change over time — when in doubt, follow the official PayPal documentation.