Does PayPal work with authenticator apps like MS Authenticator App?

Yes. PayPal supports TOTP authenticator apps, so you can generate its two-factor codes in MS Authenticator App.

Is PayPal two-factor authentication free?

Yes. Enabling authenticator-app 2FA on PayPal is free — you only need the free MS Authenticator App.

What if I lose access to my PayPal 2FA codes?

Use the backup or recovery codes you saved during setup. If you didn't save them, contact PayPal support to regain access, then re-add the account to MS Authenticator App.

Should I use an authenticator app or a security key on PayPal?

PayPal supports both. An authenticator app like MS Authenticator App is free and works on any phone; a hardware security key adds phishing resistance. You can enable both.

How to enable 2FA on PayPal

← PayPal overview Supported

Enable two-factor authentication on PayPal to stop unauthorized logins. After setup, PayPal asks for a rotating code from MS Authenticator App in addition to your password.

Step-by-step setup

1
Sign in to PayPal and open Settings → Security → 2-step verification.
2
Turn on 2-step verification and choose the authenticator-app option.
Look for "Authenticator app", "Authentication app", or "TOTP" rather than SMS.
3
Scan the QR code with MS Authenticator App.
Open MS Authenticator App, tap add, and point your camera at the QR code PayPal displays. Can't scan? Enter the setup key manually instead.
4
Enter the 6-digit code to confirm.
Type the code MS Authenticator App generates to verify and link your PayPal account.
5
Save your backup codes.
Store the recovery codes PayPal gives you somewhere safe — you'll need them if you lose your phone.

Menu names on PayPal can change — the official PayPal 2FA documentation ↗ always has the exact, current path.

Frequently asked questions

Does PayPal work with authenticator apps like MS Authenticator App?: Yes. PayPal supports TOTP authenticator apps, so you can generate its two-factor codes in MS Authenticator App.
Is PayPal two-factor authentication free?: Yes. Enabling authenticator-app 2FA on PayPal is free — you only need the free MS Authenticator App.
What if I lose access to my PayPal 2FA codes?: Use the backup or recovery codes you saved during setup. If you didn't save them, contact PayPal support to regain access, then re-add the account to MS Authenticator App.
Should I use an authenticator app or a security key on PayPal?: PayPal supports both. An authenticator app like MS Authenticator App is free and works on any phone; a hardware security key adds phishing resistance. You can enable both.

Generate your PayPal codes in MS Authenticator App

Free, offline, and encrypted. One tap for every 6-digit code.

Get the app

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