You can change your PayPal username through your account settings, but the process has limits
PayPal lets you change the username you use to log in, but only once every 30 days. The new username must be unique across PayPal's entire system — no one else can have it — and it cannot be the same as any username you've used before on that account. You cannot change it back to a previous username, so choose carefully. The change takes effect when ready after you confirm it.
Your email address and PayPal account number stay the same when you change your username. Anyone who sends you money using your old username will not be affected, because PayPal identifies you by your email and account number, not by your username. However, if you've shared your username with people for other purposes, you'll need to tell them the new one.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your PayPal username once every 30 days through the Settings menu in your account.
- Your new username must be unique and cannot be a username you've used on that account before.
- Changing your username does not affect money transfers, because PayPal uses your email address to identify you, not your username.
- You will need to update your username in any saved payment methods or apps where you've stored it.
How to change your username on a computer
Open PayPal in your web browser and log in with your current username and password. Once you're logged in, look for the gear icon in the top right corner of the page and click it. This opens a menu — select Settings from that menu.
In Settings, look for the Login and Security tab on the left side. Click it. You'll see a section labeled Username with your current username displayed. Click the Change button next to it. PayPal will ask you to enter your password again to confirm it's really you.
Type your new username in the field that appears. PayPal will tell you when ready if the username is already taken or if it breaks their rules — usernames cannot contain certain characters or be offensive. Once you've entered a username PayPal accepts, click Change Username. The change is complete and takes effect right away.
How to change your username on the PayPal app
Open the PayPal app on your phone and log in. Tap the menu icon — usually three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner — and select Settings. Look for Login and Security and tap it.
Find the Username section and tap Change. PayPal will ask for your password. Enter it, then type your new username in the field that appears. If PayPal accepts it, tap Change Username to confirm. The change takes effect when ready on all your devices.
What to do if your desired username is already taken
If the username you want is already in use, PayPal will not let you have it. You cannot request that someone else release it or contact PayPal to override the rule. Your options are to choose a different username or wait to see if the other person stops using theirs — but PayPal does not recycle old usernames, so this is not a practical path.
When choosing an alternative, try adding numbers or a short word that relates to you. For example, if "sarah.jones" is taken, you might try "sarah.jones2024" or "sarahjones.art". Avoid usernames that are too similar to your real name or email address, since those are easier for someone to guess if they're trying to access your account.
Updating your username in other places
If you've saved your PayPal username in other apps or websites, you'll need to update it there too. Check any shopping apps, subscription services, or payment tools that connect to PayPal. Log into each one and update your PayPal username in the settings or payment method section.
If you use PayPal to log into other websites — the "Log in with PayPal" button — you do not need to do anything. Those sites use your email address to identify you, not your username, so they'll work the same way with your new username.
Why you might want to change your username
People change their PayPal username for several reasons. You might have chosen one years ago that no longer fits who you are, or you might want something more professional if you use PayPal for business. Some people change it because they're concerned about privacy — a username that includes your real name or birthdate is easier for someone to guess or use to find you.
If you think someone else knows your username and might be trying to access your account, changing it is one step toward securing it. However, the more important step is to change your password and enable two-factor authentication, which requires a code from your phone when you log in from a new device. A strong, unique password matters more than a secret username.
The 30-day waiting period between changes
PayPal enforces a 30-day waiting period between username changes. This means once you change your username, you cannot change it again for 30 days. The rule exists to prevent account takeovers — if someone gains access to your account, they cannot quickly change your username multiple times to lock you out.
If you make a mistake and change your username to something you don't like, you'll have to wait 30 days before you can change it again. For this reason, test your new username carefully before you confirm the change. Make sure it's spelled the way you want it and that you can remember it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my username affect my PayPal balance or transaction history?
No. Your balance, transaction history, and all your account information stay exactly the same. Only the username you use to log in changes. Your email address, account number, and all connected payment methods remain unchanged.
Can I change my username back to one I used before?
No. PayPal does not allow you to reuse any username you've had on that account before, even if you wait months or years. Choose a new username you're comfortable keeping for a while.
What if I forget my new username after I change it?
You can still log in using your email address instead. On the PayPal login page, enter your email address in the username field, then enter your password. PayPal will let you in. Once you're logged in, you can see your current username in Settings under Login and Security.
Does changing my username affect people who send me money?
No. People can still send you money using your email address or PayPal account number. If they have your old username saved somewhere, it won't work for sending money, but they can use your email instead. PayPal identifies you by your email and account number, not by your username.
Can I change my username if my account is limited or under review?
PayPal may restrict username changes while your account is under review or limited. If you try to change your username and see an error message, contact PayPal to ask whether your account restrictions prevent it. You may need to resolve the issue first.