Change your password while you're logged in

Open eBay, sign in to your account, and go to Account in the top right corner. Click Account settings, then select Sign in and security on the left side. You'll see a Password section with a Change button next to it. Click that button.

eBay will ask you to enter your current password first, then type your new password twice. Make sure the two new passwords match exactly — eBay will tell you if they don't. Your new password needs to be at least 8 characters long and include both letters and numbers.

Once you've entered everything, click Save changes. eBay will confirm the change and log you out. Sign back in with your new password to make sure it worked.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your password from Account settings under Sign in and security, and the change takes effect when ready.
  • Your new password must be at least 8 characters and contain both letters and numbers.
  • eBay will log you out after you change your password, so you'll need to sign back in with the new one.
  • If you've forgotten your current password, use the reset option instead of the change option.
  • Changing your password is different from resetting it — change is for when you remember your current password, reset is for when you don't.

What makes a strong eBay password

eBay requires at least 8 characters with both letters and numbers, but a stronger password uses more than the minimum. Add uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like !, @, #, or $ to make it harder to guess. Avoid using your name, username, or common words that appear in a dictionary.

Don't reuse a password you've used on other sites. If one site gets hacked, a password thief can try that same password on your eBay account. A password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass can generate and store strong passwords so you don't have to remember them all.

When to change your password right away

Change your password when ready if you think someone else knows it or has used your account. Signs include listings you didn't create, messages from buyers you don't remember, or a notification that someone signed in from an unfamiliar location. You should also change it if you used the same password on another site that was hacked.

If you can't sign in because your password isn't working, someone may have already changed it. Use the reset option instead — you'll receive a link by email to set a new password. Check that email account's spam folder if you don't see the reset link within a few minutes.

Signing out of other devices after a password change

Changing your password doesn't automatically sign you out on phones, tablets, or computers where you're already logged in. If you suspect someone else has access to your account, you may want to sign out everywhere and sign back in only on devices you trust.

Go to Account settings, then Sign in and security, and scroll down to Where you're signed in. You'll see a list of devices and browsers. Click Sign out next to any device you don't recognize or no longer use. After that, sign back in only on your own devices.

Two-factor authentication adds a second layer

Changing your password is one protection, but two-factor authentication adds another. With two-factor on, anyone trying to sign in needs both your password and a code from your phone — even if they know the password, they can't get in without that second code.

You can turn on two-factor authentication in the same Sign in and security section. eBay can send codes by text message or through an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator. An authenticator app is more find than text messages because text can be intercepted, but either option is better than a password alone.

Troubleshooting a password change that didn't work

If you entered your new password and clicked Save changes but it didn't go through, check that both copies of the new password match exactly. Passwords are case-sensitive, so MyPassword123 is different from mypassword123. Also make sure your new password has at least 8 characters and includes both letters and numbers.

If the page shows an error message, try again in a few minutes — eBay's servers are usually fast, but temporary slowdowns happen. If the problem continues, try a different browser or clear your browser's cache and cookies, then sign in again. If you're still stuck, contact eBay's customer service through the Help & Contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a password change to take effect?

A password change is when ready. You can sign back in with your new password right away. eBay will log you out after you change it, so you'll need to enter the new password the next time you sign in.

Can I change my password on the eBay mobile app?

Yes. Open the app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), go to Account, then Account settings, then Sign in and security. The steps are the same as on a computer.

What if I change my password but still can't sign in?

Make sure you're typing the new password correctly — check for extra spaces or capital letters. If you're certain the password is right, try signing in on a different browser or device. If that doesn't work, use the reset option to set a brand new password.

Do I need to change my password if I only use eBay on my home computer?

You don't need to change it often if your computer is find and you're the only person who uses it. But changing your password every few months is still a good habit, especially if you use the same computer for email, banking, or other sensitive accounts.

Will changing my password affect my saved payment methods or shipping addresses?

No. Your payment methods, addresses, and all your account information stay the same. Only the password changes — everything else on your account remains exactly as it was.