Change your password while signed in

Open eBay, sign in to your account, and go to Account in the top right corner. Click Account settings, then select Password from the left menu. Click Change password, enter your current password, type your new password twice, and click Save changes. The new password takes effect when ready.

Your new password must be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. eBay will not accept a password that matches your username or any password you have used in the past 12 months. If you forget what you just entered, write it down or use your browser's password manager to store it.

If you are changing your password because you think someone else has accessed your account, change it right away, then check your recent activity. Go to Account settings and look for Recent activity or Sign in and security to see where and when your account was accessed. If you see logins from places you do not recognize, you may also want to change the email address tied to your account.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your password from Account settings by clicking Password, then Change password, and entering your current password followed by your new one twice.
  • eBay passwords must be at least 12 characters and contain uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • Your new password cannot match your username or any password you used in the past 12 months.
  • If you suspect unauthorized access, check your recent activity in Account settings and consider changing your registered email address as well.

What to do if you cannot sign in

If you have forgotten your password and cannot sign in, you cannot use the method above. Instead, go to the eBay sign-in page and click Forgot your password? below the password field. eBay will ask for your username or the email address on your account, then send you a link to reset your password. Check your email inbox and spam folder for the message from eBay — the link usually arrives within a few minutes.

Click the link in the email and you will be taken to a page where you can create a new password. You do not need to enter your old password here because you have already proven you own the email address. Once you set your new password, sign in with it right away to make sure it works.

Passwords that eBay will reject

eBay has specific rules about what makes a valid password. Your password cannot contain your username, your first name, your last name, or your email address — even if you add numbers or symbols to them. It also cannot match any password you have used on your eBay account in the past 12 months, so if you have been hacked before and changed your password multiple times, eBay may reject several options before you find one that works.

If eBay tells you your password is not strong enough, add more characters, use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, include numbers in the middle rather than at the end, and use symbols like exclamation marks or dollar signs. A password like BlueSky$2024!Tree will pass, but Password123 will not.

How to use a password manager to remember it

If you create a long, complicated password and then forget it, you have wasted the security it provides. A password manager is a program that stores your passwords in an encrypted vault so you only have to remember one master password. Most web browsers — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge — have built-in password managers that will offer to save your eBay password when you sign in.

When you change your password on eBay, your browser will ask if you want to update the saved password. Click yes. The next time you visit eBay, your browser will fill in your username and password automatically. If you use multiple devices, consider a standalone password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, which syncs across your phone, tablet, and computer.

Signing out of other devices after a password change

When you change your eBay password, you stay signed in on the device you used to make the change. Other devices — your phone, tablet, or another computer — will remain signed in until their sessions expire or until you manually sign out. If you changed your password because you think your account was hacked, you should sign out everywhere and then sign back in with your new password.

Go to Account settings, then Sign in and security, and look for Active sessions or Where you are signed in. You will see a list of devices and locations. Click Sign out next to any device you do not recognize or do not currently use. Then sign back in on your own devices with your new password.

Two-factor authentication adds a second layer

Changing your password protects your account if someone has guessed it or stolen it from another website. Two-factor authentication protects you even if someone has your password, because they also need access to your phone or email. eBay offers two-factor authentication through an authenticator app, text message, or email.

To turn it on, go to Account settings, find Sign in and security, and look for Two-factor authentication or 2FA. Choose whether you want to receive codes by text, email, or through an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator. When you sign in from a new device, eBay will ask for the code, which only you can access. This is especially useful if you sell on eBay, because your account is a target for thieves.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for my new password to work?

Your new password works when ready after you click Save changes. If you are still signed in on the same device, you will not be asked to sign in again until your session expires or you manually sign out. On other devices, you will be asked for your new password the next time you try to access your account.

Can I change my password on the eBay app instead of the website?

Yes. Open the eBay app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), go to Account, tap Account settings, select Password, and follow the same steps. The process is identical to the website version.

What if I change my password and then when ready forget it?

Go to the sign-in page and click Forgot your password. eBay will send a reset link to your email address. You do not need to remember your old password to reset it — you only need access to the email account tied to your eBay account.

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

No. Your password is separate from your payment information and addresses. Changing your password does not delete or modify anything else on your account.

Do I need to change my password if I change my email address?

No, but it is a good idea. If someone has access to your old email address, they could use the password reset feature to take over your account. Changing both your email and your password closes that door.