Reset your eBay password through the login page

If you cannot remember your eBay password, go to eBay.com and click "Sign in" at the top right. On the sign-in page, click the "Forgot password?" link below the password field. Enter the email address or username associated with your account, then click "Continue."

eBay will send a password reset link to your registered email address. Check your inbox (and spam folder) for an email from eBay with the subject line "Reset your eBay password" or similar. The link inside that email is valid for 24 hours. Click it, create a new password, and you will be signed back in.

Your new password must be at least 8 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers. eBay will not accept a password that matches any of your previous five passwords.

Key Takeaways

  • Click "Forgot password?" on the eBay sign-in page and enter your email address or username to start a reset.
  • eBay sends a reset link to your registered email address that works for 24 hours only.
  • Your new password must be at least 8 characters and contain uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers.
  • If you do not receive the reset email within a few minutes, check your spam folder or contact eBay if your email address has changed.
  • Two-factor authentication will require you to verify your identity with a code sent to your phone or email before you can reset your password.

What to do if you do not receive the reset email

If the reset email does not arrive within five minutes, check your spam, junk, or promotions folder. Email providers sometimes filter eBay messages by mistake. If you find it there, mark it as "not spam" so future eBay emails reach your inbox.

If the email is not in any folder, the email address on your eBay account may be outdated or incorrect. Go to eBay.com, click "Account" at the top, then "Personal information," and check what email is listed. If it is wrong, you will need to verify your identity another way to change it. Contact eBay Customer Service through the "Help & Contact" page and explain that you cannot access your registered email address.

Two-factor authentication and password resets

If you turned on two-factor authentication for your eBay account, the reset process includes an extra step. After you click the reset link in your email, eBay will ask you to verify your identity by entering a code. This code is sent to your phone (via text or authenticator app) or to a backup email address you set up.

Enter the code when prompted, then create your new password. This extra layer protects your account from someone who has access to your email but not your phone or backup contact method.

Creating a strong password you will not forget

A strong eBay password is hard for others to guess but memorable enough that you do not lose it again. Avoid using your name, birthdate, or common words. Instead, combine unrelated words with numbers — for example, "Purple7Bicycle4" or "Coffee9Mountain2."

Write your new password down in a physical notebook kept in a safe place, or use a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or Dashlane. Password managers store your passwords encrypted and fill them in automatically when you sign in. They also generate random strong passwords for you if you want one that is harder to guess.

Signing in after you reset your password

Once you have created your new password, you will be signed into eBay when ready. You can now browse, bid, and buy as usual. Your new password works on the eBay website, the eBay mobile app, and any other eBay service you use.

If you are signing in on a shared computer, do not check the "Keep me signed in" box. This option stores your login information on that device, which is a security risk if other people use the computer. On your own device, you can safely use this option to avoid typing your password every time.

What to do if you cannot reset your password

If you have tried the password reset steps and still cannot sign in, your account may have been compromised or locked for security reasons. eBay sometimes locks accounts if it detects unusual activity, like sign-in attempts from a new location or device.

Contact eBay Customer Service through the "Help & Contact" page on eBay.com. Click "Account & login," then "Sign in & password," then "I can't sign in." Select "I forgot my password" or "My account has been locked," depending on your situation. eBay will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions or confirming recent purchases. Once verified, they can unlock your account or send you a new reset link.

Preventing future lockouts

Keep your registered email address current. If you change email providers or phone numbers, update your eBay account information so password resets reach you. Go to "Account" > "Personal information" and update your email address or phone number.

Save your password in a place you can access if you forget it. A password manager is the safest option because it encrypts your passwords and backs them up across your devices. If you prefer not to use a password manager, write your password on paper and store it in a locked drawer or safe at home — never in a document on your computer or phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the password reset link stay active?

The reset link in the email eBay sends you is valid for 24 hours. If you do not click it within 24 hours, the link expires and you will need to request a new one by going through the "Forgot password?" process again.

Can I reset my eBay password on the mobile app?

Yes. Open the eBay app, tap "Sign in," then tap "Forgot password?" Enter your email address or username, and eBay will send a reset link to your email. The process is the same as on the website.

What if someone else has access to my eBay account?

Reset your password when ready using the steps above. Then go to "Account" > "Personal information" and check that your email address and phone number are correct. Review your recent purchases and account activity for anything you did not authorize. If you see unauthorized purchases, contact eBay Customer Service to report the fraud.

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

No. Changing your email address in your account settings does not require a password reset. However, your new email address becomes the one eBay uses to send you password reset links, so make sure you have access to it before you change it.

Can eBay tell me what my old password was?

No. eBay does not store your password in a way that lets them read it back to you. They only store an encrypted version. If you forget your password, resetting it is the only option — there is no way to recover the old one.