PayPal is one of the most used online transaction systems globally, but sometimes problems crop up, and you may find that PayPal isn’t working correctly. If you’re having issues with PayPal, here are some common issues and how to fix them.

Why Is PayPal Not Working?

There are many reasons PayPal might not be working correctly. The site itself could be down, or you may have an unverified account or not enough money in your account. There’s also a chance that you haven’t confirmed your bank account or card. Luckily, there are simple ways to address common issues with PayPal.

One of the best ways to make sure everything works smoothly with your PayPal account is to set it up properly. If you haven’t created an account yet or haven’t verified an existing one, follow our guide on setting up PayPal.

How to Troubleshoot PayPal Issues

Try these troubleshooting steps in order to identify and solve your problem.

  • Check to see if PayPal is down. If you can access other online websites and services, go to the PayPal status page to see if PayPal’s functions are operational or not. Alternatively, use an uptime-checker website such as DownDetector or Down for Everyone orJustMe. They’ll let you know if PayPal has a problem or if the issue is at your end.
  • Confirm your bank. If PayPal is working fine for other people, the problem may be that the service hasn’t verified your bank account, and PayPal can’t yet authorize your transactions. Visit PayPal’s Help Center and follow the steps for confirming your bank account.
  • Confirm your credit card. If you’re using a credit or debit card to make a payment through PayPal, you might need to verify the card before PayPal will accept it. PayPal gives clear instructions on confirming a credit or debit card you’ve linked to your account.
  • Try another payment option. The problem may be with your credit card. Try using an alternative card or bank account in your PayPal account when making the payment. If it goes through, you’ve identified the problem.
  • Use your PayPal balance. If you’re having trouble with card or bank payments, using the money in your PayPal balance instead can sometimes get PayPal working again. If you need to add money to your PayPal account, select Wallet > Add Money and follow the on-screen instructions to transfer money from your bank account to PayPal.
  • Make the transaction from a familiar device. If you have a device or system that has successfully made payments using PayPal before, try that device again. PayPal may think you’re not the account’s original owner because you’re accessing the service from a new device.
  • Use a different web browser. Sometimes specific browsers cause problems for online services. If you’re having trouble with Chrome, try Firefox. Try Safari, Edge, Opera, or another browser if that doesn’t work.
  • Disable your VPN. If you’re using a VPN or a proxy service to hide your identity, try disabling it for this transaction. Your obfuscated location could be throwing PayPal off.
  • Contact PayPal support if nothing else works. There is a wealth of troubleshooting information here, including online chat support and a phone number to call. Be persistent, and you’re sure to sort out your problem.

Check to see if PayPal is down. If you can access other online websites and services, go to the PayPal status page to see if PayPal’s functions are operational or not. Alternatively, use an uptime-checker website such as DownDetector or Down for Everyone orJustMe. They’ll let you know if PayPal has a problem or if the issue is at your end.

Confirm your bank. If PayPal is working fine for other people, the problem may be that the service hasn’t verified your bank account, and PayPal can’t yet authorize your transactions. Visit PayPal’s Help Center and follow the steps for confirming your bank account.

Confirm your credit card. If you’re using a credit or debit card to make a payment through PayPal, you might need to verify the card before PayPal will accept it. PayPal gives clear instructions on confirming a credit or debit card you’ve linked to your account.

Try another payment option. The problem may be with your credit card. Try using an alternative card or bank account in your PayPal account when making the payment. If it goes through, you’ve identified the problem.

Use your PayPal balance. If you’re having trouble with card or bank payments, using the money in your PayPal balance instead can sometimes get PayPal working again. If you need to add money to your PayPal account, select Wallet > Add Money and follow the on-screen instructions to transfer money from your bank account to PayPal.

Make the transaction from a familiar device. If you have a device or system that has successfully made payments using PayPal before, try that device again. PayPal may think you’re not the account’s original owner because you’re accessing the service from a new device.

Use a different web browser. Sometimes specific browsers cause problems for online services. If you’re having trouble with Chrome, try Firefox. Try Safari, Edge, Opera, or another browser if that doesn’t work.

Disable your VPN. If you’re using a VPN or a proxy service to hide your identity, try disabling it for this transaction. Your obfuscated location could be throwing PayPal off.

Contact PayPal support if nothing else works. There is a wealth of troubleshooting information here, including online chat support and a phone number to call. Be persistent, and you’re sure to sort out your problem.

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