PayPal Security Challenge Not Working? 5 Solutions

Do you have difficulties with PayPal’s security challenge? PayPal has several security features to protect your account. However, things can go wrong, leaving you locked out. If you are stuck, the article below helps you regain control of your account.

I have been using PayPal for years for my business. Eventually, I had enough of not being able to access my account. This is why I researched this list of solutions for the most common problems.

🪧 Should you sign up through my affiliate links, I may receive a commission at no cost to you.

How Does PayPal’s Security Work?

PayPal holds the money of 429 million customers. Its popularity makes PayPal a target for hackers and scammers. Hence, account security is important, even if it is annoying.

To protect your account, PayPal uses CAPTCHA technology and two-factor authentication. While this offers robust protection, sometimes things can go wrong.

What Is CAPTCHA?

CAPTCHA stands for:

• Completely
• Automated
• Public
• Turing Test to Tell
• Computers and
• Humans
• Apart

It describes the response challenge you must complete to log into your account. Most commonly, you must enter a sequence of letters or numbers shown to you in an image.

You may also have to click on images containing a specific item. Humans can complete the challenge, but computers cannot. Thus, bots are unable to log into your account.

What Is Two-factor Authentication?

Two-factor authentication, often called 2FA, is another security mechanism. Two-factor authentication verifies your identity through at least two different means.

Typically, you use a password to log into your account. Two-factor authentication adds another layer. You may receive a passcode to your phone or email or use an authenticator app. When you create a new account, you can set up two-factor authentication in your settings.

Below, you can find solutions for common issues with PayPal’s security prompt.

Fix: Security Challenge Stuck in a Loop

One of PayPal’s most common problems is the security challenge getting stuck in a loop. When you complete the CAPTCHA, a new one shows up.

The result is an unending cycle of confirming that you are not a robot. You don’t get an error message with this problem, but you can’t log in either.

There are three possible solutions for the security challenge loop:

1. Wait
2. Use the PayPal app
3. Log in via a merchant
4. Disable your ad blocker

Luckily, the security challenge loop is not endless. If you try long enough, it should go away on its own. You can also download PayPal’s mobile app to get into your account. The mobile app does not appear to have this issue.

You can also log into your PayPal account through your merchant when you make a purchase. Select PayPal as your payment method and complete the steps. You can then pay with PayPal. This won’t get you into your account, but at least you can use your money.

If you use an ad blocker, disable it. Ad blockers can cause issues with security challenges.

Fix: PayPal Loading Forever (Infinite Loading Spinner)

Some users do not even get to the security challenge. You may navigate to PayPal and see the loading spinner forever. Waiting is annoying, but luckily, this problem is easy to solve. You can try a few different approaches:

1. Check your internet connection
2. Switch browsers
3. Clear your cache

Google Chrome is the most common culprit. Switching to Firefox or Edge should help.

Fix: Unable to Solve PayPal Security Prompt (CAPTCHA)

You may also get stuck on PayPal’s security prompt. PayPal may not recognise you correctly completing the security challenge. This prompts an error message: “Please check the CAPTCHA code and try again.”

There are several solutions:

1. Refresh the CAPTCHA
2. Clear your browsing history and restart your browser
3. Reset your IP address
4. Contact PayPal

If you cannot solve the CAPTCHA, click the circle icon to generate a new CAPTCHA. Perhaps the first image was unclear, and you have more luck on the second try.

If you’re still stuck, clear your browsing history, close your browser and reopen it. Then, try again. If you still have a problem, reset your IP address. You can do so by restarting your browser.

The last solution is to contact PayPal and ask for help. The easiest way is to use the live chat, but you can also call PayPal.

Fix: Security Code Not Accepted

If you use two-factor authentication, PayPal may not accept your code. Even if you typed in the correct numbers, you may see an error message: “There seems to be an issue with the code you’ve entered. Please try again.”

If PayPal does not accept your security code (OTP), request a new one. The first code may have timed out, or you may have incorrectly copied the numbers.

Requesting a new code should solve these issues. Clear your browsing history and restart your browser if you can’t access your account. Using the PayPal app may also help.

Fix: PayPal Not Sending Security Code

When you try to log into your account, PayPal may send you a security code (OTP) to your phone. Some users never receive this code and cannot log into their accounts.

If PayPal doesn’t send your security code, the problem is most likely your phone. Turning it off and back on should solve this problem. You may need to wait a while until your phone has completely restarted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Turn off PayPal’s Security Challenge?

No, you cannot turn off PayPal’s security challenge. PayPal does not offer this option. This is because the security challenge is important to keep your account safe. It is better to go through the inconvenience of fixing login issues than having money stolen.

Why Is PayPal Giving Me a Security Challenge?

PayPal is giving you a security challenge to keep your account safe. The different challenges fulfil different purposes. The CAPTCHA is to prevent bots from trying to access your site and guess your password. Two-factor authentication is to prevent other humans from getting into your account.

Are There Alternatives to PayPal?

If you have issues with PayPal’s security prompt, it may be time to seek an alternative. PayPal is one of the most popular online payment platforms, but it is not the only one. In particular, you can try:

• Monzo. Monzo is a UK mobile bank that offers low currency conversion fees and is quick to make payments. You can read more in my Monzo review.
• Payoneer. Payoneer is an electronic money institution similar to PayPal. There have been doubts about its safety, and you can read more about Payoneer’s security.

Monzo currently offers new users £5 for creating an account. Click the button below to sign up.

How to Fix PayPal Security Challenge Not Working Summary

PayPal has multiple security measures in place to protect your account. Sometimes, these backfire, and users cannot log in. The most common login issue on PayPal is getting stuck at the security prompt.

Above, you can find several solutions, including what to do when:

• The security challenge got stuck in a loop
• You are unable to solve the security prompt
• The security code is not accepted
• PayPal is not sending the security code

Read next whether it is safe to send bank details via email.

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