I deleted my autheniticator app by mistake. Now i am unable to log into my paypal account because i dont have the code from the authenticator. I tried to retrieve from backup but it did not work

Simbarashe Makuni 0 Reputation points
2026-01-04T12:49:49.8766667+00:00

please help I accidentally deleted my Authenticator app from my phone. Problem is that account was linked my PayPal account,now I'm unable to log in to my account PayPal account. I have tried to reinstall the app and do restore from back up but it is not working. How best can I proceed?


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Microsoft Security | Microsoft Authenticator

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  1. AI answer

    2026-01-04T12:50:00.03+00:00

    If you have accidentally deleted your authenticator app and are unable to log into your PayPal account, you will need to take the following steps:

    1. Contact PayPal Support: Since you cannot access your account due to the missing MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) code, the best course of action is to reach out to PayPal's customer support. They can assist you in recovering your account.
    2. Account Recovery Options: PayPal may have alternative recovery options, such as sending a verification code to your registered email or phone number. Make sure you have access to these recovery methods.
    3. Reinstalling the App: While you mentioned that reinstalling the app and restoring from backup did not work, ensure that you are using the correct backup method. Some authenticator apps allow you to back up your accounts to a cloud service or export them before deletion. If you have such a backup, try restoring it again.
    4. Permanent Installation of MFA App: For future reference, it's important to keep your MFA app installed on your device as long as you need to access accounts that require it. Deleting the app can lead to issues like the one you are currently facing.
    5. Request MFA Reset: If you have deleted the authenticator app and cannot recover the codes, you may need to request a reset of MFA for your PayPal account from their support team.

    Taking these steps should help you regain access to your PayPal account.


    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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