Unable to login to Paypal phone broken

martik777 · 11 Jan 2020

I use an authenticator app on my phone for 2 step verification to login to paypal but my phone is broken so I can no longer get the code. I've tried using the microsoft authenticator app on another device but it's looking for a QR code to scan which I can't access since I can't login to paypal

Paypal tells me they is no way they can turn off the 2 step verification whjich means I cannot ever access my account.

There must be a way around this?

Caledon Ken · 11 Jan 2020

Yes this 2FA is getting really tricky. I realized this shortcoming when I restore phone and found the authenticator apps was as if it was new. Totally useless. I moved to texts but started rethinking that when I heard about SIM swaps.

From your description you didn't setup backup device.

If I can't set a backup I won't turn on 2FA, I just use really complex password, stored in a Password manager that is protected with Security key.

Any chance you set up Security questions and can you get them to tell you how you use these to authenticate.

Ken

clam1952 · 11 Jan 2020

Put the sim card in a new phone?

Pluginz · 11 Jan 2020

I was thinking you could log into your phone networks website with your account and possibly forward any texts to another number?? Not sure if forwarding a text is possible but worth a look. Call forwarding is easy so have a look and see what your phone company can offer you...

martik777 · 11 Jan 2020

Thanks all,

It's not on a network (no sim), I use text-free and wifi.

Tried to restore from backup, no luck

Will try to get the phone charged by bypassing the usb charge port (it was not working)

Caledon Ken · 12 Jan 2020

This is an issue with these authenticator app.

What is need is the developers have to provide a secure way to back up and restore the authenticator data. Likely way easier said then done.

Jacee · 12 Jan 2020

Scroll down this page to PayPal authentication: How to set up two-factor authentication on all your online accounts - The Verge

Caledon Ken · 12 Jan 2020

OP has 2FA setup using an Authenticator app. Phone broke so can't get to Authenticator app.

martik777 · 12 Jan 2020

Took phone apart and was able to charge the 'non removable' battery with a TP4056 chip then logged in paypal and added another phone no and 2 security questions which should allow me access if this happens again.

If I saved an image of the QR code when I set up 2FA wouldn't this enable me to setup an authenticator on another device?

Jacee · 12 Jan 2020

PayPal

On the main Summary page, click the gear icon and find the Security tab. Look for the section called “2-step verification” and click on the Set Up link. You’ll get a choice to have a code texted to you or use an authenticator app. (PayPal also offers to find you an authenticator app if you want one.)

Did you scroll down to PayPal on the page? You need to read what they say.