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title: PayPal not working? Try these easy fixes

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Why “PayPal Not Working” Happens and How to Fix It**
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**Why Your PayPal Isn’t Working: Common Causes**

If you’re seeing messages like *“Payment failed”*, *“Feature unavailable”* or your app is simply not responding, you're not alone — many users experience the “PayPal not working” problem. According to Android Authority, the issue often stems from one (or more) of these causes: server outages, account verification / limits, bank or card issues, device or app errors. 

Here are the typical root-causes:

* **Server or service outage** — Even a trusted platform like PayPal can suffer downtime. When its backend systems are down, your transactions may hang or fail. 
* **Unverified/limited account** — If your account is new or unverified, PayPal may limit key features (sending money, linking banks/cards) until you complete verification. 
* **Bank/card problems** — Your linked funding source might be expired, blocked, or incompatible. A failed card or bank account often stops PayPal working. 
* **Device / app glitches** — Using an outdated app, mis-configured device, or foreign VPN can disrupt PayPal’s ability to verify your identity or connection. 
* **Region / limit restrictions** — PayPal’s functionality varies by country. If you exceed thresholds (transaction limits) or your account region doesn’t match, things may stop working. 

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## **Step-by-Step: How to Fix “PayPal Not Working”**

Here is a structured set of steps to resolve issues when PayPal isn’t working. Try in order — many problems are fixed with just the first few.

### **1. Check PayPal’s Service Status**

Before diving into your settings, confirm that PayPal’s services are up. Visit their status page or use sites like Downdetector to check for outages. 
If there’s a system-wide outage, only time can restore service — you’ll just need to wait.

### **2. Make Sure Your Account is Verified & Not Limited**

* Log in and check your account’s verification status — have you linked and confirmed a bank account or card? 
* Visit the *Resolution Center* in your account settings to see if any limitations or alerts exist.
* If limitations are present, follow the instructions to lift them (uploads of ID, proof of address, etc.).

### **3. Review Your Payment Methods (Bank/Card)**

* In your wallet section, check your linked card or bank account for expiration, validity, or blocking by your bank. 
* Try a different payment method if available — sometimes one source is the issue.

### **4. Device/Browser Checks & Clear Cache**

* If you’re using the app: update to the latest version. 
* If you’re on a browser: clear cache, cookies, and try a different browser.
* Log out and log back in. Sometimes just forcing a fresh login clears weird glitches. 
* If you use a VPN: turn it off. PayPal’s security may block transactions from a masked or foreign IP. 

### **5. Use a Recognised Device / Network**

If you recently changed devices, networks, or locations, PayPal’s security system could flag the login and restrict transactions. Try logging in from a device you’ve used before. 

### **6. Check Your Region & Account Limits**

* Verify your account country matches your actual location and funding source. Mismatches can cause failures.
* For large transactions, check whether you’ve hit your transaction limits (which vary by country and account type). 

### **7. Last Resort: Contact PayPal Support**

If you’ve gone through all the above and still face issues, it may be something deeper (fraud flags, account holds, internal system issues). Reach out to PayPal’s *Help Center*. 

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## **Key Takeaways**

* The phrase **“PayPal not working”** can cover many issues — from simple app bugs to funding source problems or account blocks.
* Start by eliminating the obvious: server status, device/app updates, and payment method.
* Verification of account and funding sources is often where the root cause lies.
* Keep your app and system updated, avoid VPNs for financial apps, and ensure correct region settings.
* When all else fails, PayPal support is your friend — and keep documentation ready.

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## **Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)**

**Q1: Why is PayPal showing “Payment failed” even though I have funds?**
A1: It could be due to your bank/card being expired or blocked, your account hitting a limit, or PayPal flagging the transaction for security. Check your funding source, account verification status, and try again.

**Q2: My PayPal app crashes constantly — what do I do?**
A2: Update the app, clear its cache/data, ensure your device OS is up-to-date, and if you used VPN recently switch it off. On Android this has been a recurring issue. 

**Q3: Can I use PayPal if I’m traveling abroad?**
A3: Yes — but be cautious. If your funding source or IP country doesn’t match your PayPal account region that might trigger security holds. It’s better to notify PayPal or avoid major transactions while abroad.

**Q4: Does clearing cache/cookies really help when PayPal isn’t working?**
A4: Yes — it can remove corrupted local files or old login sessions that interfere with fresh authentication. Particularly effective for browser access. 

**Q5: I see “Your account is limited” – what can I do?**
A5: Go to PayPal’s *Resolution Center*, look for required actions (upload ID, proof of address, confirm bank/card) and complete them. Once cleared, most functions restore.

**Q6: I’m using a VPN — does it interfere with PayPal?**
A6: Yes. PayPal’s security flags logins from unfamiliar locations or masked IPs. Disable the VPN and try again from your usual network. 

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### ✅ Conclusion

Dealing with the “PayPal not working” message can be stressful — especially when you need to pay someone or receive funds urgently. But the good news is that **most of the time**, the issue is fixable by following the steps above: confirming service status, verifying your account and payment methods, updating the app, and checking your device/network. If you still face trouble, reach out to PayPal support and keep your documentation ready.

Need help with a **specific error message** you're seeing from PayPal (e.g., code “12345”, or “Transaction cannot be processed”)? I can help dig into that too.


