Complete PayPal Documentation

This comprehensive document covers how to set up your personal PayPal.Me link for easy payments and details the developer resources for testing (Sandbox) and launching (Live) your PayPal integration.

PayPal.Me: Getting Paid Easily #

PayPal.Me is a simple, customizable link that allows anyone to send you money instantly without needing your email address or phone number.

How to Create Your PayPal.Me Link #

Visit the Setup Page: Go directly to PayPal.Me.

Log In or Sign Up: Access your existing PayPal account or create a new one (Personal or Business).

Choose Your Link: Select a unique, memorable username (e.g., paypal.me/YourName).

• ⚠️ Important: Once you choose and create your PayPal.Me link, it cannot be changed or deleted. Choose carefully!

Customize: You can add a profile picture and customize the page’s color scheme so friends or customers can easily recognize you.

Share: Share your link via chat, email, social media, or even on a business card to start receiving payments.

PayPal Developer Environments (Sandbox & Live) #

For developers integrating PayPal payments into a website or app, PayPal provides two distinct environments: Sandbox (for testing) and Live (for real transactions/production).

The PayPal Sandbox (Testing) #

The Sandbox is a shielded, virtual environment that perfectly simulates the live PayPal production system. You use it to test your payment flows without using real money.

Setting up Your Sandbox #

Access the Developer Dashboard: Log in or sign up at the PayPal Developer Website.

Create Sandbox Accounts:

• 1. Navigate to Testing Tools > Sandbox Accounts.

1. 1. PayPal automatically creates a Personal (Buyer) and a Business (Seller/Facilitator) account for you. You can create more as needed.
   2. Use the system-generated emails and passwords for these mock accounts to log in to sandbox.paypal.com and test transactions.

Get Sandbox API Credentials:

• Go to Apps & Credentials and ensure the toggle is set to Sandbox.
• Click Create App (REST API App). Give it a name and link it to your Sandbox Business Account.
• This generates your Sandbox Client ID and Sandbox Secret Key. Use these to authenticate your API calls against the Sandbox API endpoint.

Going Live (Production) #

Once you’re confident that your integration is working flawlessly in the Sandbox, you need to “go live” by switching to the production environment.

Requirements #

• You must have a full PayPal Business Account (not a Personal Account).
• Your application and use case must adhere to the PayPal Application Policies and Guidelines.

Steps to Upgrade Your PayPal Account #

This process is generally quick and can be completed in minutes, although verification might take longer.

Log In to Your Account: Log in to your existing PayPal Personal account on the PayPal website.

Access Settings: Click the Settings icon (usually a gear icon) in the top-right corner of your dashboard.

Start the Upgrade: In the Account Options section or under your name, find and click the link or button that says: “Upgrade to a Business Account.”

Choose Conversion Method: PayPal will typically offer two choices:

• Option 1 (Recommended): Use the same email address, which will fully convert your Personal account into a Business account. (This closes the Personal account and moves the balance).
• Option 2: Use a different email address to create a new Business Account while keeping your Personal Account separate.
• Choose the first option if you intend to use the account solely for business.

Enter Business Details: You will be prompted to provide the following information:

• • Legal Entity Name/Business Name: Use your own name if you are a Sole Proprietorship/Individual seller.
  • Business Type: Select your type of business (e.g., Individual, Corporation, Non-profit).
  • Product/Service Category: Describe the goods or services you sell.
  • Estimated Monthly Sales Volume.
  • Business Address and Phone Number.

Finalize and Confirm: Review all the information and click Agree and Upgrade Account.

Getting Live Credentials #

1. Create a Live App:
   • In the Developer Dashboard, navigate to Apps & Credentials.
   • Crucially, switch the toggle from Sandbox to Live.
   • Click Create App and associate it with your live PayPal Business Account.
2. Obtain Credentials:
   • You will receive your Live Client ID and Live Secret Key. Treat these as highly sensitive data.