To get your PayPal Client ID and Client Secret (for website, app, or API use):
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Step-by-step: Get PayPal Client ID & Secret
1. Log in to PayPal Developer Dashboard
Go to:
Log in using your PayPal Business account
(❗ Personal accounts won’t work for API credentials)
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2. Go to “Apps & Credentials”
Once logged in:
• Click Dashboard (top right)
• Select Apps & Credentials
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3. Choose Environment
At the top, you’ll see two tabs:
• Sandbox (for testing)
• Live (for real payments)
👉 Start with Sandbox for development
👉 Use Live when going production
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4. Create an App
• Click Create App
• App Name: anything (e.g. My Website Payments)
• Merchant account: select your business account
• Click Create App
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5. Copy Your Credentials
Inside the app you’ll see:
• ✅ Client ID
• ✅ Secret
You’ll see two sets:
• Sandbox Client ID / Secret
• Live Client ID / Secret
⚠️ Click “Show” to reveal the Secret
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Where These Are Used
• WordPress (WooCommerce, donation plugins, booking plugins)
• Stripe-like PayPal integrations
• REST API payments
• Subscription & recurring payments
• Mobile apps
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Important Security Notes
• ❌ Never expose the Client Secret publicly
• ✅ Client ID can be used in frontend scripts
• ✅ Client Secret stays server-side only
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If You Don’t See “Apps & Credentials”
Make sure:
• Your PayPal account is Business
• Your account is verified
• You’re logged in to the correct PayPal account