Paypal checkout is still processing this order's payment

Topic summary

Issue: Shopify orders paid via PayPal Express show “still processing,” with no transaction visible in PayPal or marked paid in Shopify—even after weeks.

Root cause (most common): The Shopify store used an email address not associated with the PayPal account, so payments were sent to an unlinked/unverified email and sat unclaimed.

Fix (widely confirmed):

  • In PayPal, add the store’s email address(es) and verify them. Paths noted: Settings > Account settings > Email addresses, or Profile icon > Account settings > Account Owner information > Update Email > Add New.
  • Verify the email via the confirmation message; many saw funds appear instantly. Some needed to set the added email as primary.
  • Ensure the PayPal account/email itself is verified. After linking, refresh Shopify; a “Capture payment” button may appear to complete collection.

Additional notes:

  • If Apple “Hide My Email” was used, PayPal may show an unclaimed payment to a random address; cancel/refund may be required.
  • PayPal may place a 21‑day hold when funds were initially sent to an unassociated email; release occurs automatically absent disputes.

Status: Largely resolved for most after email linking/verification; a few edge cases persist, with support escalation suggested.

Summarized with AI on December 23. AI used: gpt-5.

This email stuff got it to work for me. There is now a “capture payment” button. I checked them both in my order lists and clicked the “capture payments” at the bottom!