How-To

How To Enable Dropbox Two Step Verification

two factor authentication

Adding two step verificatio to Dropbox adds an important extra layer of security to your account and data. Here’s how to set it up today.

Ensuring your data stored in the cloud-based file storage and sharing services like Dropbox is vital. Passwords alone are simply not enough. Luckily, you can add a second layer of authentication to your account by enabling two-step verification (2SV).

Whether it’s 2fa or 2SV, you will want to enable it on your online accounts to secure your online life. So, in this guide, we’ll show you how to enable 2SV on Dropbox to ensure your files remain private and secure.

How to Enable Two Step Verification on Dropbox

Enabling two step verification on Dropbox is straightforward using the following steps.

  1. Launch a browser on your computer and sign into your Dropbox account.
  2. Click your profile icon in the top right corner and select Settings from the menu.dropbox settings menu
  3. Under the Personal account section click the Security tab.security tab dropbox security settings
  4. Scroll down the page and toggle on the Two-step verification switch.two-step verification switch in dropbox
  5. Tap the Get started button when the Enable two-step verification message appears.enable two-step verification message
  6. Type in your Dropbox password to continue.
  7. Once you enter the password, select how you want to get your security codes. You can choose to get them via text or use an authenticator app like Google or Microsoft Authenticator – tap Next.choose two-step verification option text or mobile app
  8. If you choose an authenticator app, you’ll need to scan the QR Code on the screen or enter your phone number for text message authentication.use authenticator to verify dropbox
  9. Whichever method you choose, you will need to enter the authentication code to complete the process and click Next.enter second factor
  10. Once it’s set up, it’s recommended to write down or print out the backup security codes and store them in a secure location. They are one-time backup codes you can use if you don’t have access to your phone.backup codes
  11. Once you complete the steps, a verification message will appear letting you know 2SV is enabled and you’ll need to enter the second factor when signing into Dropbox. Click Next.verification message 2SV dropbox

Change Your Preferred 2SV Method for Dropbox

If you want to change your preferred 2SV method, you can use the following steps. For example, you may want to change it from text codes to an authenticator app like Authy or vice versa.

  1. Sign into your Dropbox account and open Settings.dropbox-settings- menu
  2. Scroll down to the Two-step verification section and click the Edit button next to Preferred method.perferred method edit button
  3. Type your Dropbox password and click Next.
  4. Choose the 2SV method you want to use and follow the onscreen instructions to set it up.set text or mobile authenticator method

Securing Your Dropbox Data with Two Step Verification

You have a lot of important and valuable files and folders in your Dropbox account. You will want to add the second factor of authentication to sign in and access it.

7 Comments

7 Comments

  1. joehonl

    August 28, 2012 at 6:41 pm

    I’m one of those who does not have a smartphone and use my cellphone simply as a phone.
    No Two Factor Authentication for me then?

    • Steve Krause

      September 3, 2012 at 12:18 am

      Hmm… Probably time for an upgrade. :)

  2. Tim Jasper

    September 2, 2012 at 11:34 pm

    About time Dropbox. joehonl…get a smartphone

    • Steve Krause

      September 3, 2012 at 12:17 am

      Agreed. That update is long overdue. There’s really no excuse anymore for online services.

  3. Gillian

    April 15, 2021 at 1:54 pm

    What happens if you have shared some folders in Dropbox? Do the people accessing need 2FA also?

    • Brian Burgess

      April 15, 2021 at 2:10 pm

      No. If you share a document with someone they don’t need 2FA enabled to access the file.

  4. Gillian

    April 15, 2021 at 4:34 pm

    That’s good news. I could see all sorts of complications arising!

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