How to enable two-step verification (2FA) for Dropbox

How to enable two-step verification (2FA) for Dropbox

Aries Ikel picture by Aries Ikel·Updated 01 Oct 2024·8 minutes to read

1

Download Authenticator App

  • Before we start, download Dropbox Authenticator App.

    iOS Apple App Badge

2

Locate 2FA Settings

  • When logged into your Dropbox account, click on your account icon at the top right of the screen. Then, from the drop-down menu click on Settings.

    Step-by-step guide for accessing Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) settings in the Dropbox web interface. Step 1: A green arrow points to the user profile icon in the top-right corner of the screen. Step 2: A red arrow highlights the ‘Settings’ option in the dropdown menu that appears when the profile icon is clicked
3

Security

  • Under the Security section click the toggle switch to turn on Two-step verification.

    Step-by-step guide for enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) in Dropbox. The left side highlights the ‘Security’ tab in the settings menu, marked with a red arrow. The right side shows the ‘Two-step verification’ section, with a green circle indicating the option is currently ‘Off,’ and a red arrow pointing to the toggle switch to enable 2FA.
4

Get started

  • Click on Get started.

    A pop-up window in Dropbox prompting users to enable Two-Step Verification (2FA). The message explains that 2FA adds an extra layer of protection to the account and requires entering both the password and a security code sent to the user’s mobile phone. A red arrow points to the blue ‘Get started’ button, indicating the next step in the setup process.
5

Enable two-step verification

  • Select Use a mobile app and press on Next.

    A pop-up window in Dropbox asking users how they would like to receive their security codes for Two-Step Verification (2FA). Two options are presented: ‘Use text messages’ and ‘Use a mobile app,’ with the mobile app option selected. An arrow points to the blue ‘Next’ button, indicating the next step to proceed with enabling 2FA.
6

QR Code

  • A pop-up window will appear for you to scan the QR Code with Authenticator App. Keep this window open as you reach for your phone.
    Note: Do not scan the demo image shown below.

    A Dropbox pop-up window displaying a QR code for enabling two-step verification. Instructions are provided to either scan the barcode with an authenticator app or enter a secret key manually. An arrow points to the blue ‘Next’ button to proceed with the setup.
7

Capture QR Code

  • Open Authenticator App and at the bottom of the screen, tap the plus button add Item and hold your device up to the computer screen to scan the QR code. If you are unable to scan the QR code, you can import the QR code in Authenticator from Files, tap the plus sign in Authenticator and choose Files and follow the instructions.

    Two mobile screens: the left screen shows an Authenticator app with a list of accounts including Twitter, Binance, and Instagram. An arrow points to the plus (+) button at the bottom right for adding a new account. The right screen displays the ‘Scan QR Code’ page with a QR code labeled ‘demo’ and options for manual entry or scanning the code.
8

Two-Factor Authentication Code (2FA)

  • After successfully scanning the QR Code, Authenticator App will automatically choose the Dropbox logo and autofill account name and secret key. If you want you can change the icon or the account name. Press on Save when ready.

    Mobile screen displaying the ‘Edit Account’ page of an Authenticator app. The service is set to Dropbox, with fields for the account and a hidden key. Options for backup codes, widgets, and Apple Watch integration are shown. An arrow points to the ‘Save’ button at the top right of the screen.
9

Verify Your Code

  • Copy the numerical code provided from Authenticator App and confirm it on the Dropbox website and then click Next. Note that this code refreshes every 30 seconds.

    Two images shown side by side: on the left, the Authenticator app screen displays a generated six-digit code (942 974) for the Dropbox account. On the right, the Dropbox two-step verification setup screen asks for the security code. An arrow points to the code input field, and another arrow points to the ‘Next’ button for continuing the setup.
10

Backup Phone Number (Optional)

  • You can use a phone number for the backup option, or you can skip this action. When done, press on Next.

    Dropbox two-step verification setup screen asking for an optional backup phone number. A dropdown menu is set to ‘Andorra +376,’ and a partial phone number ‘312 345’ is entered. An arrow points to the ‘Next’ button at the bottom to proceed with the setup.
11

Save your Backup Codes!

  • Your Dropbox account is now protected with an extra layer of security. You can copy the backup codes into Authenticator or save them in the photo gallery, no matter where you gonna save them, the most important is to store the backup codes in a safe place. Press on Next when ready.

    Dropbox two-step verification screen displaying a list of six one-off backup codes that can be used to access the account in case the authenticator app is unavailable. The codes are partially blurred. An arrow points to the ‘Next’ button at the bottom to proceed with the setup.
12

Done!

  • You have successfully enabled two-step verification for your Dropbox account, from now on, you will need to use the Authenticator App when you log in.

    Dropbox two-step verification completion screen informing the user that from now on, when signing in to Dropbox or linking a new device, a security code will be required. An arrow points to the ‘Next’ button at the bottom to finalize the setup.

You're all set! You've enabled Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for your Dropbox account. To learn more, visit the Dropbox support page. Stay safe!

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