Two-step verification adds an extra layer of protection to your Dropbox account by requiring both your password and another security code sent to your mobile phone whenever you or anyone tries to sign in.
Dropbox is a popular file hosting service that lets you easily access your team’s work from your computer, mobile device or web browser. If you use Dropbox, it’s worth taking extra steps to secure your account. In this article, we show you how to do that using two-step verification.
What You Need to Set Up Two-Step Verification for Your Dropbox Account
To enable two-step verification for your Dropbox account, you’ll need:
- A Dropbox account
- A phone with an active network to receive codes by SMS
- An authenticator app
How to Enable Two-Step Verification for Your Dropbox Account
There are two ways to set up two-step verification in Dropbox: SMS and an authenticator app. We’ll go over both methods in this article. At the end of it, you’ll be able to enable two-step verification in Dropbox using either SMS or an authenticator app.
How to Enable Two-Step Verification in Dropbox via SMS
Here’s how to enable two-step verification in Dropbox using SMS.
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Sign in to your Dropbox account on your desktop or mobile browser, click on your profile, and then Settings.
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On your Personal account page, click the Security tab.
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Now, go down to the Two-step verification section and click the toggle button to turn on two-step verification.
- Review the information in the dialog box and click the Get started button when done. You can click Learn more if you want to know more about how two-step verification works in Dropbox.
- For your own security, Dropbox will require you to input your account password in order to continue with the two-step verification setup. Enter your password and click Next.
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When asked how would you like to receive your security codes, select Use text messages and click Next.
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On the next page, select your country code from the dropdown, enter your mobile phone number and click Next. Dropbox will send a security code to this number whenever you sign in or link a new device.
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To verify your phone number, Dropbox will immediately send a 6-digit security code to the phone number you registered above. Enter the code in the space provided and click Next to continue.
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You’ll be prompted to register a backup phone number in case you lose access to your primary phone number. Although this step is optional, we highly recommended it. Enter a backup phone number in the space provided and click Next.
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Dropbox will provide you with ten 8-character security codes. These codes will also be sent to your phone. You can use them to sign in to your account if you lose access to your phone. Copy and keep them in a safe place, then click Next.
- Review the information in the dialog box on the next page and click Next when done.
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You’ll be redirected to your Personal account page. Your two-step verification status is now set to On. From this page, you can also run a security checkup, edit your primary and backup phone numbers, add a security key, and revoke all linked devices.
From now on, whenever you sign in to your Dropbox account or link a new device, you’ll be required to enter a security code from your phone.
How to Enable Two-Step Verification in Dropbox via Authenticator App
Here’s how to enable two-step verification in Dropbox using an authenticator app.
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Sign in to your Dropbox account on your desktop or mobile browser, click on your profile, and then Settings.
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Click the Security tab on your Personal account page.
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Now, go down to the Two-step verification section and turn on the two-step verification toggle button.
- Review the information in the dialog box and click Get started when done. You can click Learn more if you want to know more about how two-step verification works in Dropbox.
- For your own security, Dropbox will require you to input your account password in order to continue with the two-step verification setup. Enter your password and click Next.
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When asked how would you like to receive your security codes, select Use a mobile app and click Next.
- You’ll need an authenticator app to scan the QR code on your screen. Dropbox supports Google Authenticator, Duo Mobile, and Microsoft Authenticator among others.
- Open your authenticator app on your mobile phone and tap the plus button.
- Tap Scan a QR Code and point your phone’s camera at the QR code on your desktop screen.
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After scanning the QR code, click Next on your desktop. You can also tap Enter a setup key on the app and click enter your secret key manually on your desktop.
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Enter the 6-digit code generated by your authenticator app into the space provided on your desktop and click Next.
- Enter a backup phone number and click Next. This is also optional, but highly recommended in case you lose access to your phone.
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Copy out your recovery codes and keep them in a safe place in case you lose access to your authenticator app, then click Next.
- Review the information in the dialog box on the next page, and click Next to finalize the setup. You’ll receive email notifications informing you that you have successfully implemented two-step verification.
Don’t Let Your Guard Down With Your Dropbox Account
Your Dropbox account integrates with other essential tools you use for work, collaboration, meetings, and more. By protecting your Dropbox account with two-step verification, you’re stopping your files being viewed by anyone else.
Of all the methods of enabling two-step verification, using a security key is perhaps the safest option. Although it is not listed as an option, you can add a security key after setting up two-step verification by SMS or an authenticator app.