How to turn two-step verification on and off

Updated Oct 11, 2024

This article describes a feature available to all users on Dropbox.

Two-step verification (also known as multi-factor authentication, MFA, two factor authentication, or 2FA) is a highly recommended security feature that adds an extra layer of protection to your Dropbox account. Enabling two-step verification means that Dropbox will require a six-digit security code (in addition to your password) when you log in to your account or link a new computer, phone, or tablet.

In order for two-step verification to work correctly, you'll need a mobile device capable of receiving text messages or running a compatible mobile authenticator app.

Already use two-step verification and locked out? Learn how to regain access to your account.

How to turn on two-step verification

Log in to dropbox.com.
Click your avatar (profile picture or initials) in the upper-right corner.
Click Settings.
Click the Security tab.
Toggle Two-step verification to On.
- If you see Managed by single sign-on under the Security tab, your team uses single sign-on (SSO). This means you might not be able to use two-step verification with Dropbox. Contact your admin to learn more.
Click Get started.
Re-enter your password.
Choose if you want to receive your security code by text message or mobile app, and follow the instructions for your choice below.

Note: You can only set up two-step verification on dropbox.com.

If you choose to receive your security codes by text message, you need a phone capable of receiving text messages (carrier rates may apply). A text message containing a security code will be sent to your phone each time you log in to Dropbox.

To receive your code via text message:

Select Use text messages during two-step verification setup.
Enter the phone number where you'd like to receive text messages.
Click Next.
You’ll receive a security code via text message. Enter this code into the prompt on dropbox.com.
Click Next.

Note: As of March 9, 2023, setting up new devices to receive security codes by text message isn't supported for the +92 country code.

If you choose to receive your security codes through an authenticator app, you’ll first need to download one. The authenticator app you choose will need to generate a unique time-sensitive security code. Most authenticator apps can generate security codes even when cellular/data service isn't available, which can be useful when traveling or where coverage is unreliable. Any app that supports the Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP) protocol should work, including:

Google Authenticator (Android/iPhone)
Duo Mobile (Android/iPhone)
Authenticator (Windows Phone 7)

If you use an authenticator app to receive your verification codes, please add primary and secondary backup phone numbers.

To receive your code via mobile app:

Select Use a mobile app during two-step verification setup.
You can either:
- Scan the barcode (If your app supports it): Open your app of choice and choose to add a new account. You may then be able to use your phone's camera to scan the barcode on dropbox.com.
- Manually enter your secret key: You'll be given a secret key on dropbox.com that you can type into the app. Use the steps in your app to add a new account using a secret key.
Click Next.
Once the authenticator app is configured, enter the security code it generates to verify setup and enable two-step verification.
Click Next.

Note: If you use a Unix or Linux shell, you can safely generate a security code from your computer from the command line using the OATH tool.

How to add a backup method for two-step verification

After enabling two-step verification, consider adding a backup phone that can receive text messages as well. If you ever lose your primary phone, or can't use your authenticator app, you can send a security code to your backup phone number instead.

Log in to dropbox.com.
Click your avatar (profile picture or initials) in the upper-right corner.
Click Settings.
Click the Security tab.
Under Two-step verification, click Add next to Backup method.
Enter your password.
Enter the phone number of your backup device.

How to use a backup code for two-step verification

When enabling two-step verification, you'll receive 10 backup codes. Each eight-digit code can be used once to access your Dropbox account in case of emergency.

How to find your backup codes

Log in to dropbox.com.
Click your avatar (profile picture or initials) in the upper-right corner.
Click Settings.
Click the Security tab.
Click Show next to Recovery codes.
Enter your password.
Use or save the code that appears.

How to use a backup code

Log in to dropbox.com.
Click Having trouble getting a code?
Click Enter emergency backup code.
Enter one of your emergency backup codes.
Click Enter.

Notes:

When entering a backup code, be careful to transcribe the code correctly. For example, the number one can look like the letter L, and a zero can look like the letter O.
If you've used your last backup code, you'll be prompted to generate new backup codes.
We also recommend changing your password if you lost your phone.

How to use a security key for two-step verification

You can use a security key for two-step verification, rather than a six-digit security code. A security key is a small USB, Bluetooth, or Near Field Communication (NFC) device that follows one of the open standards:

FIDO Universal 2nd Factor (U2F)
Web Authentication (WebAuthn), also known as FIDO2

Unlike SMS or mobile app verification, a security key doesn’t require a separate battery or network connection. Most importantly, security keys use authenticated communication to defend against phishing attacks.

How to set up a security key for your Dropbox account

Log in to dropbox.com.
Click your avatar (profile picture or initials) in the upper-right corner.
Click Settings.
Click the Security tab.
Under Two-step verification, click Add next to Security keys. If you don't see this section, follow the "How to turn on two-step verification" instructions above before proceeding.
Enter your password.
Insert your security key into a USB port, then click Begin setup.

Where can I use my security key?

Once you have a security key, it can be enabled for both your personal and work Dropbox accounts. It can also be used with other WebAuthn or U2F enabled services, such as Google apps.

Currently, security keys are only supported on select devices and browsers, so you must first set up two-step verification for your Dropbox account and select to receive codes via SMS messages or a mobile app. This step ensures that you have a backup method, in case a device doesn't support your security key.

Dropbox only supports using a security key when logging in to dropbox.com on Chrome or Firefox web browsers. You can’t use a security key to log in to the Dropbox desktop or mobile apps. Don’t worry, you still have the option to use text or mobile app two-step verification on devices and platforms that don’t support U2F or WebAuthn, or if you don't have your security key available.

Note: There are different ways to activate security keys. Your key may require a tap or button press to activate registration. If you're having difficulty completing security key registration, verify that your security key is U2F or WebAuthn capable. You can also refer to the manufacturer instructions specific to your device.

How to turn off two-step verification

You can turn off two-step verification for your Dropbox account at any time. To do so:

Log in to dropbox.com.
Click your avatar (profile picture or initials) in the upper-right corner.
Click Settings.
Click the Security tab.
Toggle Two-step verification to Off.

How to reset a team member’s two-step verification method

You can reset a team member’s two-step verification method. You may need to do this if they change their phone number or mobile device.

To reset a team member’s two-step verification method:

Log in to dropbox.com with your admin credentials.
Click Admin console.
Click Members in the left sidebar.
Click the “…” ellipsis next to the team member who needs their two-step verification method reset.
Select Reset two-step verification.
Click Reset.