How to enable 2FA for your Dropbox account
Updated August 4, 2026
Two-factor authentication (2FA) protects your Dropbox account even if your password leaks. Follow the steps below to generate Dropbox verification codes with the Authenticator App on your iPhone, iPad or Mac.
Open your account menu and go to Settings
Sign in to dropbox.com in a web browser. Click your account icon (your profile picture or initials) in the top-right corner, then choose Settings from the drop-down menu.
Turn on Two-step verification under Security
Open the Security tab and find the Two-step verification section. Click the toggle to switch it on, then re-enter your password and click Submit when prompted.
Click Get started
Dropbox opens a short setup wizard for two-step verification. Click Get started to continue.
Choose the authenticator app option
When asked how you want to receive your codes, select the mobile authenticator app option (shown as Use a mobile app), then click Next.
View the QR code
Dropbox displays a QR code (along with a secret key) in a pop-up window. Leave this window open on your computer while you reach for your phone.
Scan the QR code with your Authenticator App
Open the Authenticator App on your iPhone, tap the + button at the bottom of the screen, and point your phone at the screen to scan the QR code shown by Dropbox. If you can't scan it, use the manual option and enter the secret key from Dropbox instead.
Save the Dropbox entry in the app
After scanning, the Authenticator App fills in the Dropbox logo, account name, and secret key automatically. Adjust the icon or name if you like, then tap Save to add the account.
Enter the 6-digit verification code
Read the 6-digit code that your Authenticator App now shows for Dropbox and type it into Dropbox, then click Next. The code refreshes every 30 seconds, so enter the current one promptly.
Add a backup phone (optional)
You can add a secondary phone number to receive text-message codes as a backup, or skip this step. Click Next when you're done.
Save your recovery codes
Dropbox generates a set of 10 one-time backup codes. Save them somewhere safe (each works only once if you lose access to your authenticator app), then click Next.
Finish setup
Two-step verification is now enabled on your Dropbox account. From now on, you'll enter a code from your Authenticator App when you sign in.
Backup & recovery
Dropbox generates a set of 10 one-time backup codes. Save them somewhere safe (each works only once if you lose access to your authenticator app), then click Next.
That's it — your Dropbox account is now protected with two-factor authentication. Keep your recovery information safe and follow the service's official documentation if its interface changes.
See all 2FA methods supported by Dropbox →
