Why did I get an email about a one-time security code?

Updated Sep 12, 2024
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The information in this article applies to all Dropbox customers.

If Dropbox detects a suspicious login attempt, we’ll send a one-time 6 digit security code to the email address linked with your Dropbox account. We'll also notify you on your linked mobile or desktop device as an extra layer of security.
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Important: If you receive an email that seems like it’s from Dropbox and you’re unsure if it’s safe, you can check our official domains here.

If you tried to log in to your Dropbox account and received an email about a one-time security code, use the one-time security code to complete your log in. 

What if I didn’t try to log in to my account recently?

If you didn’t recently try to log in to your Dropbox account and received an email about a one-time security code, someone else may be trying to access your account. Follow the instructions below based on the email you received.

An email from Dropbox containing a one-time security code and a link for users to follow to reset their password.
If you received the email above, click I didn't try to sign in, and follow the prompts to reset your password.
​​Alt text: An email from Dropbox containing a one-time security code and a message that the user can ignore this email.
If you received the email above, you don’t need to take any further action.

I didn’t receive an email with the one-time security code

If you didn’t receive a one-time security code, the email may have been sent to a spam folder or held by a spam filter. 
 

Add no-reply@dropbox.com to your contacts or trusted senders and click on Resend Code.

If the one-time security code email isn’t in your spam folder, and you still can’t receive the code, contact Dropbox support.

What should I do if my one-time security code isn’t working?

If your one-time security code isn’t working, the code may be expired. Try to log in to your Dropbox account again to receive a new code. If you still aren’t able to log in to your account, contact Dropbox support.

What should I do if I’ve lost access to my email?

If you’ve lost access to the email you used to register with Dropbox, try the following methods before contacting Dropbox support:
 

Use your Dropbox emergency backup code
 

You may have set an emergency backup code on the security settings page. This code will allow you to access your account if you have lost access to your email.


To use your emergency backup code:

  1. Click Having trouble getting a code? on the window that appears when you try to log in.
  2. Click Enter the emergency backup code.
  3. Enter your code.


To prevent a similar issue occurring again, change the email address associated with your Dropbox account to one you have access to.
 

Learn more about changing the email on your Dropbox account.

 

What should I do if I can’t access my registered email and I don’t have a verification code?

You can use the account access recovery questionnaire if you can't reset your expired password or haven't received a verification code.
 

To access the account access recovery questionnaire without a backup code:

  1. Click Having trouble getting a code?
  2. Click Don’t have a backup code. 
  3. Fill out the self-serve recovery form and click Submit Answers.
     

To access the account access recovery questionnaire with an expired password:

  1. Click I can’t recover my account using this page.
  2. Under “Have you lost access to your email?” click Yes.
  3. Under “Do you have a computer or mobile device linked to Dropbox?” click No. 
  4. Fill out the self-serve recovery form and click Submit Answers.

If you still aren’t able to log in to your account, contact Dropbox support.

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