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

Updated Mar 19, 2025
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The information in this article applies to all Dropbox customers.

To protect your account, Dropbox sends a one-time security code to your email address when you access your account from an unrecognized device or location. This 6-digit code adds an essential layer of protection, ensuring that only you can log in. We’ll also notify you on your linked mobile or desktop device.
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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.

The image shows where to add the one-time code that Dropbox sends you when you access your account from an unrecognized device or location.

If you tried to log in to your Dropbox account and received an email about a one-time security code, use this code to finish logging 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

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If you've entered the correct password, the one-time code will appear in the notification panel of the Dropbox mobile or desktop app, if you have installed the app.

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.

The image shows the one-time code notification on the Dropbox mobile app.

This is what the notification with a one-time security code looks like on the Dropbox mobile app.

The image shows the one-time code notification on the Dropbox desktop app.

This is what the notification with a one-time security code looks like on the Dropbox desktop app.

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:

Check your Dropbox desktop or mobile app and backup phone number 
If you have the Dropbox desktop or mobile app, or a backup phone number, check those for any notifications or codes that may help you regain access to your account.

Use your Dropbox emergency backup code on your Dropbox Desktop or mobile app
If you set an emergency backup code in your security settings, you can use it to access your account. This code is useful if you’ve 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.
The image shows where to enter the emergency backup 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?

If you can't reset your expired password or haven't received a verification code, you can use the account access recovery questionnaire. To skip the verification code, you need to answer as many questions as possible correctly. This keeps your account safe because only you are likely to know the right answers.

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

  1. Click Having trouble getting a code?
  2. 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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