How to use a passkey to log in to your account

Passkeys provide a secure way for you to log in to your account without using a password. They provide an additional level of security against phishing and SIM swap attacks, as well as making the log in process quicker and more convenient.

How to set up a passkey

You might see a prompt to create a passkey right after you log in. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish setting up your passkey.

Once complete, you’ll be able to use your passkey instead of your password for faster, more secure log-ins.

How to add a passkey to your Dropbox account

1. Log in to dropbox.com.
2. Click your avatar (profile picture or initials).
   • Depending on your plan, your avatar may appear in the top-right or bottom-left corner.
3. Click Settings.
4. Click the Security tab.
5. Under Passkeys, click Add passkey.
   • If you already have a passkey, click Manage Passkeys, and then Add new passkey.
6. Enter your Dropbox account password, and click Next.
7. Follow the instructions in your browser to create a passkey.
8. Enter or edit a nickname for your passkey, if you wish.
9. Click Save.

You can now use your passkey to log in to your Dropbox account.

Enabling passkeys as an admin

Team members won’t be able to create new passkeys, or log in with existing passkeys until the admin enables the feature from the admin console.

To turn passkeys on for your team:

1. Log in to dropbox.com with your admin credentials.
2. Click Admin console in the left sidebar.
3. Click Settings.
4. Select the Security tab.
5. Under Authentication, toggle Passkey sign-in to On.

Once enabled, team members can start using passkeys the next time they log in.

Logging in with a passkey

To log in using a passkey:

1. Enter your email address, and click Continue.
2. When prompted, click Use your passkey.
3. Follow the onscreen instructions based on your setup:
   • Same device: Complete the log in process directly on that device.
   • Different device: Scan the QR code shown on your screen using the device that holds your passkey, then follow the instructions to finish logging in.

Passkeys and 2-factor authentication

Choosing to log in with a passkey bypasses any existing 2-factor authentication steps you’ve set up for your account, including team accounts where the admin has set 2-factor authentication as a requirement.

When you use either biometrics or a physical key that requires a pin to access your account through passkeys, this automatically satisfies the requirement for a second factor. This means that passkeys can replace security codes by text message and authenticator app.

If you already use 2-factor authentication, you don’t have to use your passkey every time you log in. You can still choose to verify with your existing 2-factor authentication method, such as SMS or an authenticator app. This can be helpful if you don’t have access to your passkey.

Removing a passkey from your account

To remove a saved passkey from your Dropbox account:

1. Log in to dropbox.com.
2. Click your avatar (profile picture or initials).
   • Depending on your plan, your avatar may appear in the top-right or bottom-left.
3. Click Settings.
4. Click the Security tab.
5. Under Passkeys, click Manage passkeys.
6. Click  (delete) next to the passkey you’d like to remove.
7. Enter your Dropbox account password, and click Next.
8. Click Delete.
9. To fully remove the passkey, delete it from your device’s credential manager as well. Steps may vary depending on your device or browser.