How to add and manage a recovery email on your Dropbox account

What is a recovery email?

A recovery email is a backup email address you add to your Dropbox account. It’s only used to help you access and secure your account.

You can use a recovery email to:

• Reset your password
• Receive one-time passcodes (OTPs) when you log in from an unrecognized device

Your recovery email is different from your primary email address. You use your primary email to log in to your Dropbox account and receive account-related emails.

How to add a recovery email on dropbox.com

You can add a recovery email in your account settings.

1. Log in to dropbox.com.
2. Click your avatar (profile picture or initials).
3. Click Settings.
4. Click the Security tab.
5. Next to Recovery email address, click Add a recovery email.
6. Enter your Dropbox password and click Submit.
7. Enter the email address you want to use and click Next. 
8. Enter the 6-digit code sent to that email address to verify it.

Once verified, you can use your recovery email to reset your password and receive security codes.

How to change or remove your recovery email

You can update or remove your recovery email in your account settings.

Change your recovery email

1. Log in to dropbox.com.
2. Click your avatar (profile picture or initials).
3. Click Settings.
4. Click the Security tab.
5. Next to Recovery email address, click Manage recovery email.
6. Click Update next to your current recovery email.
7. Enter your Dropbox password and click Submit.
8. Enter the new email address and click Next. 
9. Enter the 6-digit code sent to that email address to verify it.

Remove a recovery email

1. Log in to dropbox.com.
2. Click your avatar (profile picture or initials).
3. Click Settings.
4. Click the Security tab.
5. Under Recovery email address, click Manage recovery email.
6. Enter your Dropbox password and click Submit.
7. Click Remove.
8. Click Finish.

Using your recovery email to access your account

A recovery email can help you regain access to your account:

• If you lose access to your primary email address, you can use your recovery email to regain access.
• If you forgot your password, use the Forgot your password page to reset it. The reset link is sent to the email address you enter.
• If you know your password but can’t access your email to receive the OTP,  the code will be sent to both your primary and recovery emails.

Once you regain access, update your primary email address as soon as possible.

How your recovery email works with your primary email

Your primary email address is your main account identifier. Changing it doesn’t update your recovery email automatically.

If you update your primary email, review your recovery email to make sure it’s correct and accessible.

Tips for choosing a recovery email

• Use an email address you expect to keep long term.
• Avoid work or school email addresses you may lose access to.
• Make sure the inbox is secure and that you check it regularly.

If you don’t receive the verification email

• Check your spam or junk folder.
• Confirm that you entered the email address correctly.
• Wait a few minutes, then request a new verification email.

If you still don’t receive it, try using a different email address.