Enable Two-Step Verification on Dropbox Account

After companies like Google, Facebook and Paypal, now Dropbox has added the two-factor authentication to their services. Once you enable this opt-in feature for your account, you are asked to provide a six digit security code along with your username and password while signing in on Dropbox website or while linking a new device. You can ask Dropbox to send the security code to you via a text message (like Google and Facebook) or use a mobile authenticator app (like PayPal) that will generate a unique time-sensitive security code.

Steps to enable Dropbox two-step verification:

1. Install the latest experimental build (1.5.12) of the desktop syncing software:

• Windows: http://dl-web.dropbox.com/u/17/Dropbox%201.5.12.exe
• Mac OS X: http://dl-web.dropbox.com/u/17/Dropbox%201.5.12.dmg
• Linux x86_64: http://dl-web.dropbox.com/u/17/dropbox-lnx.x86_64-1.5.12.tar.gz
• Linux x86: http://dl-web.dropbox.com/u/17/dropbox-lnx.x86-1.5.12.tar.gz

Visit the Try Two-Factor authentication page: http://www.dropbox.com/try_twofactor

Now to begin the setup process, find the new “Two-step verification” option under “Account sign in” section and click the “change” link.

Click on Get started in the pop-up, and enter your Dropbox account password.

Next, choose how you’d like to receive your security code: text messages or mobile app.

If you select text messages, you are asked to enter a mobile phone number on the next page. Once you choose a country and enter your phone number, you’ll receive a text message to verify your ownership. Enter the code on the following page to complete the setup.

If you select mobile app, you can use an app like Google Authenticator, Amazon AWS MFA or Authenticator to scan a barcode to enter your secret key into the app. Once done, the app will generate a unique code and guide you in your login process later on.

Finally, you also get an emergency backup code which can be used to disable two-step verification and access your account should you lose your phone. Write it down in a safe place.

That’s it! You’ve successfully enabled two-step authentication process on your Dropbox account.