Setting and Preferences FAQs

Here are some of our most frequently asked questions. If you have a question that isn't covered by the FAQ's please create a new topic here.

Can’t link/pair two Dropbox accounts

I'm trying to add a second Dropbox account (e.g., personal and business) but receive an error.

Quick Guide

Sign into one account via the Dropbox desktop app.
Under Preferences → Account, click Add team account.
If you encounter errors, log out and back in.
If desktop fails, do the link via dropbox.com using “Link your personal/team account” in settings.

Common Causes

Desktop app bug or corrupted cache.
Browser/auto-fill issues during web linking.

Possible Fixes

Fully uninstall and reinstall the Dropbox desktop app, then re-add accounts.
Clear cache/cookies or switch browsers for web linking.
Make sure each Dropbox account uses a unique email address.

Official Help Center References

Link multiple Dropbox accounts (personal + business).

I'm trying to add a second Dropbox account (e.g., personal and business) but receive an error. Quick Guide Sign into one account via the Dropbox desktop app. Under Preferences → Account, click Add team account. If you encounter errors, log out and back in. If desktop fails, do the link via dropbox.com using “Link your personal/team account” in settings. Common Causes Desktop app bug or corrupted cache. Browser/auto-fill issues during web linking. Possible Fixes Fully uninstall and reinstall the Dropbox desktop app, then re-add accounts. Clear cache/cookies or switch browsers for web linking. Make sure each Dropbox account uses a unique email address. Official Help Center References Link multiple Dropbox accounts (personal + business).

Disabling third-party AI sharing of Dropbox data

I'm concerned my Dropbox content is being shared with AI tools or third-party services.

Quick Guide

Go to dropbox.com → Settings → Third-party apps.
Review the list of connected apps/services.
For any AI tool or service you don’t trust, click Remove.
Revoke access if prompted.

Common Causes

You previously linked an AI integration (e.g., with Microsoft Copilot or other bots).
Dropbox may prompt new integrations during app setup.

Possible Fixes

Revoke access to all unrecognized or untrusted third-party apps.
Check your account frequently, and remove any new unwanted permissions.

Official Help Center References

Manage connected apps and third-party permissions.

I'm concerned my Dropbox content is being shared with AI tools or third-party services. Quick Guide Go to dropbox.com → Settings → Third-party apps. Review the list of connected apps/services. For any AI tool or service you don’t trust, click Remove. Revoke access if prompted. Common Causes You previously linked an AI integration (e.g., with Microsoft Copilot or other bots). Dropbox may prompt new integrations during app setup. Possible Fixes Revoke access to all unrecognized or untrusted third-party apps. Check your account frequently, and remove any new unwanted permissions. Official Help Center References Manage connected apps and third-party permissions.

Selective sync of individual documents on Dropbox

I want to select specific files instead of entire folders for sync.

Quick Guide

Open the Dropbox desktop app preferences and go to Sync.
To manage individual file sync: mark files “Online‑only” or “Local.”

Common Causes

Selective Sync only works at folder level.
Individual file control requires Smart Sync feature.

Possible Fixes

Reorganize files into specific folders and then selectively sync those folders.
Right-click individual files/folders and choose “Online-only.”

Official Help Center References

Use Selective Sync to control which folders sync.

I want to select specific files instead of entire folders for sync. Quick Guide Open the Dropbox desktop app preferences and go to Sync. To manage individual file sync: mark files “Online‑only” or “Local.” Common Causes Selective Sync only works at folder level. Individual file control requires Smart Sync feature. Possible Fixes Reorganize files into specific folders and then selectively sync those folders. Right-click individual files/folders and choose “Online-only.” Official Help Center References Use Selective Sync to control which folders sync.

"This email is already taken" when changing email on Dropbox Account

I tried to change my account email, but get an error stating the new address is already in use.

Quick Guide

Make sure you’re not trying to use an alternate email that’s already on another Dropbox account.
Log into dropbox.com with that email to check if it’s already registered.
If it is, unlink or change it on the other account first.
Then retry changing your email on your main account.

Common Causes

The new email is already linked to a different Dropbox account (perhaps one forgotten or older).
Someone else has already registered the same email with Dropbox.

Possible Fixes

Recover access to that account via “Forgot password?”, then remove the email.
Choose a truly unused email address.

Official Help Center References

Changing your primary email address (covers conflicts and recovery).

I tried to change my account email, but get an error stating the new address is already in use. Quick Guide Make sure you’re not trying to use an alternate email that’s already on another Dropbox account. Log into dropbox.com with that email to check if it’s already registered. If it is, unlink or change it on the other account first. Then retry changing your email on your main account. Common Causes The new email is already linked to a different Dropbox account (perhaps one forgotten or older). Someone else has already registered the same email with Dropbox. Possible Fixes Recover access to that account via “Forgot password?”, then remove the email. Choose a truly unused email address. Official Help Center References Changing your primary email address (covers conflicts and recovery).