We’re Still Here to Help (Even Over the Holidays!) - find out more here.
Forum Discussion
Locked out of a couple of accounts and have no access to the email addresses
I have been trying to regain access to two account that are in a family plan. The email accounts associated with those two accounts no longer exist. So we have no way of getting a two-factor code ...
Hannah
Dropbox Community Moderator
Dropbox Community ModeratorThanks for taking the time to post your issue and feedback to our Community, azalea4va.
Let me start by saying that I understand that the process of regaining access to an account can be difficult and frustrating, but keep in mind that this involves the security of an account, which is of the utmost importance for us.
That said, I believe that in this case, you're referring to the one-time security code, not two-factor authentication.
Are there perhaps any devices still linked to those accounts? Any connected devices will also get the security code as a notification.
Let me know.
Thank you for that. Hopefully we are just dealing with a mis-communication due to terminology. Yes I was asking to verify a 6 digit code that was being sent to the account's email. That is a form of 2FA but if in dropbox world, that is called one-time security code, I now know to call it that from now on.
Those accounts have not been used in years. So I certainly hope there are no devices connected to them, talk about a security vulnerability. As a general rule, our security protocols are to logoff at the end of every session (and set browser to clear cookies automatically). So other devices is not a likely solution.
In this particular case, I hope some other solution can be found. Please.- Rich
Super User II
That is a form of 2FA but if in dropbox world, that is called one-time security code, I now know to call it that from now on.
There are two different security measures; two-step verification (or 2FA) and one-time security codes. These are two separate security features within Dropbox.
Two-step verification is a feature that a person can enable on their account for higher security when signing in. When enabled, you also receive a set of emergency backup codes that can be used if you no longer have access to your verification device (usually a phone).
One-time security codes are separate from two-step verification and are requested when Dropbox detects a suspicious login attempt. You would typically be asked for a one-time code when signing in on a new device or from a location that Dropbox doesn't recognize. If you don't have access to the email address associated with the account, Support might be able to help you regain access to the account.
So I certainly hope there are no devices connected to them ... In this particular case, I hope some other solution can be found.
Visit the Support page while you're NOT signed in to a Dropbox account, including these forums, and you'll see an option for sign in issues. It's best to use an Incognito or Private browsing session to make sure you're not signed in.
Make sure you select the option that says Forgot or can't access sign in email. Enter a working email address in Account email and enter the actual account email that you're trying to access in the Description field.
