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Forum Discussion

DanielleHR's avatar
DanielleHR
New member | Level 2
3 years ago

Password reset without access to verification device

We had an individual leave our company and do not have the password or emergency backup code for the account. I expect this was not a business account but don't know how to tell.  I have asked to reset the password on the account and got the reset password link on the departed employee's email account, but I do not have access to the device used for two factor authentication (her cell phone or laptop).   How do I complete the password change without access to the device needed for 2 factor authentication?

  • Mark's avatar
    Mark
    3 years ago

    DanielleHR without access to the security codes there is no way at all to get access to it - ultimately that is the whole point of 2FA (to stop people without access to the device getting access). There may have been work arounds if it was a paid for business account at the time but that wont work now retroactively. 

     

    If it is working as a text message maybe popping the SIM in another device would work?

     

    You are almost certainly going to need to get access another way, or, initiate your backup and security policy to get the files back from central locations. 

  • Rich's avatar
    Rich
    Icon for Super User II rankSuper User II

    DanielleHR wrote:

    How do I complete the password change without access to the device needed for 2 factor authentication?


    If you don't have access to the device to receive the two-step verification code, you'll need the emergency backup codes that were generated when two-step verification was enabled. Without them, it's not possible to gain access to an account that's protected with two-step verification.

     

    • DanielleHR's avatar
      DanielleHR
      New member | Level 2

      Thank you.  Is there an avenue to go through DropBox the company to unlock the account? It is some portion of the HR files for the company and we really do need access to them.  

      • Megan's avatar
        Megan
        Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff

        Hey DanielleHR, welcome to our Community!

         

        Do you have the backup codes by any chance, as Rich mentioned? 

         

        Without access to them, or the device receiving the two-factor authentication code, that wouldn't be possible, I'm afraid. 

         

        I hope this clarifies.