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Amy's avatar
Amy
Icon for Community Manager rankCommunity Manager
6 years ago

Dropbox “connect a computer” feature explained

What is Dropbox connect a computer?

One of the easiest ways to get set up on Dropbox on your computer, is to use the aptly named ‘Connect a computer’ feature. Using this feature, you can use your mobile device to connect your computer, by simply following a QR code.  
 

When and how to use Dropbox connect a computer?

You can use this feature when you want to connect a new computer to your Dropbox account, and have a signed in mobile device nearby. 
 
To get started, you can;
  1. Open the Dropbox app on your mobile device.
  2. Tap the icon of a person at the bottom right.
  3. (On iOS, if you connected a work and personal account, tap Personal.)
  4. Tap connect a computer.
  5. The app will ask if you're near the computer—if you are, tap Yes.
  6. Open a web browser on your computer, and navigate to dropbox.com/connect.
    • You should see a QR code shaped like the Dropbox logo
  7. Use the Dropbox mobile app to scan this QR code.
    • The app will tell your computer's browser to begin downloading the Dropbox installer
  8. Install the app.
 
If you're not able to scan the QR code, you can instead complete the install directly on your computer.
 
Don’t forget, if you have a question, you can always ask the Dropbox Community or check out the Tips and Tricks section too. 
 
Are there any other refreshers you would like to see? 
Tips and Tricks

3 Replies

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  • KimmyRaaRaa's avatar
    KimmyRaaRaa
    New member | Level 2
    6 years ago

    Is there a way to connect to a computer and be selective about which files get automatically synced? Connecting my computer rinses my Dropbox space!! (Also i share the computer with my husband and syncing his files drives him mad) xxx 

  • myan's avatar
    myan
    New member | Level 2
    3 years ago

    Can I just connect my dropbox account to another computer but not downloading the app? I just want to use it for a short while on the computer so it is not necessary for me to download the app. 

  • Jay's avatar
    Jay
    Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
    3 years ago

    Hi myan, could you clarify how it would connect to another computer with the app installed? Where would the app sign into?

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