Security hole via iOS files app?

[agripp36]

I've been playing around with various apps from the Apple app store: e.g. PDF viewers and offline music players. One thing they all seem able to do is access local files via the built in iOS files app. This app is also able to access my Dropbox files, which I did not realize before. I am trying to figure out if there is a way to turn off permission for the Files app to access my Dropbox? I don't remember ever explicitly granting permission for this. While it is very convenient, my Dropbox contains every last scrap of information in my life / business and this effectively means that any app on my phone can access anything on my Dropbox without me knowing. Any help?

[Jay · Accepted solution]

Hi @agripp36, thanks for posting today!

You can disable the Dropbox location in the iOS Files app, however, it can be easily re-enabled in the same method.

You could add a passcode to the Dropbox mobile app itself, as this disables the Files app integration due to the security measure. 

Bear in mind that you won't be able to access your Dropbox account directly via any app that uses the Files app, such as Mail. Other apps that use the Dropbox API instead will still be able to access your account. You can see these apps and disable their access from here.

If you need any further assistance, please let me know!

[agripp36]

Just went and disabled the Dropbox location like you said. Thanks!

[Jay]

No worries, glad to hear it helps, @agripp36.

Enjoy the rest of your week!