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Dropbox adds same device to list of accounts

Dropbox adds same device to list of accounts

Richard123
New member | Level 2

I have free account with a three-device limit.  Dropbox is counting one of my devices more than once.  For example my list of devices shows:
linux-nab9
linux-nab9

iPad

 

Just today booting up my Linux device, Dropbox reports that I already have three devices and need to drop one if I want to add this device (linux-nab9).  I click to drop a device and from the list I drop one instance of linux-nab9.

1 Accepted Solution

Accepted Solutions

Здравко
Legendary | Level 20

@Richard123 wrote:

...  Dropbox is counting one of my devices more than once. ...


Hi @Richard123,

The statement that Dropbox is counting devices is wrong - it's a fake statement (don't ask me why Dropbox staff make such statements and don't expect meaningful explanation from them too). Dropbox counts the connections/links established to your account from any devices and report them as "devices" 🤦 (again, don't ask me why). If for some reason you have lost connection and (without proper account unlink in advance - Preferences -> Account -> Unlink This Dropbox...) connect anew your device, Dropbox has no any idea that it's the same device. The old link (one or more) is still valid (since never properly destroyed) and the new link appear as new "device" as you have already noticed. Everywhere a device appears in such a situation, read it as a link (between device and account). :winking_face: I hope this will prevent similar confusions in future.

You have done what's needed. To avoid multiple appearances of the same "device", unlink your device (in Preferences) when plane to reinstall Dropbox application or do something else that can break the established link unintentionally. Dropbox is no so intelligent to know when you stopped using particular link without notify either with Unlink button or "devices" group in security tab of your account (as well as deleting particular link on try to link anew as you have done).

Good luck.

View solution in original post

2 Replies 2

Здравко
Legendary | Level 20

@Richard123 wrote:

...  Dropbox is counting one of my devices more than once. ...


Hi @Richard123,

The statement that Dropbox is counting devices is wrong - it's a fake statement (don't ask me why Dropbox staff make such statements and don't expect meaningful explanation from them too). Dropbox counts the connections/links established to your account from any devices and report them as "devices" 🤦 (again, don't ask me why). If for some reason you have lost connection and (without proper account unlink in advance - Preferences -> Account -> Unlink This Dropbox...) connect anew your device, Dropbox has no any idea that it's the same device. The old link (one or more) is still valid (since never properly destroyed) and the new link appear as new "device" as you have already noticed. Everywhere a device appears in such a situation, read it as a link (between device and account). :winking_face: I hope this will prevent similar confusions in future.

You have done what's needed. To avoid multiple appearances of the same "device", unlink your device (in Preferences) when plane to reinstall Dropbox application or do something else that can break the established link unintentionally. Dropbox is no so intelligent to know when you stopped using particular link without notify either with Unlink button or "devices" group in security tab of your account (as well as deleting particular link on try to link anew as you have done).

Good luck.

Richard123
New member | Level 2

Thanks...I understand now....

Regards,

Richard

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    Здравко Legendary | Level 20
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