Here are some of our most frequently asked questions. If you have a question that isn't covered by the FAQ's please create a new topic here.
I can't link my personal and business Dropbox accounts
If you're trying to connect two Dropbox accounts - such as a personal and a business account - but keep getting an error, these steps can help you link them successfully.
Quick Resolution | - Sign into one account via the Dropbox desktop app.
- Under Preferences → Account, click Add team account.
- If you encounter errors, log out & back in.
- If desktop fails, do the link via dropbox.com using “Link your personal/team account” in settings.
|
|---|
Common Causes | - Desktop app bug or corrupted cache.
- Browser/auto-fill issues during web linking.
|
Possible Fixes | - Fully uninstall & reinstall the Dropbox desktop app, then re-add accounts.
- Clear cache & cookies or change browsers for web linking.
- Make sure each Dropbox account uses a unique email address.
|
Learn More | Link multiple Dropbox accounts (personal + business). |
I want to stop third-party AI tools from accessing my Dropbox files
If you're concerned that AI tools or other third-party apps can access your Dropbox files, you can review & remove any connected apps you no longer want to have access.
Quick Resolution | - Go to dropbox.com → Settings → Third-party apps.
- Review the list of connected apps/services.
- For any AI tool or service you want to disconnect, click Remove.
- Revoke access if prompted.
|
|---|
Common Causes | - You previously linked an AI integration (e.g., with Microsoft Copilot or other bots).
- Dropbox may prompt new integrations during app setup.
|
Possible Fixes | - Revoke access to all unrecognized or untrusted third-party apps.
- Check your account frequently & remove any new unwanted permissions.
|
Learn More | Manage connected apps and third-party permissions. |
I want to sync specific files instead of entire folders
If you only want certain Dropbox files to sync to your computer, it's important to know that Selective Sync works at the folder level. Here are the best ways to manage individual files instead.
Quick Resolution | - Open the Dropbox desktop app preferences & go to Sync.
- To manage individual file sync: mark files “Online‑only” or “Local.”
|
|---|
Common Causes | - Selective Sync only works at folder level.
- Individual file control requires Smart Sync feature.
|
Possible Fixes | - Reorganize files into specific folders & then selectively sync those folders.
- Right-click individual files/folders and choose “Online-only.”
|
Learn More | Use Selective Sync to control which folders sync. |
I get a "This email is already taken" error when changing my Dropbox email address
If Dropbox says your new email address is already in use, it usually means that email is already linked to another Dropbox account. These steps can help you identify the account & update your email successfully.
Quick Resolution | - Make sure you’re not trying to use an alternate email that’s already on another Dropbox account.
- Log into dropbox.com with that email to check if it’s already registered.
- If it is, unlink or change it on the other account first.
- Then retry changing your email on your main account.
|
|---|
Common Causes | - The new email is already linked to a different Dropbox account (perhaps one forgotten or older).
- Someone else has already registered the same email with Dropbox.
|
Possible Fixes | - Recover access to that account via “Forgot password?”, then remove the email.
- Choose a truly unused email address.
|
Learn More | Changing your primary email address (covers conflicts and recovery) |
