Dropbox Passwords is a desktop app, mobile app, and browser extension by Dropbox. This article explains how to download, install, and connect your devices to Dropbox Passwords. Learn about how to use Dropbox Passwords to save your accounts, including usernames and passwords. Download the Dropbox Passwords desktop and mobile apps. Download Dropbox for Mac to easily share big files. You need only to copy and paste an invite link and send it to anyone who you want to get access to your files, even if this person doesn't have a Dropbox account. With Dropbox on Mac, you can scan documents and convert receipts, documents, whiteboards, and notes into a PDF format. Dropbox Desktop Apps Download and Install the App. On a Mac computer, your USC Dropbox folder will now be accessible from: The Dropbox icon at the top of your screen.
Want to work on files from the cloud on any device?
Even though you can access Dropbox from a web browser, you may wish to download and install the file-sharing service on your personal computer or phone. There are tons of scenarios where this could come in handy.
Perhaps, you want to take photos on your iPhone at a conference and share them with your colleagues. Or maybe you get a headstart on your day’s work at home and then wish to continue the task when you get into the office.
These things are possible as Dropbox is available on multiple operating systems meaning you can sync and share files on multiple devices.
So, here’s your guide for installing Dropbox on any device.
Why Install Dropbox on Your Device
As we’ve touched upon, by installing Dropbox on your devices, you get to access files easily and from anywhere. But, why else might you want to install Dropbox instead of just using the web version?
Backup Your Devices
Accidents happen. It would be catastrophic if you lost your laptop with all of your important work documents on it. But, with Dropbox, you don’t have to worry about losing your files.
Just drag and drop the important stuff into your Dropbox folder and you’ll be able to recover your files anytime.
Moreover, if you lose a device or it gets stolen, you don’t need to fret about somebody else accessing sensitive information. Dropbox allows you to wipe files from any device remotely.
Dropbox also makes backing up your media files super simple. When you have the app you can set it to automatically sync any new photos or videos you take.
Save Space
Those with a paid account can benefit from Dropbox’s Smart Sync feature. You can create and work on a file on your desktop but set it to online-only. This means that the file is saved in the cloud rather than on your device, freeing up storage space.
Furthermore, you can set Smart Sync to automate. If you don’t access a file on your laptop for a few months it will automatically become online-only. This will save you space and time.
Work Offline
Sometimes your Internet connection can be slow or patchy. Other times, you may not have access to a Wi-Fi connection at all. Say, you’re traveling or on the go, for example. But, this doesn’t need to affect your ability to access or work on your files.
With Dropbox, you can also set files to Available Offline. This means that you can edit or work on a file offline and it will sync any changes when you have access to the Internet again.
Additional Features
You may be wondering why you’d want to download Dropbox when many devices come with their own cloud systems, e.g. iCloud. Well, the fact is, different cloud providers offer different capabilities.
For instance, iCloud is associated with one user while entire teams or your whole family can access Dropbox files and folders. In fact, Dropbox comes with many advanced features for sharing and collaboration. Thus, you may need a cloud service that does more than the basic offering on your device.
All in all, there are numerous benefits to installing Dropbox on your desktop or via the app. Here’s how to do it step-by-step on any device or operating system:
How to Install Dropbox on Windows
You can use Dropbox on Windows 10 via the desktop app and organize your files in the Dropbox folder in Windows File Explorer. Dropbox is also available for Windows phones and tablets.
Step 1: Download the desktop installer
Visit the Dropbox site and download the desktop installer.
The installer will appear in your Downloads folder as DropboxInstaller.exe.
Step 2: Install Dropbox
For security reasons, Windows will check if you want to download this app. Click Yes and installation will begin.
Step 3: Open up Dropbox
The Dropbox symbol will now appear in your taskbar at the bottom-right of the screen. Click to open.
If you want to store Dropbox files in a different folder or hard drive, click Advanced Settings and change Dropbox’s location in the drop-down menu.
Here you can also select whether you want to sync all Dropbox files to the computer you’re using or select individual files/folders to sync.
When you’re done with the advanced settings, click Open My Dropbox Folder.
You now have a Dropbox folder on your desktop.
Step 4: Sync your files
Sync files to the cloud by dragging and dropping them into the Dropbox folder.
When you right-click files in your Dropbox folder, you’ll now see Dropbox commands, such as “Sharing”.
How to Install Dropbox on Mac
The Dropbox desktop app is also available on macOS. You’ll be able to sync your files and photos in the Dropbox folder in macOS Finder.
Step 1: Download the installer
Download the desktop installer from the Dropbox website. You’ll find it in your Downloads folder under DropboxInstaller.dmg.
Step 2: Start the installation process
Double-click the Dropbox logo. When you open the file you’ll see a notice saying that this is an app downloaded from the Internet. Click Open to start installing.
When installation is complete, there’ll be a Dropbox icon in your menu bar.
Plus, you can access the app in the sidebar and via the /Applications folder.
Step 3: Open Dropbox
Sign in and click Open My Dropbox Folder. Enter your Dropbox account password and you’re ready to begin.
Read the “Getting Started” guide for more info.
Step 4: Sync files
Place files in the Dropbox folder to add them to your cloud storage. A blue circular arrow shows next to each file while syncing.
When syncing is complete a green checkmark will appear next to the file.
How to Install Dropbox on Chromebook
The desktop version of Dropbox doesn’t yet support Chromebook. But, you can install Dropbox on Chromebook in the same way you would an Android app from the Google Play Store. See the “How to Install Dropbox on Android” section below.
But, there is a way to integrate Dropbox as you would on any other desktop using a third-party extension. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
Step 1: Add the File System for Dropbox extension
Find the File System for Dropbox extension on the Chrome Web Store and click Add to Chrome.
A confirmation notification will appear, select Add App. Open the program via the web store or the successful download notification on your Chromebook.
Step 2: Set up File System for Dropbox
In the window that appears, click Mount your Dropbox.
Then sign in to Dropbox to link your account. It will ask for access to your Dropbox folders, click Allow.
You’ll now see a Dropbox folder within your files.
Step 3: Sync files from Chromebook
As with the other desktops, simply drag and drop your files or folders into the Dropbox folder to sync them to the cloud.
How to Install Dropbox on iPhone
To use Dropbox on your iPhone, you’ll need the mobile app. Note that you can use this same process to install and set up Dropbox on iPad, too.
Step 1: Download the Dropbox app
Find the Dropbox app on the App Store, tap Get and then Install.
Tap the app to launch and sign in to your Dropbox account.
Step 2: Camera Upload
If you want to, you can back up videos and photos taken on your iPhone to your Dropbox account automatically. But, if you have a free account with less storage (2 GB), you may not wish to use this feature.
To enable automatic uploads, go to Account, then Camera Uploads and toggle to On.
Step 3: Find your files
Once installed, you will find your Dropbox files in your iPhone’s File app under Locations.
Or head to the app and tap the Files tab at the bottom of the screen.
To share a file, tap the three dots underneath your file and select Share.
Step 4: Sync files
If you want to upload files from your iPhone to Dropbox, go to the Files tab.
Tap Create or Upload File from the menu at the bottom of the screen. Select Upload File then tap Browse.
Choose the file you want to upload from your phone and where you want to store it within Dropbox.
How to Install Dropbox on Android
You can get Dropbox on any Android mobile device or tablet. It’s also worth noting, that a very similar version to the Android app is available on Kindle Fire.
Step 1: Download the app
Find the Dropbox app on the Google Play Store and tap Install.
Tap Open on the Play Store or find Dropbox among your apps and sign in.
Step 2: Back up your photos
You may not wish to back up your media files if you have an account with limited storage (a free account).
But, if you want to automatically back up your photos and videos, tap the Photos tab and then Turn on Camera Uploads.
When the confirmation notification pops up, tap Allow. The app will begin to sync the existing photos from your phone and automatically back them up going forward.
Step 3: Sync files
Go to the Files tab and tap the plus icon on the bottom-right of the screen.
Tap Create or Upload file then select the program you want to upload files from e.g. Paper, the Microsoft suite or from your phone under Upload Files.
Simply tap the file you wish to upload and it’ll sync in seconds.
Step 4: Copy files
![Dropbox installer mac Dropbox installer mac](/uploads/1/2/6/4/126498264/113312409.gif)
If you wish to copy files from your Dropbox account to your phone, tap the three dots at the side of the file and a menu will appear.
Tap Share and enter the recipient’s contact details to share a file or Export if you wish to download the file to your phone.
How to Manage Dropbox Devices
Now you know how to install Dropbox on any device. But, what do you do if you want to remove a device from your Dropbox account?
Dropbox Basic has a three device limit. So, if you get a new device or simply want to switch the devices on which you use Dropbox, you’ll need to unlink devices from your Dropbox account.
Go to Settings then click the Security tab. You’ll see a list of the devices connected to your account under Devices.
Simply click the trash icon to unlink a device.
Dropbox Business and Pro users can use Dropbox on an unlimited number of devices. Nevertheless, if you’re using Dropbox Business, you may wish to limit the number of devices employees can connect for security reasons. Team admins can set up device approvals to do this.
Go to the Admin Console and Select Settings then Device Approvals. Here you can place a limit on the number of connected computers or devices.
If a device is lost or stolen, you’ll need to wipe the Dropbox folder from said device remotely. To do this for a personal device check the box where it says “Delete files from [Dropbox account name] the next time this computer comes online” when you unlink the device.
To wipe a team member’s device remotely go to Admin Console then Members. Select the name of the team member the device belongs to. Then, under Devices, click the X to unlink the device and again check the box to “Delete files from [Dropbox account name] the next time this computer comes online”.
Final Word
Installing Dropbox on your device or multiple devices is a convenient way to access your files. You can work offline or even on the train to the office if you want to.
The process of installing and setting up Dropbox on a desktop or mobile device is very simple. And it adds peace of mind to know that you can manage devices easily if you’re using Dropbox for your company.
Connect more devices to Dropbox Passwords
You can connect any number of devices to your Dropbox Passwords account. To connect a new device, download the app on your new device and sign in. Dropbox Passwords will send notifications to all devices you’ve already connected to Dropbox Passwords to confirm the new device you’re trying to connect.
- If you don’t receive a notification automatically on your connected devices, open the Dropbox Passwords app. You’ll be prompted to confirm the new device.
- If you don’t have a connected device, Dropbox Passwords will prompt you to enter your recovery words that you received during set up, in their original order. Learn more about recovery words below.
Install the Dropbox Passwords browser extension
The Dropbox Passwords browser extension suggests strong passwords for your accounts, saves your accounts, and autofills usernames and passwords. It’s available for Firefox, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Safari.
Note: You must have the Dropbox Passwords app downloaded and open on your computer to use the Dropbox Passwords browser extension.
To install the browser extension:
- Open the Dropbox Passwords desktop app.
- Click your avatar (profile picture or initials).
- Click Preferences.
- Click the Setup tab.
- Click Install extension.
- Click the browser name you’d like to install the extension on.
Your browser will open and prompt you to install the extension.
Turn on autofill in the mobile app
You can turn on autofill in the Dropbox Passwords mobile app to autofill your account usernames and passwords in websites and apps. To do so:
- Open the Dropbox Passwords mobile app.
- Tap the gear icon.
- Tap Turn on autofill.
- Tap Go to Settings (Android) or follow the instructions (iPhone/iPad).
Lock, auto-lock, and unlock the app
On your computer and mobile device, you can set the Dropbox Passwords app to auto-lock. On your computer, you can also manually lock it at any time.
Install Dropbox Application Free Download
To turn on auto-lock on your computer:
- Open the Dropbox Passwords desktop app.
- Click your avatar (profile picture or initials).
- Click Preferences.
- Click the Security tab.
- Under Auto-lock, click Set PIN.
- On Mac computers, you can also check Use Touch ID to unlock app.
- Enter a PIN.
- Enter it again to confirm.
- Click Set PIN.
- Click OK to confirm that auto-lock is turned on.
The app will auto-lock after 30 minutes of inactivity or any time the computer is locked.
To lock the app manually, click your avatar (profile picture or initials) and click Lock.
In the mobile app, Dropbox Passwords uses your device’s current, default security feature to unlock your device. Depending on your device and your settings, that could be a PIN, a passcode, facial recognition, fingerprint ID, or other numeric or biometric security features.
To turn on auto-lock in the mobile app:
- Open the Dropbox Passwords mobile app.
- Tap the gear icon.
- Toggle on Unlock with [security feature] (iPhone/iPad) or Use auto-lock (Android).
The app will auto-lock after 5 minutes of inactivity or any time the device is locked.
Why you should save your recovery words
When you set up Dropbox Passwords for the first time, you’ll be prompted to save a set of 12 recovery words. If you don’t save your recovery words, you could lose access to your account.
To add an extra layer of security, Dropbox Passwords uses devices you’ve already connected to confirm new devices you want to connect. If you don’t have access to any previously-connected device, Dropbox Passwords will ask for your recovery words, in their original order. If you don’t have them, you can’t sign in to any new devices and you’ll lose access to your Dropbox Passwords account.
Dropbox Installer Mac
View or save your recovery words
You can view or save your recovery words any time from a connected device. (Not just during your initial sign in).
To view or save your recovery words in the Dropbox Passwords desktop app:
- Open the Dropbox Passwords desktop app.
- Click your avatar (profile picture or initials).
- Click Preferences.
- Click the Security tab.
- Click View recovery words to view them or Save PDF to save them.
If you upgrade or downgrade your Dropbox account
If you upgrade or downgrade your account between Plus, Professional, and Family (the Dropbox plans that offer Dropbox Passwords), you keep access to your Dropbox Passwords account and it stays exactly the same.
If you downgrade your Dropbox account to Basic or upgrade to Dropbox Business, you’ll still be able to export the account usernames and passwords you saved in your Dropbox Passwords account, but you’ll lose access to Dropbox Passwords features, including:
- The ability to view, edit, add, or remove usernames and passwords
- Syncing across your devices
- Autofilling on websites and mobile apps
- The ability to delete any information saved in your Dropbox Passwords account
- Note: Exporting usernames and passwords does not delete them
If you change your account back to Plus, Professional, or Family, you can only reactivate your Dropbox Passwords account with a device you previously connected or your recovery words. Once you do, your account will become active again and all of the information you saved to your account will still be there.
Delete Dropbox Passwords
To delete your Dropbox Passwords account, you have to delete your Dropbox account because the two accounts are linked. Instead, you can remove all of the account information you have saved to Dropbox Passwords (including usernames, passwords, website URLs, and notes).
Reset or delete your Dropbox Passwords account
If you reset your Dropbox Passwords account, all of the account information you saved in Dropbox Passwords (including usernames, passwords, website URLs, and notes) will be permanently deleted from all devices. Your connected devices will disconnect, meaning that the app will still be installed, but you’d need to re-confirm the device from scratch to connect it and sign in again.
To reset in the desktop app:
- Open the Dropbox Passwords desktop app.
- Click your avatar (profile picture or initials).
- Click Preferences.
- Click the Accounts tab.
- Click Reset.
- Click Continue.
- If you’d like to export your accounts before resetting, click Export. Otherwise, click Skip.
- Click Reset.
To reset in the mobile app:
- Open the Dropbox Passwords mobile app.
- Tap the gear icon.
- Tap Reset Account.
- Tap CONTINUE to confirm you’d like to remove all of your accounts.
- If you’d like to export your accounts before resetting, tap EXPORT. Otherwise, tap SKIP.
- Tap RESET.
To delete your Dropbox Passwords account instead, you have to delete your Dropbox account because the two accounts are linked by the same email and password.