How to use two Dropbox accounts on the same computer

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

This feature is only available to Dropbox business account holders. However, there are simple ways to work around this limitation.

Use the site

The easiest way to access two different Dropbox accounts is to download the app for the primary account, and log into the secondary account through a browser. The web version of Dropbox gives you access to all files in your secondary account, and lets you use basic features of the service such as uploading files and creating folders.

Of course, this method is not very convenient. In addition, you are out of sync in the background. But if you need to use an additional account only occasionally, then this is the simplest solution.

Use shared folders

One of the features that makes Dropbox incredibly useful is the ability to share folders and files between users. If the secondary account has files or documents that need constant access, you can simply share the corresponding folder with the primary account. Here's how to do it:

1. Sign in to your secondary Dropbox account on the site, then click Create Shared Folder. Choose what you want to do: create a new folder and share or share an existing folder.

2. Enter the email address you used to sign in to your primary Dropbox account. Make sure the "May Change" option is turned on, then tap Share. An email will be sent to your main account address. You just need to click "Go to Folder".

The downside to this approach is that Dropbox does not allow root folder sharing. You will need to put all files in a shared folder, which will take up space on both accounts. In this case, you will not be able to get additional space, but you can avoid troubles with your personal and business account.

Use multiple Windows accounts

1. Create a second Windows user (if you don't already have one). If you are creating this account just to bypass Dropbox restrictions, do not link it to a Microsoft account.

2. Log in to your secondary Windows account without leaving your primary account. To do this quickly, simply press the Windows + L buttons.

3. Download and install the Dropbox Windows app. To enter, use the username and password from the second account.

4. Return to your primary Windows account and navigate to the Users folder. By default, it is located on the same disk as the operating system.

5. Then go to the folder of the user you just created. In the window that appears, click "Continue" to access your files with administrator rights.

6. Go to your Dropbox folder. For convenience, you can create a shortcut to this folder and place it on your desktop.

Please note that to sync your account with the Dropbox server, you will need to sign in to your secondary Windows account each time and then switch back to your primary account.

Use Automator on macOS

1. First, make sure you've downloaded, installed Dropbox and signed in to your main account.

2. Next, create a new Dropbox folder in your personal Home folder. For example, let's call it Dropbox2.

3. Open Automator (use Spotlight in the upper right corner if you can't find it). Click Process, then Select.

4. In the "Library" submenu, scroll down the page until you see the entry "Run shell script". Drag the entry to the right window.

5. Copy the script below and paste it into the text box. Replace Dropbox2 with the name of the folder you created earlier.

HOME = $ HOME / Dropbox2 /Applications/Dropbox.app/Contents/MacOS/Dropbox &

6. Now click "Run". A new copy of the Dropbox program will appear, allowing you to sign in to your additional account and set it up.

7. Click File → Save to save the Automator workflow. Call it whatever you like. You can also add a script to the Login Items so that it starts automatically when you turn on your computer.