Dropbox is one of the most popular cloud storage services, allowing users to store files online and access them from any device. At some point, you may wish to close your Dropbox account. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to disable and delete your Dropbox account permanently.
Table of Contents
Back Up Your Files
Before closing your Dropbox account, be sure to back up or transfer any important files stored in Dropbox. Once your account is closed, you will lose access to all files stored in Dropbox.
To download your files:
- Log in to the Dropbox website
- Select all files and folders you wish to keep
- Click the “Download” button at the top to download a zip file of your files
- Store this zip file in another location as a backup
You can also move files to another cloud storage provider like Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive before closing your Dropbox.
Cancel Any Paid Subscriptions
If you have an active paid Dropbox subscription, you will need to cancel this before closing your account.
To cancel a paid Dropbox subscription:
- Log in to the Dropbox website
- Click on your profile icon > Settings
- Click “Billing”
- Click “Cancel plan” and follow the prompts
Your subscription will remain active until the end of your current billing cycle.
Delete Your Account
Once you have backed up your files and cancelled any subscriptions, you can delete your Dropbox account.
To delete your Dropbox account:
- Log in to the Dropbox website
- Click on your profile icon > Settings
- Click the “Account” tab
- Scroll down and click “Delete account”
- Enter your password to confirm account deletion
Once your account is deleted, all files stored in Dropbox will be erased. This deletion is permanent, so be certain you have copies of anything you want to keep.
Uninstall Dropbox App
In addition to deleting your online account, you may wish to uninstall the Dropbox desktop and mobile apps.
Windows
- Open Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program
- Select “Dropbox” > Uninstall
Mac
- Go to Finder > Applications
- Drag Dropbox app to Trash
iPhone/iPad
- Tap and hold the Dropbox app icon
- Tap “Remove App” to delete
Android
- Open Settings > Apps
- Tap Dropbox > Uninstall
Uninstalling the apps will remove Dropbox functionality from your devices. Your account itself will still need to be deleted through the Dropbox website.
Alternative Cloud Storage Providers
Once your Dropbox account is closed, you may want to consider alternative file hosting services like:
- Google Drive
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Apple iCloud
- Box
- Amazon Cloud Drive
Most services offer some free storage as well as paid subscription plans to suit your needs. Be sure to fully back up files before closing one account and transitioning to another service.
Closing your Dropbox account deletes all stored files and removes access going forward. So be absolutely certain you have copies of anything important before disabling your account. Follow this guide to smoothly back up, cancel subscriptions, delete your account, uninstall apps, and switch to a new cloud storage provider.
