Why does the Dropbox mobile app request access to my contacts?

Updated Feb 12, 2024
person icon

The information in this article applies to all Dropbox users.

The Dropbox mobile app requests access to your contacts to provide features that make it easier for you to use Dropbox, including sharing content with friends without having to remember their contact information. For example, when you share files and photos, Dropbox can suggest names and email addresses from your address book as you type them.

Does Dropbox collect or save my contacts?

If you decide to give Dropbox permission to access your contacts, your contacts will be synced to our servers. At Dropbox, the security of your data is our highest priority. Learn more about how Dropbox handles your data securely.

Does Dropbox share my contacts with others?

We don’t share your contacts unless you request that we do so. If you choose to share files with someone or invite a person to Dropbox, we send an email on your behalf to that contact.

Can I use the Dropbox mobile app without giving access to my contacts?

Yes. Providing access to your contacts is entirely optional. 

Can I revoke Dropbox’s access to my contacts?

If you’ve previously granted access to your contacts and no longer wish to, you can remove the permission for Dropbox from your phone’s privacy settings.

To remove access to contacts on an iPhone or iPad:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Privacy & Security.
  3. Tap Contacts.
  4. Find Dropbox and toggle the setting Off.

To remove access to contacts on an Android device:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Apps & notifications.
  3. Tap Dropbox. If you can't find it, first tap See all apps or App info.
  4. Tap Permissions.
  5. Find Contacts and choose Deny.

Why are contacts from a different device or app appearing in my Dropbox account?

With your permission, Dropbox syncs contacts from the devices you use to access Dropbox. This feature makes it easy to share and collaborate with all of your contacts directly from Dropbox, whether they're from a linked device or a third-party source like Google or X (formerly Twitter). You can remove suggested contacts from your Dropbox account at any time.

Was this article helpful?

We’re sorry to hear that.
Let us know how we can improve.

Thanks for your feedback!
Let us know how this article helped.

Thanks for your feedback!

Other ways to get help