Searching Files in the Dropbox Vault

If you’re using Dropbox to store confidential data, you might be concerned about the privacy of your information. With the growing number of cases of cyber thefts and data breaches, privacy concerns are indeed justified.

Today we will discover how to use the Dropbox Vault feature to protect your private information. We’ll also see how to search for files in the Dropbox Vault with ease and some other tips and tricks to simplify your cloud experience.

What is Dropbox Vault? Why is it Required?

Dropbox Vault is a crucial feature that allows you to secure personal information in a PIN-protected folder. It gives an added security to your files in the event someone gains access to your Dropbox account, or your login credentials are stolen by Internet hackers. Dropbox introduced this feature in 2020.

Vault features:

• Safely store your private and confidential information
• Prevent unauthorized people with access to your account from reading your confidential information
• Two-step authentication with a PIN
• Compatible with all devices and available 24*7
• Secures your account from unauthorized people, hackers, and phishing attacks
• Gives an extra-level of security in the event of data breach
• Saves you and your business from data disasters
• Provides ability to share your file with a loved one in emergency by adding them as a trusted contact

How to Access Dropbox Vault & Search Files in it?

You can access your Dropbox Vault using its icon in the All Files or also using a direct link.

Method 1:

1. Visit Dropbox and sign in to your account.
2. Click on All files on the left-hand side panel.
3. Double-click your Vault folder.
4. Use the Search box on the top to find your files and folders.

Method 2:

1. Open the Dropbox Vault page.
2. Sign in to your Dropbox account.

If this is the first time you’re using the Dropbox Vault feature, Dropbox will suggest you to move some files to the Vault. Dropbox makes suggestions based on the keyword metadata embedded to the file (such as passwords, social security card, passport, insurance policies, certificates, etc.). It’s up to you whether to accept those suggestions or reject them.

Dropbox will prompt you to set up a PIN to protect the contents of your Vault. Type in a 6-digit PIN code and then click on Set PIN to confirm.

How to Store your Documents into the Vault?

There are different methods to store your documents to the Vault.

1. Move your Existing Documents to the Vault:

Moving files to the Vault is much simpler. Simply drag the files and drop them into the Vault folder.

2. Upload Files and Folders from your Computer:

If you’ve got any confidential data stored on your hard disk, you can store it into the Dropbox Vault as follows:

1. Go to the Dropbox Vault.
2. Type your PIN to confirm your identity.
3. Click on the Add button.
   • To upload files from your computer, select the Files from Computer option.
   • To upload folders from your computer, select Folders from Computer.
4. Choose your desired files/ folders, and then click on Open.

Note: You can upload multiple files and folders at once to save your time.

• To select multiple files and folders in the Open dialog box, use Click + Shift key to select them in a row.
• To select files in a disorderly pattern, use Click + Click key.
• Alternatively, you may use the Ctrl + A shortcut to select all the files/ folders in the current folder.

3. Create a New Document:

Similarly, you can create new files into the Vault folder itself. To create a new file, open up your Vault and click the Create button and then select the type of file you want to create.

Who Can Use Dropbox Vault?

Dropbox Vault is not available for the free users. You must subscribe to the Plus or Professional plan to avail this feature.

Find Dropbox Files for Duplicates (Only Regular Files)

Cloud Duplicate Finder is a cloud-based duplicate files finder that can be accessed from just about any device connected to the Internet. CDF supports finding duplicate files in major cloud storage platforms including Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, Box Cloud and Amazon S3. You can search your regular files and folders in Dropbox for duplicates.

Step 1: Start scanning your files for duplicates

1. Visit the Cloud Duplicate Finder website and register a new account.
2. Click the verification link that you’ve received in your email inbox.
3. After verifying your account, click the Dropbox icon on the top.
4. Click the Add New Drive button and enter your Dropbox account login credentials.
5. Now allow CDF to access your data by clicking Yes.
6. CDF will display a list of all directories in your Dropbox account on the left hand side panel. Select the ones you want to scan for duplicates.
7. Choose All files to scan everything or choose Custom to select only a specific set of files (documents, images, music, videos, or compressed files).
8. Click on Scan.

Step 2: Fix your duplicates

1. Click on Select Duplicates and choose your desired pattern to automatically select the duplicates:
   • Newer files
   • Older files
   • Most modified files
   • Least modified files
2. Click on Select Action and choose whether to move your files to the Trash or move them to another folder.

Is Cloud Duplicate Finder secure?

CDF is 100% safe. It uses official APIs from the respective cloud service platforms to access and manage your data. The use of official APIs guarantees your information is always confidential. You can revoke the file sharing permissions anytime.

Give Someone Access to Files in your Dropbox Vault

Did you know that you can share files in your Dropbox Vault with your friends and colleagues during an emergency? To give someone else access to files in your Dropbox Vault, add them as trusted contacts as follows:

1. Open your Dropbox Vault.
2. Enter the PIN to verify your identity.
3. Select the files/ folders you want to share.
4. Click on Settings > Invite Contact.
5. Provide the email address of the person to share your files.
6. You can write an optional message as well.
7. Click the Send to button to invite that person.

Remove People from Trusted Contacts

Don’t want to share your files from Dropbox Vault anymore? You can remove people from the Trusted Contacts list as shown below:

1. Sign in to your Dropbox Vault and enter your PIN.
2. Click on Settings > Trusted contacts.
3. Click on the “…” (three dots) icon next to a contact you want to remove.
4. Select the Revoke access option.

Raza Ali Kazmi

Raza Ali Kazmi works as an editor and technology content writer at Sorcim Technologies (Pvt) Ltd. He loves to pen down articles on a wide array of technology related topics and has also been diligently testing software solutions on Windows & Mac platforms.