Can T Establish A Secure Connection Dropbox Troubleshooting Guide

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Close-up of a computer screen displaying an authentication failed message.
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Sometimes, you might encounter an error message saying "Can't establish a secure connection" when trying to access Dropbox. This frustrating issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including outdated browser versions or incorrect system time settings.

One common culprit is an outdated browser, particularly if you're using an older version of Internet Explorer. This browser is no longer supported by Dropbox, so it's best to switch to a more modern browser like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.

Incorrect system time settings can also cause connectivity issues. If your system clock is not set correctly, Dropbox may not be able to verify the connection, leading to a "Can't establish a secure connection" error.

If you're using a VPN, try disabling it temporarily to see if it resolves the issue. Some VPNs can interfere with Dropbox's ability to establish a secure connection.

Troubleshooting Dropbox Connection Issues

You might be surprised to learn that antivirus software can be the culprit behind a Dropbox connection issue.

Credit: youtube.com, Dropbox Can’t Establish Secure Internet Connection [How to Fix It]

Firewall and antivirus software, such as Windows Defender, can block Dropbox service as a precautionary measure.

To resolve this, you need to add Dropbox to the whitelist of your antivirus software.

Windows Defender firewall can be a particularly pesky culprit, so let's walk through the steps to whitelist Dropbox.

Enter Windows Defender in the search box next to Cortana and choose the best matched one to continue.

Click Firewall & network protection to open a new window.

Click Allow an app through firewall to open a new window.

Check both Private and Public for this app and then click OK to save and apply the changes.

Potential Causes of Dropbox Connection Issues

Potential causes of Dropbox connection issues are often overlooked, but they can be easily resolved.

Firewalls and antivirus software can block Dropbox services, so you need to add Dropbox to the whitelist of your antivirus software, such as Windows Defender.

Disabling anti-malware software or reinstalling Dropbox can also resolve connection issues, as seen in one user's experience.

Set Computer Date and Time Correctly

Credit: youtube.com, How To Fix Computer Date and Time Keeps Changing in windows 10

Making sure your computer's date and time are set correctly is a crucial step in resolving Dropbox connection issues. Your PC will compare the system date to the expiration date of the SSL certificate.

The system date and expiration date of the SSL certificate need to match for a secure connection to be established. If they don't match, a "can't establish secure connection" error will occur.

To set your computer's date and time correctly, open the Settings window and click on Time & Language. Select Date & time from the left side menu.

Both the Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically options should be turned on to ensure accurate time and date settings. If your system can't access the internet, you may need to turn off these options and set the time manually by clicking the Change button.

Potential Causes of Dropbox Connection Issues

Your antivirus software could be the culprit behind your Dropbox connection issues. Windows Defender firewall, for example, will block any unauthorized internet services, including Dropbox, so you need to add Dropbox to the whitelist of your antivirus software.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Fix Dropbox Sync Problems - Dropbox sync issues? Solved in minutes!

Disabling anti-malware software might also resolve the issue. One user successfully got Dropbox working by disabling their anti-malware software and reinstalling Dropbox.

Incorrect date and time settings on your computer can also cause the "can't establish secure connection" error. Your PC will make a comparison between the system date and the expiration date of the SSL certificate, so make sure these two settings match.

If your system can't access the internet, you may need to set the time manually. To do this, turn off the "Set time automatically" and "Set time zone automatically" options and click the Change button to set the time manually.

Solutions to Dropbox Connection Issues

One common reason for Dropbox connection issues is that your antivirus software is blocking the service. Antivirus software like Windows Defender can block unauthorized internet services, so you need to add Dropbox to the whitelist.

To do this, you'll need to enter Windows Defender in the search box next to Cortana and choose the best matched one to continue.

Credit: youtube.com, Fix Dropbox Can’t Establish Secure Connection on Windows

Firewall settings can also be the culprit, so you'll want to check those too. Clicking Firewall & network protection will open a new window where you can make some changes.

Allowing Dropbox through the firewall is a simple process. Click Allow an app through firewall to open a new window, then check Private and Public for this app and click OK to save and apply the changes.

Jennie Bechtelar

Senior Writer

Jennie Bechtelar is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for distilling complex concepts into accessible language, Jennie has established herself as a go-to expert in the fields of important and industry-specific topics. Her writing portfolio showcases a depth of knowledge and expertise in standards and best practices, with a focus on helping readers navigate the intricacies of their chosen fields.

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