Dropbox Vault will no longer be available starting March 2025

Dropbox has announced the discontinuation of its Vault feature, effective March 4, 2025. The Vault, a PIN-protected folder designed to store sensitive files, will soon be converted into a regular Dropbox folder, stripping away its extra layer of security. The announcement, made via an update on Dropbox’s support page and emails to active Vault users, has sparked a wave of disappointment and confusion among loyal customers.

For those who relied on Vault to keep their most sensitive files under digital lock and key, the news is a tough pill to swallow. Starting March 4, 2025, all files stored in Vault will be automatically moved to a regular folder in users’ main Dropbox accounts. The kicker? No PIN will be required to access these files anymore. Dropbox assures users that their content will remain secure, protected by the platform’s “robust security measures, including advanced encryption.” But for many, the removal of the PIN feature feels like a step backward in privacy.

Dropbox has provided instructions for users who want to move their files out of Vault manually before the deadline or download them for safekeeping. However, there’s no clear explanation for the decision. To move files from your Vault to your main account before this date:

1. Log in to dropbox.com.
2. Click your avatar (profile picture or initials) in the top-right corner.
3. Click Settings.
4. Click the General tab.
5. Under Features, click the “…” (ellipsis) next to Vault.
6. Select Move files.

To download your files:

1. Log in to dropbox.com.
2. Click Vault in your files and folders list.
3. Enter your PIN.
4. Select the files you want to download using the checkbox on the left.
5. Click Download.

When pressed for answers by a Redditor, Dropbox offered a somewhat cryptic response: “We discontinue Dropbox Vault primarily due to significant technical risks that could compromise the security we provide to our users. We want to concentrate our efforts on further enhancing our existing security features.”

While the company’s intention to prioritize security sounds noble, the explanation has done little to quell user concerns. Many are questioning how a feature designed to enhance security could pose a “technical risk.” Some have even pointed out that if Dropbox can automatically convert Vault files into a regular folder without requiring a PIN, it raises doubts about how secure the Vault truly was in the first place.

The announcement has sparked a flurry of reactions across forums and social media. Longtime Dropbox users have expressed disappointment, with some calling the decision “stupid” and “questionable.” Others have taken it as a sign to finally explore alternative cloud storage options.

For those seeking a replacement, several services have been recommended, including Koofr, pCloud, and Icedrive, all of which offer their own versions of secure, encrypted storage. Some users have even turned to third-party encryption tools like Cryptomator to create their own secure vaults within Dropbox.

The decision has also reignited discussions about Dropbox’s broader strategy. Over the years, the company has made several controversial moves, such as ending its strong integration with Google Docs and acquiring — then effectively shutting down — Boxcryptor’s personal accounts. For many, the discontinuation of Vault feels like yet another example of Dropbox removing features without clear justification.

If you’re a Dropbox Vault user, the clock is ticking. You have until March 4, 2025, to decide how to handle your files. Dropbox has provided step-by-step instructions for moving or downloading your Vault contents, but the process has left some users feeling uneasy. After all, if Dropbox can access and move files from your Vault without requiring your PIN, it begs the question: How private were those files to begin with?

For those who value privacy and security, this development may serve as a wake-up call to reevaluate their cloud storage options. While Dropbox remains a popular choice for its ease of use and collaboration features, the discontinuation of Vault has highlighted the importance of understanding how your data is stored — and who can access it.

For some, this may very well be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Dropbox’s challenge will be to reassure users that their data is safe — and to prove that discontinuing Vault is a step forward, not backward, in the quest for better security.