Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for authenticating a user account with a content management system are disclosed. A synchronized content management system may receive an identifier via a first access platform. The identifier may be associated with a device. The content management system can generate a link based on the identifier and the device. The link may be then send to the device by using the identifier. When accessed by the device, the link may authenticate a user account associated with the device at a second access platform.