Sync Files and Folders across Devices - Dropbox (2024)

Sync is short for ‘synchronize’, meaning an event that happens in more than one place simultaneously. In tech terms, when you sync a device—such as a phone or tablet—with your computer, all of the data from your computer is automatically synced with that device.

All your data—such as photos or work files—is available to you on different devices. Syncing allows you to save your data in more than one place, further protecting you from data loss. When you sync data to the cloud, you can also save space on your hard drive by moving folders you don't use regularly to an online repository like Dropbox.

When you make files available online-only, you save space on your hard drive by storing them in the cloud. You can still see and access everything in your Dropbox account on your desktop without taking up space on your computer’s hard drive.

You can sync Dropbox files and folders across devices with the Dropbox app. Sign in to your Dropbox account on each device, then add your files and folders to the Dropbox folder on your computer, phone, or tablet. The latest version of all your files and folders will be available across every device.

Selective sync allows you to free up space on your hard drive without deleting anything from your Dropbox account. To use selective sync, you’ll need to turn on the feature from the Dropbox app on your Windows or Mac computer.

Once selective sync is enabled, you can choose which folders to keep off your computer. Those same folders will stay in your account on dropbox.com.

As an enthusiast and expert in the realm of data synchronization and cloud storage, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the concepts involved. My expertise is grounded in years of practical experience and a continuous passion for staying at the forefront of technological advancements.

Now, let's delve into the concepts outlined in the article:

1. Sync (Synchronize):

  • Definition: Sync is short for 'synchronize,' referring to an event occurring simultaneously in multiple places.
  • Tech Perspective: In technology, syncing involves connecting a device, like a phone or tablet, to a computer. This process ensures that data on the computer is automatically mirrored on the connected device. The synced data, such as photos or work files, becomes accessible across different devices.

2. Making Files "Online-Only":

  • Purpose: Making files available online-only involves storing them in the cloud instead of locally on a hard drive.
  • Benefits: This approach saves space on the hard drive while allowing seamless access to files stored in the cloud. The example mentions Dropbox as a cloud service that facilitates this functionality.

3. Syncing Files and Folders in Dropbox:

  • Procedure:
    • Sign in to Dropbox on each device.
    • Add files and folders to the Dropbox folder on your computer, phone, or tablet.
  • Outcome: The latest versions of all files and folders become accessible across every synced device. This ensures data consistency and availability.

4. Selective Sync on Dropbox:

  • Definition: Selective sync enables users to free up space on their hard drives without removing anything from their Dropbox account.
  • Activation:
    • Turn on the feature from the Dropbox app on Windows or Mac.
    • Choose specific folders to keep off the computer while retaining them in the Dropbox account on dropbox.com.
  • Purpose: This allows users to prioritize and manage the storage of files on their local devices while keeping a full repository in the cloud.

In conclusion, synchronization, online-only storage, and selective sync are crucial concepts in the digital age, especially for managing and accessing data across multiple devices. Understanding these concepts empowers users to optimize storage space, enhance data accessibility, and mitigate the risk of data loss.

Sync Files and Folders across Devices - Dropbox (2024)

FAQs

Sync Files and Folders across Devices - Dropbox? ›

You can sync Dropbox files and folders across devices with the Dropbox app. Sign in to your Dropbox account on each device, then add your files and folders to the Dropbox folder on your computer, phone, or tablet. The latest version of all your files and folders will be available across every device.

Why is Dropbox not syncing across devices? ›

The app needs to restart—if an error has caused the app to stop syncing, closing the app and reopening it may resolve the issue. The app should be reinstalled—there may be an issue with your installation of the Dropbox desktop app, uninstall and reinstall the app to see if it resolves the error.

How do I sync files across multiple devices? ›

How to sync files on all your devices.
  1. Choose a cloud storage service that can work on all of your devices. ...
  2. Log into the cloud storage service with the same account on all your devices.
  3. Pay attention to syncing settings and allow syncing across devices.
  4. Access your files through the cloud.

How to set up selective sync on Dropbox? ›

How to use selective sync
  1. Open your Dropbox desktop app preferences.
  2. Click the Dropbox icon in your taskbar.
  3. Click your avatar (profile picture or initials) in the top-right corner.
  4. Click Preferences.
  5. Click the Sync tab.
  6. Under Selective Sync (Windows), click Select folders.
Feb 12, 2024

How to force sync in Dropbox? ›

Restart Dropbox Desktop App. If you want to force Dropbox to sync, restarting Dropbox is another way to restart the Dropbox sync engine and it will process the changes and sync it automatically. 1. Tap the Dropbox icon in the system tray, then click your Dropbox profile, and choose Quit.

How to sync Dropbox between devices? ›

You can sync Dropbox files and folders across devices with the Dropbox app. Sign in to your Dropbox account on each device, then add your files and folders to the Dropbox folder on your computer, phone, or tablet. The latest version of all your files and folders will be available across every device.

How do I enable Smart Sync on Dropbox? ›

Windows Instructions:
  1. Open the Dropbox folder on your computer. Click the Dropbox icon from the system tray. Click the folder icon. Choose Open folder.
  2. Locate the content that you want to make online-only.
  3. Right-click the file or folder.
  4. Choose Smart sync.
Feb 5, 2018

How do I sync across all devices? ›

Setting up your Android device

Tap Settings. Tap Synchronization Settings. Tap Sync methods to reveal the available options.

What is the best way to sync files between computers? ›

The best file syncing solutions of 2024 in full:
  1. Google Drive. Reliable file syncing for those seeking a simple solution. ...
  2. Sync.com. Best all-round file syncing for personal or business use. ...
  3. Syncplicity. A good file syncing solution for those seeking advanced features. ...
  4. GoodSync. ...
  5. Resilio Sync. ...
  6. Microsoft OneDrive.
Jul 12, 2024

What is multi-device synchronization? ›

Multi-device syncing is a method of sharing and syncing files or data across multiple devices like computers and mobile devices. Devices can be synced via: Cloud based storage services. The use of software that supports multi sync. Physical portable hardware.

Does Dropbox still have selective sync? ›

Dropbox has a few different tools for helping to manage your disk space on your device. If you want to remove files from your hard drive without deleting them from your Dropbox account, you can make those files online-only or use selective sync to choose which Dropbox folders sync to your hard drive.

Where is the sync menu in Dropbox? ›

There are two locations where sync icons appear:
  • In the Dropbox folder on your computer.
  • In the taskbar at the bottom right of your screen.
Jun 4, 2024

Can I sync Dropbox to an external hard drive? ›

Step 1: Connect your external hard drive to your computer. Step 2: Open your Dropbox folder on your computer. Step 3: Select the files and folders you want to sync to the external hard drive. Step 4: Right-click on the selected items, choose "Copy", and then navigate to your external hard drive.

Why is my Dropbox not syncing across devices? ›

Some common reasons your Dropbox folder may not be syncing include an unstable internet connection, conflicting programs such as antivirus software, excess cache and using an outdated version of Dropbox.

How do I prompt Dropbox to sync? ›

  1. Way 1. Check If Dropbox is running. ...
  2. Way 2. Check the Internet Connection. ...
  3. Way 3. Pause and Resume Dropbox Sync. ...
  4. Way 4. Rename the Dropbox Files. ...
  5. Way 5. Temporarily Moving Out and Then Back into the Dropbox Folder. ...
  6. Way 6. Restart Dropbox Desktop App. ...
  7. Way 7. Install the Dropbox desktop app Instead of Dropbox Lite. ...
  8. Way 8.

How do I make Dropbox sync faster? ›

How to Make Dropbox Sync Faster [10 Tested Ways]
  1. Way 1: Restart Your Devices/Reset Your Modern or Router. ...
  2. Way 2: Disable VPN or Proxy. ...
  3. Way 3: Temporarily Disable Firewall/Antivirus. ...
  4. Way 4: Optimize Internet Connection. ...
  5. Way 5: Disable Selective Sync. ...
  6. Way 6: Pause or Limit Other Network Activities.

How do I relink a device to Dropbox? ›

Dropbox: How to link or unlink a device
  1. Sign in to dropbox.com.
  2. Click your profile picture (or grey circle) in the upper right corner.
  3. Click Settings.
  4. Click the Security tab.
  5. Your linked devices are listed under Devices.

Why is Dropbox not sharing? ›

If you're having trouble sharing a folder, it's possible that the people you're sharing with don't have enough space to accept the invite. If you're having trouble joining a shared folder that someone invited you to, it's possible the folder is larger than the remaining available space on your account.

Why is Dropbox not uploading? ›

If you find Dropbox not uploading, it may be affected by the unstable Internet connection, the incompatible file with Dropbox, or too much cache on Dropbox, etc.

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