Sync Desktop and Documents through Dropbox (not backup) Somona

Question

Hi,

I'm in the process of making Dropbox work again on Sonoma (Currently running 14.1.2) with DB V.187.4.5691. I had some issues with the Sonoma update that I think I am finally past, but am still dealing with one item. Hopefully the community can help.

How do I get my desktop/documents and downloads folders to sync through Dropbox? I can get them backed up with the DB backup app (which works). I frequently need to access my desktop files from mobile (iOS or iPadOS) and going to the backup is a pain through the browser.

Can you still sync them so you can view in the DB app?

Note: I have NOT upgraded my rebuilt Dropbox folder on the File Provider update yet and I'm using DB V356.2 on iOS.

Jay · Answer

Hi @effinsyv, the file provider update wouldn't make any difference to the backup feature.

Symbolic links were disabled a while ago, so it wouldn't be possible to have it sync your desktop, or any other folder outside of the Dropbox folder.

effinsyv · Answer

Hi Megan,

Does the File Provider update add any functionality that would help with this?

I used to have a symbolic link to my desktop in previous versions so DB would automatically back them up. Is there any way to do this still?

Megan · Answer

Hi @effinsyv, let's jump right into this!

Other than using Dropbox Backup, and accessing these files using our website, what you can try as an alternative is to duplicate the content.

You can create a new folder inside the root of your Dropbox account, so that you can keep your content visible when you open the app.

Unfortunately though, this duplicate wouldn't automatically update and sync with the changes you make inside your actual Backup folder, unless you keep updating it, and re-duplicating it frequently.

If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to let me know!