Application Affected
(Dropbox Android app.)
Device
(Vertu Aster, Blackberry Priv)
Operating System/Browser
(Android 4.4.2, Android 6.0.1.)
Dropbox App Version
(314.2.4, 190.2.2)
Hello
I have been a long-time Dropbox user and rely on your service for storing and accessing important files across multiple devices. My primary concern involves the sudden loss of functionality in older versions of the Dropbox Android app on legacy hardware.
On my Vertu Aster phone (running Android 4.4.2 KitKat), the official Dropbox app version 190.2.2 (released in 2020, the last build officially supporting Android 4.x) worked reliably for years until very recently (around 26 January 2026). Now it no longer connects: Network error. Retry later"
This happened abruptly without any app update on my end.
Similarly, on another device (BB Priv), version 314.2.4 (from February 2023) stopped working the same way "until today" after functioning perfectly for years.
In contrast, an even older setup, my trusty iPhone 4S on iOS 6 with a legacy Dropbox app version—continues to connect and access files without issues.
I understand that Dropbox enforces modern security standards, such as the API server root certificate update effective January 2026, which likely affects outdated clients. However, devices like the Vertu Aster are premium, non-disposable hardware built for longevity (handcrafted luxury materials, no planned obsolescence), and Android 4.4 was its final official OS (no updates available from the manufacturer). Many users with similar vintage or niche devices are affected, and there are forum reports of comparable issues on older iOS versions as well.
My questions/requests are:
Is there any possibility of a temporary workaround, exception, or legacy endpoint access for very old clients to restore basic functionality (e.g., file viewing/sync on Android 4.4.2)?
Could you confirm if the recent certificate/API changes are the root cause, and whether third-party apps like Dropsync (Autosync for Dropbox, version 6.5.1 or similar) are still fully compatible with the current backend? (I plan to test Dropsync as an alternative for autosync on the Vertu.)
If legacy support is permanently ended, is there any recommendation for accessing files on such old Android devices beyond the web interface (dropbox.com in browser), which works but lacks automatic/background sync?
I value Dropbox's service and have no intention of switching providers, but maintaining access on my existing hardware is important to me. I appreciate any insight, guidance, or escalation you can provide.
Thank you in advance for your time and assistance.
Best regards,
Victor
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