Child Item

How many years until Dropbox will fix offline files being unaccessible

I see via Google that many people continue to share having this problem. When I update my offline files, they're usable for about 24 hours and then they are no longer accessible. So for example, if you go camping for the weekend, and have some file you'd like to access, you're out of luck. This problem has been reported by many people for at least two years (confirm on Google if you doubt this).

Find more posts tagged with

Mobile

Accepted answers

Jane

Hey @PeeDub, sorry to hear that you're feeling this way.

In order to proceed to resolution on this matter, I'd have to advise you to update your iPhone's operating system to the latest available version (11.0.3). Moreover, can you make sure that you've installed the latest Dropbox mobile app (70.2)? This way, you'll make sure to get all fixes that have been implemented on the latest updates.

I hope this is helpful to you & you get the issue you've experienced with your Offline files fixed. Keep me updated on the progress here & I'll do my best to follow-up!

All comments

mcganty

https://www.dropboxforum.com/t5/Installation-and-desktop-app/Iphone-offline-files-not-available-offline-with-no-data/td-p/150418

mcganty

https://www.dropboxforum.com/t5/Error-messages/Dropbox-offline-files-don-t-work-when-offline/td-p/161376

mcganty

https://www.dropboxforum.com/t5/Error-messages/quot-Offline-quot-Files-Not-Available-Offline-on-iPad/td-p/186838

mcganty

https://www.dropboxforum.com/t5/Photos-and-videos/Dropbox-does-not-save-offline-files/td-p/148868

Jane

Hey @mcganty,

Welcome to the Dropbox Community, happy to have a look into any open tickets you have!

Because you've already reached out to support, would you mind replying here with a ticket ID, so that I look it up on our platform?

Also, thanks for letting me know that the issue has been reported before, as well as mentioning the threads, I've made sure that all have been merged into one.

Will be awaiting this ticket ID.

Warm regards,

JaneA

mary99

I am adding to the list of users with OFFLINE problems.

I have issues with all my Android devices. Windows works fine.

I make a folder "available offline" Whilst on internet can access files ok. I wait until fully synced (not many files) and turn off wifi internet and although I can see the files in offline mode I cannot open them. Keeps asking to check the internet.

Jane

Hey @mary99,

Sorry to hear that, let's see what we can do about it!

To troubleshoot with you, let me ask you some questions below:

- Are you having an issue marking all your folders to be available offline, or is this issue only occurring for specific files?
- What is the size of the folder that you are trying to make available offline?
- How much space do you have available on your device?
- Would you mind sharing a screenshot of the last screen you're seeing?

Will be awaiting your reply, so that we look into that together!

Warm regards,

Jane

mary99

Have sorted issue.

The files were there but the issue was with the application (in this case adobe pdf viewer). Once that was sorted I can now see my offline files when I am not online. I thought the problem was drop box but it was not.

Sorry for wasting your time

Jane

Hey @mary99,

Glad to hear that offlining works fine for you! :white_check_mark: :iphone:

If you have more Dropbox questions, please give me a nudge here, I'd be happy to follow-up.

Hope you have a relaxed weekend ahead!

Warm regards,

JaneA

FIXThis

This doesn't work. I'm on wifi right now a strong wifi and it still don't work

Mark

We cant even attempt to trouble shoot if you dont mention what you've tried and what you are seeing.

Please also note that if you have upgraded to iOS 11 its probably worth starting a new thread about that as its certainly a different issue.

PeeDub

I can't believe that DropBox is SO unreliable. The notion that my files are actually being stored 'offline' in my phone seems fanciful due to the constant issues trying to access them. Why would I need to 'Refresh' to play offline files? And why is DropBox saying 'Deciding which files to download' or somesuch with files previously stored offline? Please don't try to second-guess me. I want the files in the folder I asked to be stored offline. Not your version of what I want: MINE.
Instead of developing fancy features (and creaming some I used all the time) why don't you fix the bugs?
Appalling.

I've now experienced a few other file sharing services. When my DB subscription runs out I'm outta here.

rwpallegama

Accessing the offline content when you are really offline is, in Dropbox, when the offline file is previewed, touch the "three small buttons (ooo)" on the top right hand corner, then select Export and then select "Open in" and then slect the relevant app. It is done.

rwpallegama

Accessing the offline content when you are really offline is, in Dropbox, when the offline file is previewed, touch the "three small buttons (ooo)" on the top right hand corner, then select Export, then "Open in" and then slect the relevant app. It is done.

PeeDub

Thanks for the tip, but that's not relevant. I'm using the iPhone version which doesn't have the three small 000's (it's the latest Dropbox app as of Oct 2017 with iOS 10.3.3). Most are my issues should be trivial to find answers for, but they certainly don't seem that way when I trawl the FAQs and this forum. For example: I have specified NO folders are to sync. That's zero syncing, thanks. Yet, my OFFLINE folder keeps getting synced (?) and there seems to be no way to stop it. So much for keeping an archival version of a file... it gets overwritten by Dropbox whether I like it or not. I'm happy to acknowledge my lack of complete knowledge of the DropBox 'system'... I just don't get the notion that "OFFLINE" means OFFLINE, KINDA. Is this system intuitive: No. Is it foolproof: No. Is it cumbersome: Yes. Do I pay a decent subscription: Yes. Am I happy: Make an educated guess.

Jane

Hey @PeeDub, sorry to hear that you're feeling this way.

I hope this is helpful to you & you get the issue you've experienced with your Offline files fixed. Keep me updated on the progress here & I'll do my best to follow-up!

TheTalk

This is great, and it appears to work. I don't know why it's so complicated, but at least it does appear that you have access to your files if you're stuck in the middle of nowhere and need the files. And one good thing is that it adds a layer of security to prevent someone from accessing your files! Ha!

@rwpallegamawrote:
Accessing the offline content when you are really offline is, in Dropbox, when the offline file is previewed, touch the "three small buttons (ooo)" on the top right hand corner, then select Export, then "Open in" and then slect the relevant app. It is done.