Download files while using the creation date

Question

Hi all,

I've recently changed my Android phone, and using the automated procedure I've imported all (most of) data from the older one, but I removed an SD card where there was most of my photos before the process. So I have tranferred only a thousand images. I've tried then to import the "forgotten photos" from my dropbox account, but selecting them (and I can't select them all per 1k limit) and downloading using the "Save on device" option the files take the date of tranfer and not the original one.
How can I avoid this issue (I'm ready to cancel all the photos from my phone) and get all images with correct creation date?

Thank you for any advice

Alfredo

Jay · Answer

There isn't another method via Dropbox itself, as the retention of creation dates are dictated by the OS and the method of transfer to the phone or SD card.

Excalibur59 · Answer

Hi Jay,

thanks for your reply.

I already had Dropbox app on my desktop PC synchronize with cloud, so I've connected the new phone via USB cable to PC, given it access and tried to copy (overwrite) a photo from dropbox account to phone. Unfortunately the creation date is not the original but the one of moment I tranfer the photo.

I've tried also to delete the photo fron phone and copy it again with same result.

Any other advice to get the original date/time of creation?

Thank you

Alfredo

Jay · Answer

Hi @Excalibur59, thanks for bringing this to our attention.

If you download files directly from the Dropbox site or mobile app, they will have the current date and time on them.

The only way to get the original dates and times would be for the Dropbox desktop application to be installed, and the files would sync down normally onto your computer. After that, you might be able to find a way to transfer the files with the correct info onto your new phone via an SD card or cable.

If you have any further queries, feel free to message back.