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New Dropbox Backup does not sync to Dropbox iPhone App

There is a new PC folder (labeled PC) created in the new backup program that backs up my files on the internet (dropbox.com) only . However, that same folder does not appear on the Dropbox App on my iPhone or on my PC (dropbox folder) - so none of the new files that are downloaded to the internet sync with the iPhone App. When I manually place files in the Dropbox folder on my PC, it will then sync with my iPhone dropbox app.

There use to be a file in the dropbox folder labeled for my Dell Computer name, and that file still exists, but it does not back up to that file as it use to before this new backup program existed. Almost all the files in that Dell Computer name folder have now disappeared.

How do I automatically sync new files to my desktop PC dropbox folder, and therefore also the iPhone App, without manually having to do so?

I don't think drop box is supposed to work this way.

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Jay

Hi @robncarin, thanks for messaging the Community.

After a recent change, backups created using the Dropbox Backup feature are no longer visible in the Dropbox mobile app, and it isn't possible to re-enable this option.

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

robncarin

thanks for the quick response.

So why even have a drop box app on the iphone if all the PC information is not there?

Nancy

Hey @robncarin, sorry to jump in. The Dropbox mobile app is mostly used for files that have been directly uploaded to your Dropbox account (it's basically a reflection of the files you see at your All files page here).

robncarin

Hi Nancy-

Well my dropbox app does not automatically update files that have been directly uploaded to my dropbox account. Why is it not working for me?

This is the e-mail I received but any new files that I place on my computer ONLY go to the backup online - NOT to my dropbox App. Please help me fix that. thanks

View backups whenever, wherever
Now you can view your files from anywhere with our mobile app or on the web at dropbox.com/backups/all.

NickWalton

same issue, i believe its a new update they've done to the dropbox back up for some users. very frustrating as a big reason i used dropbox was to be able to access all the files on my computer on my phone without having to drag them whatever i want to view into a seperate dropbox folder.

NickWalton

spent 4 hours yesterday trying to figure out what happened but i think this is a new permanent change to the system

Megan

Hey @robncarin, if you use our desktop app, and use the root of the Dropbox folder to add content to your account online, these changes should also be reflected in your mobile app.

If you need to check more in regards your Dropbox Backups when using your mobile, you'd need to check your backup page online.

Spushor

On April 13 around midnight, I got a big dialog box from Dropbox. I couldn’t get out of it. I had to click back up. I didn’t know they were gonna screw up the entire system on the Mac desktop. It used to be that the desktop would be backed up and visible on my iPhone app now it is not thank you very much Dropbox for screwing this up. I can’t believe it, what is the screwup now I’m seeing your response. Oh, we’re gonna take away this whole functionality of having my Mac desktop available on my iPhone. I have medical information and all kinds of stuff I use on the Dropbox app that no longer have access to what about that? What is the problem with your company ?

I see the back up on my desktop. It doesn’t do me a goddamn bit of good. It’s under the file name Dropbox/backups/Mac what’s the point why do I have to look at my desktop on dropbox when I already have my desktop available on my Mac the only reason I need it for is for my iPad and my iPhone. What I think a company would take away it a principal application functionality and I seen other people at the same Bob might have and what is Dropbox in about it. Nothing absolutely nothing no email no nothing. No wonder this is going out of business.

Spushor

On April 13 around midnight, I got a big dialog box from Dropbox. I couldn’t get out of it. I had to click back up. I didn’t know they were gonna screw up the entire system on the Mac desktop. It used to be that the desktop would be backed up and visible on my iPhone app now it is not thank you very much Dropbox for screwing this up. I can’t believe it, what is the screwup now I’m seeing your response. Oh, we’re gonna take away this whole functionality of having my Mac desktop available on my iPhone. I have medical information and all kinds of stuff I use on the Dropbox app that no longer have access to what about that? What is the problem with your company ?

I see the back up on my desktop. It doesn’t do me a bit of good. It’s under the file name Dropbox/backups/Mac what’s the point why do I have to look at my desktop on dropbox when I already have my desktop available on my Mac the only reason I need it for is for my iPad and my iPhone. Why would a company take away its a principal application functionality and I seen other people have the same problem and what is Dropbox doing about it? Nothing absolutely nothing no email no nothing. Please restore the desktop sync capability between the iPad, iPhone and other devices as previous to April 13.

robncarin

I don't know what the "root of the Dropbox folder is" nor where to find it. All I know is that when I add files to my desktop, they do not sync with my iPhone. Others have noticed this too and it is not a welcome application to the new Dropbox model. I think I will be taking my business elsewhere.

Megan

Your root folder, is essentially your Dropbox folder inside your File Explorer @robncarin.

Are you able to locate these files when you visit your account online?

If not, then this might be a syncing issue, that I'll be more than happy to help you resolve. I'd like to ask your app's current syncing status, to check its progress, please.

robncarin

Hi Megan- The dropbox folder inside my file explorer DOES NOT sync with the files on my computer (windows 10). All files are sync'd as noted in the dropbox in my taskbar. The only option that I know of is to copy and paste my new documents to my dropbox folder and ONLY THEN will it sync to my iPhone. Do you have a solution so I do not have to do this manually every time I save a file??

Jay

Hi @robncarin, could you clarify what the difference is between the 'file explorer' and the 'files on your computer'? A screenshot showing this would be helpful!

robncarin

Jay-- They are the same. When files are added to file explorer/My Documents, they do not sync to the drop box folder. I screenshotted my files. The documents folder is in "This PC" . The dropbox folder is separated as you can see (last image scanned) .

I also created a new folder just now called "Test Folder" in "My Documents" . As you can see, the same folder did not generate in the Dropbox folder. If they were "sync'd" properly, then the folder would appear in the Dropbox folder. It doesn't .

I'd be happy to share whatever else you need to solve this problem.

dropbox Screenshot 2024-04-30 195159.jpg test folder doc Screenshot 2024-04-30 195036.jpg

Screenshot 2024-04-30 194446.jpg

robncarin

Jay-- when I go to my dropbox/backup site- you can see that the new "Test Folder" is there - but it is not in the dropbox file on my computer nor is it in the dropbox App. Backups Screenshot 2024-04-30 200515.jpg

Jay

Thanks for the clarification. On the new version of the Dropbox Backup feature, the folders select (such as Documents, Desktop, etc) are no longer moved into the Dropbox folder.

This also means that those folders in the backup are no longer visible on other devices, and can only be accessed directly from the Dropbox site.

Spushor

Dear Dropbox staff: taking away a fabulous functionality that people like is a terrible business decision. I would like to know the reasoning behind this move made by Dropbox. Dropbox staff communications skills are lacking. There’s no specifics just take it away. Too bad so sad but the problem for Dropbox will be people will be mad and mad is bad for business.

martinipete

Nancy,

That's not how I use Dropbox AT ALL. I used to frequently access my laptop backup files from my iPhone app. This was a crucial feature for me. I spend money for 2T of storage on Dropbox and you lot have basically cut me off from 500Gb of what I pay to use your service to access. At this point it looks like the inevitable transfer to Google Drive or iCloud will need to happen sooner rather than later. Which is sad considering how long I've been a Dropbox customer and advocate.

martinipete

Megan,

If the files appear both on our computer (which is backed up to Dropbox) and we drag and drop the folder into the Dropbox root folder (thus uploading those same files to Dropbox) aren't storing the same file twice? In other words, if I have a backup that is 500GB and I drop that same data into the root file, aren't I going to be "charged" for 1T of storage?

Hannah

Hey @martinipete, thanks for your feedback about the backup feature here.

I've made sure to pass it on to our team.

As for your question, indeed, if you have the backup feature enabled and then just copy the same files into the Dropbox folder, you'd be storing the same files twice.

So, to avoid that or work around that, you could disable backup and just move/copy the files you want to your Dropbox folder.

Spushor

What has happened here is an example big Tech arrogance and disregard for the Customer and lack of communication in regards to the nature of this back up and the elimination of important functionality the syncing of the Mac desktop into the dropbox back up.

In My case a dialog box was sent to me on a midnight on a Saturday. I was going on vacation. I had no warning no courtesy email no nothing from Dropbox explaining what was going to happen to me.

This shows a lack of courtesy and respect to the customer .

It is arrogant and unacceptable at the least, and email should’ve been sent to the users explaining the upcoming backup and the functionalities that would be eliminated .

That did not happen and this is why a lot of customers are unhappy. I wish I could find an alternative right now and I’ll be on the lookout to see if anything else I can do to replace Dropbox because I’m sick of this lack of communication - this dialogue box being thrown on me without any warning confusion about the back up and the elimination of functionality I pay for on a yearly basis - you’ve gone backwards not forwards for no reason given why this particular functionality was taken away from Mac users .

Had Dropbox in a proper way in a courteous way communicated in advance - maybe customers like me wouldn’t be so upset .

Alexandria Va

koadev

This is a big feature downgrade. I often accessed files I had backed up from my iPhone for reference. It makes me rethink why I have this service. Very disappointed.

kylebam

This is complete and utter non-sense to disable this feature. This is the only reason I pay for Dropbox. I need to be able to access my files on my Mac while I am out and about on my iPhone and iPad. Why in the world would you disable this feature and not have the ability to re-enable it? Is there any update as to if this function will be available again? I just renewed my plan for the year a couple weeks ago and now I cannot even use Dropbox how I would like. I am very disappointed in this breakdown and would like to cancel if this feature will no longer be available in the future. Such an oversight...

Spushor

I have tried everything to impress upon Dropbox to bring that feature back to no success there is no rhyme or reason why they took it away.

Certainly cannot be storage or bandwidth They don’t have any hard space bandwidth is not issue. I don’t get it. Nobody does. These people operate a different universe, big Tech arrogance.

My workaround:

The only file that’s available is the documents file and important stuff from my desktop I need I proceeded to the dropbox file on my Mac called my files to Dropbox and copy and pasted important information in that file it’ll show up on my mobile phone . A Workaround. I wish there was other companies that I could get besides Dropbox. I am so fed up with these people.

kylebam

So you are just manually pasting items into a folder in your dropbox account? Makes it difficult to always go back in and remember to back up things manually. I reference client work often and have to go back into files all the time. Terrible to have a workaround when there was a feature that was previously working well.