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Forum Discussion
I can't find my backed up computer files, when I check the mobile app on my iPad.
Device iPad Air Operating System/Browser (if using the web) Windows 11 Dropbox App Version/Browser Version N/A
Question or Issue I cannot view any of my PC files on my iPad that I backed-up ...
I opened my Dropbox account on the browser on my iPad and it is only showing me the folders from my iPad. I can't see any folders from my PC.
I'm very confused. Are there two separate things that I need to do in order to sync and backup my files? When I had iDrive, it automatically backed up and stored the files on my computer once I installed it on my computer. There was nothing else I needed to do. I then installed the iDrive app on my tablet and could access all of my files from my desktop computer. I thought that Dropbox would be easier to use than iDrive. What steps do I need to take in order to view the folders on my iPad that are from my computer? I haven't found directions on what I need to do. Do I need to manually backup and sync everything on my computer? Are the backup and synced files in separate accounts? Are there no automatic backup and sync settings in Dropbox?
Megan
Dropbox Community Moderator
Dropbox Community ModeratorHey Christine_25, let's jump right into this!
When you download and install the desktop app on your computer, a Dropbox folder is created locally with syncing properties.
The folder serves as a "mirror" since it syncs to your computer any files you've added to your account online, and vice versa. Is this what you're doing on your end? In other words, are the folders you're referring to visible inside the Dropbox folder on your PC?
If you add a file inside your local Dropbox folder, can you see it when you visit your account online?
Because there's a feature called Dropbox Backup, as mentioned by Walter, which backs up certain key computer folders. You can also check your Backup page online, to see if you've enabled it. Essentially I'm trying to understand where the files are located inside your PC, in order to troubleshoot further.
Let me know more, and we'll take it from there.
Megan Thank you for your reply and for your help. I have the desktop app on my computer. When I click on the Dropbox folder on my computer, I can see files listed from my tablet and the files on my computer.
When I visit my account online, it only lists the files on my tablet. I don't see any files that are on my computer. What do I need to do so the files from my computer can be seen in my Dropbox account online and on my tablet?
The other week I found the Dropbox Backup and selected folders on my computer to backup. I can see those folders on the Backup page online. Do I need to manually backup my folders or will Dropbox periodically back them up?
- Megan
Hey Christine_25!
Would you mind clarifying which app version you currently have installed on your computer, along with the app's syncing status? You can find both by hovering your mouse over the little Dropbox icon in your taskbar next to your WiFi.
Feel free to send me a couple of screenshots of what you see in your local Dropbox folder, and what your iPad shows, in order for me to have a visual too.
Lastly, in regards to the Dropbox Backup: if you have enabled the feature, then it'll automatically back up your files, and any changes made to them.
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