Forum Discussion

thewallin's avatar
thewallin
Explorer | Level 3
7 years ago

Dropbox greyed out on IOS 13

Got a new iphone 11 with IOS 13 preinstalled.   Cannot change default download location to dropbox.    I can access dropbox files through app and through Apples files app after adding dropbox...
Mobile
Setting up the apps
TechGuy's avatar
TechGuy
Explorer | Level 4
7 years ago

SCREENSHOT CAPTION: notice lack of other options

Since the release of iOS 13.1, it is no longer possible to download certain file types directly to a chosen Dropbox folder. Instead, Mobile Safari downloads the files directly to the new iCloud Downloads folder without asking or offering other options. This makes it extremely cumbersome to then go to the Apple Files app, locate the file in the iCloud Downloads folder, export it and finally resave it to the desired dropbox folder. (And finally delete it from iCloud if you don't want a duplicate hanging around.)

Has anyone found a way around this yet?

I would like to continue to tap downloads of all types in Safari and have the option to save them to a chosen Dropbox folder.

Thanks in advance for any solutions or suggestions. 

  • Rich's avatar
    Rich
    Icon for Super User II rankSuper User II
    7 years ago

    Long press the link to the file and select Save to Dropbox in the share sheet.

    • thewallin's avatar
      thewallin
      Explorer | Level 3
      7 years ago

      Long press does not work for some file types for me, it downloads something but it doesn't get type correct. Looks like it turns the file into a generic no name filetype.

    • TechGuy's avatar
      TechGuy
      Explorer | Level 4
      7 years ago

      Long press to download is helpful. Thank you, Rich.

      Alas, it won't fix all situations. If the page uses a script or redirect for downloads then "long press to export" will fail.

      Script/redirect downloads sometimes offer a "click here if your download doesn't start in 10 seconds" link. So long press might work on that. Still clumsy.

      This is doing to be a big frustration for users of any non-Apple storage service.

      If anyone who works at Dropbox is reading this, may I suggest raising this issue with Apple Developer relations? This problem will likely require Dropbox and Apple to collaborate for a solution. 

      Typical Apple, we gave you a new feature, iCloud Downloads. (awesome!) So we took away a feature, prompt to save where you want. (groan) "We wouldn't want you to hurt yourself by allowing choices." - Apple

About Apps and Installations

Have a question about a Dropbox app or installation? Reach out to the Dropbox Community and get solutions, help, and advice from members.

The Dropbox Community team is active from Monday to Friday. We try to respond to you as soon as we can, usually within 2 hours.

If you need more help you can view your support options (expected response time for an email or ticket is 24 hours), or contact us on X, Facebook or Instagram.

For more info on available support options for your Dropbox plan, see this article.

If you found the answer to your question in this Community thread, please 'like' the post to say thanks and to let us know it was useful!