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.

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.

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.

thanks for the quick response. So why even have a drop box app on the iphone if all the PC information is not there?

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.

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

New Dropbox Backup does not sync to Dropbox iPhone App

25 Replies

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Jay
Dropbox Community Moderator
2 years ago
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
Helpful | Level 6
2 years ago
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
Dropbox Community Moderator
2 years ago
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
Helpful | Level 6
2 years ago
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
Explorer | Level 4
2 years ago
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
Explorer | Level 4
2 years ago
spent 4 hours yesterday trying to figure out what happened but i think this is a new permanent change to the system
Megan
Dropbox Community Moderator
2 years ago
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
Helpful | Level 6
2 years ago
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
Helpful | Level 6
2 years ago
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
Helpful | Level 6
2 years ago
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.