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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Megan
Dropbox Community Moderator
2 years ago
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
Helpful | Level 6
2 years ago
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
Dropbox Community Moderator
2 years ago
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
Helpful | Level 6
2 years ago
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.
robncarin
Helpful | Level 6
2 years ago
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.
Jay
Dropbox Community Moderator
2 years ago
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
Helpful | Level 6
2 years ago
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
New member | Level 2
2 years ago
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
New member | Level 2
2 years ago
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
Dropbox Community Moderator
2 years ago
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.