How to Upload Android Files to Dropbox? [with FAQs & Tips]
Due to the increasing internal storage of a mobile phone, users are able to download and save more and more files on their devices. (What if your phone storage is full?) This would be an advance of technology, but the risk of losing files are growing at the same time. Hence, today we would like to advise Android phone users to upload Android files to Dropbox, which is pretty beneficial for their phone usage.
Part 1: Benefits of Uploading Android Files to Dropbox
Why do we advise you to upload your Android files to Dropbox? That's because it will bring lots of benefits to you. For example:
* It can backup the important file on your Android phone. After uploading files to Dropbox, they will be saved in the cloud storage safely, and you can extract them while you lose these backed up files on Android accidentally.
* You are able to view and use the synced files freely. Whenever you want to view or use the saved data on Android or a computer, you can log in to your account and then get them easily.
* It will make room for your Android phone. If you upload your files from Android to Dropbox, you can then remove them from the Android phone. This will free up the device.
Can't Miss: Helpful Tips to Share Photos in Dropbox on Android? [Must-read]
Part 2: Upload Photos & Videos from Android to Dropbox
If you only want to upload images or videos to Dropbox, you have two methods:
1. Automatically sync pictures and videos via Camera Upload
Users can upload photos or videos from their phone cameras to Dropbox via Camera Upload. But to use this feature, you need to install the Dropbox desktop application on the computer or upgrade to Dropbox Pro. Here you are suggested to install the Dropbox application on your computer cause it is free. Then you can add your Android images and videos to Dropbox easily.
- First of all, you need to turn on the Camera Upload feature on Dropbox. Just enter Dropbox on your phone and then open the folder menu by swiping from left to right. Next, click on Settings and find out the feature Camera uploads. Then select Turn on camera uploads.
- Secondly, you can set up Camera Uploads. Since there are 3 setting options of camera uploads, including what to upload (photos & videos or only photos), how to upload (via Wi-fi only or it is okay to use Wi-fi or data plan), when to upload (only while the phone is charging or while battery level is above 30%), you can check the options to set the feature according to your need. (Your phone is losing battery?)
- Now, you can begin adding photos or videos from Android to Dropbox. Just launch Dropbox on your computer and connect your phone to PC via USB cable. Then select the Start import option in the pop-up window.
- After that, the program will start to upload the photos and videos to your phone camera. Just wait till the transferring process is completed.
2. Manually add photos and videos to Dropbox
The first means would upload all the photos and videos to your phone camera to Dropbox. This would take a long time and occupy too much space so you can choose to add photos or videos to the application selectively.
- Run Dropbox on your Android phone and click on the "+" icon at the bottom right corner.
- Next, select Upload photos or videos from the listed options.
- Then, you need to tick the images or videos that you want to upload and tap on Upload to add them to Dropbox. (Unable to update media to Dropbox? Try the best Dropbox alternatives.)
Tip 1. If you want to locate photos or videos more quickly, you can swipe right to bring out the folder menu and select the Photos folder, which contains all your Dropbox pictures and videos.
Tip 2. You can create different albums to sort out the uploaded files, which would make the file management easier.
Part 3: Sync Android Documents to Dropbox
Except for photos and videos, you can upload other files like documents, applications, audio files, etc., to Dropbox, as well. The method is simple and time-saving.
- Open Dropbox on your Android phone and click on the "+" icon to select Upload files.
- Then choose the file that you want to upload from the phone memory.
- Here if you want to upload multiple files, you can long-press the first file and continue to check other files.
- At last, just click on Open to start uploading the files.
Part 4: FAQs about Uploading Android Files to Dropbox
Q1: How do I upload a file from another app (like email or a file manager) directly to Dropbox?
- In the source app (Gmail, Chrome, Files by Google, etc.), find the file.
- Tap the Share button.
- From the share sheet, look for and select "Save to Dropbox".
- Choose the destination folder in Dropbox and confirm.
Q2: Can I upload entire folders?
Yes, but with a key limitation. The Dropbox mobile app allows you to create empty folders and then upload files into them. To upload an existing local folder with its contents intact, you often need to use a file manager app that integrates with Dropbox (like Solid Explorer or CX File Explorer) or use the Dropbox website from a mobile browser in "Desktop Site" mode.
Q3: Why is my upload stuck or very slow?
Common causes and fixes include:
- Network: Check your Wi-Fi or cellular data connection. Switch to a stronger Wi-Fi if possible.
- Large Files: Large videos can take a long time.
- Background Restrictions: On some Android versions, battery optimization might pause the app. Go to phone Settings > Apps > Dropbox > Battery and set it to "Unrestricted."
- App Cache: Try clearing the Dropbox app cache (Settings > Apps > Dropbox > Storage & Cache > Clear Cache).
You Might Also Like: 5 Means to Recover Deleted Cache Files on Android Internal Memory/SD Card
Q4: How do I find my uploaded files? Are they still on my phone?
Files uploaded via the Dropbox app are copied to the cloud. Your original local file remains on your phone unless you manually delete it. To find the uploaded file, open the Dropbox app and navigate to the folder you selected.
Q5: Can I upload files in the background?
Yes. Once you start an upload, you can switch to other apps or even lock your phone. However, if the upload is very large, keeping the Dropbox app open might ensure it completes faster and isn't paused by the system.
Part 5: Extra Tip - How to Back Up Android Files Securely
Backing up Android data to a computer is also popular compared to doing this with Dropbox. Because this backup method is more secure which can save your files locally. You only need to install MobiKin Assistant for Android to your computer, it will help you back up Android data to your PC with one click, and allow you to manage mobile phone data on the computer.
Related Articles:
How to Restore Missing/Deleted Files with Dropbox
How to Back up iPhone to Dropbox: Secure Your Data with Ease!
