Dropbox is one of the most popular and widely used cloud storage services available today. Even though Dropbox offers 2 GB of free storage space, which is not quite lucrative, it is trusted by millions of users.
Similar to other cloud storage services, Dropbox also displays technical and functional glitches, such as syncing issues. Let’s learn how to fix Dropbox syncing problems and continue using it effectively to store data.
Dropbox Not Syncing on Mac
Your iCloud storage might not be sufficient for storing all the files you got on different Apple devices. Dropbox for Mac could be an ideal solution. Now, if you want to enjoy free-tier storage and often ask yourself how to use Dropbox on my Mac, there are several ways to do that.
If you are finding issues in file sync on Mac, make sure they are included in the “Selective Sync” option. Alternatively, turn off the automatic sync feature and manually move all the files. Manual sync may take more time, but you will be able to sync files across devices.
As an alternate solution, navigate to the “View sync issues” tab in the Dropbox app. You might be able to detect the reason that you might be creating Dropbox syncing problems. Take note of it and look out to execute appropriate fixes.
Dropbox Not Syncing on Windows
The app automatically syncs files seamlessly between your computer and your Dropbox account. If the sync is not proper and general troubleshooting doesn’t help, visit the “View sync issues” tab.
To see the tab, right-click on the Dropbox icon and then and then check the account dropdown menu. More often than not, the inappropriate functioning of the app UI is the reason behind the sync problems.
Your dropbox app might have frozen and stopped working. Go to the Task Manager and quit the app. Redownloading the app can also help fix the file sync issues. Also, check if any third-party app or antivirus is not conflicting with Dropbox.
Dropbox Files Not Syncing on Android
When it comes to the best cloud services on Android, Dropbox tops the list and is trusted by many users. However, there are several limitations, such as file size restrictions or download speed, that prevent the app from working properly on your smartphone.
Connect the phone to the computer and move files manually. Clearing cache files can also help in resolving several performance issues. To fix this, go to Dropbox Settings and then scroll down until you locate the Privacy option, and select Clear Cache.
App compatibility might be responsible for inappropriate syncing issues. If any app is not supporting Dropbox, the files will not sync, and you may need to transfer them manually. Updating the app or Dropbox version can help.
Let’s move on to the common reasons that are responsible for improper Dropbox sync issues on any operating system.
- Random Cache Issues
No matter what operating system or digital device you use, cache files are common. These files keep growing, which affects certain functions on the device. Dropbox sync issues might be the result of abruptly ballooning cache files. So, delete the cache to check if the Dropbox starts to sync normally across devices.
- Signing-in Issues
If you are not signed in to your Dropbox account, you won’t be able to sync stuff. After you log in to your Dropbox account using the right username and password credentials, ensure that you have a reliable internet connection to allow the sync to take place. Any kind of network interruption will prevent proper sync.
- Firewall or Antivirus Installation
More often, firewalls, antivirus applications, or active VPN prevents the apps from working properly. So if the Dropbox syncing issues have arisen after downloading a third-party app from the web, there might be incompatibility issues. Downloading antivirus programs can also affect other features of the computer. Try to delete or deactivate the app.
- Insufficient Storage Space
The free version of Dropbox gives you access to 2GB of space which might not be sufficient To accommodate your data storage requirements. On reaching this stipulated storage limit, the app may start to display error messages, and synchronization issues could be one such glitch. To resolve this, either buy a paid subscription or delete unnecessary data from Dropbox.
- Unstable Internet Connectivity
As discussed earlier, if your internet connection is not working properly or is not stable, you may face data synchronization problems. So, contact your internet service provider to discuss the issue and ask for a resolution. Moreover, check if upgrading the internet plan can help fix the problem.
The Conclusion
When Dropbox stops working properly, and you experience sync issues, the first thing that you should do is restart your Mac. Then try to sign out from the app and sign in again.
In most cases, these simple solutions can help fix any functional issues. However, if that doesn’t seem to help much, follow the resolution methods mentioned above.