Dropbox has quickly become a leading player in file sharing since its inception in 2008. The app securely downloads files, from videos to mp3s to PDFs, using cloud technology, making it easy to access and share information remotely with anyone who authorization.
Part of Dropbox’s widespread success is due to its compatibility with major types of software and devices. It not only has a website platform, but also desktop apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It can also be downloaded as mobile apps for iOS, Windows and Androids.
So if you’re that Android user looking to figure out how to use Dropbox for your smartphone, I’m here to confirm that it’s possible – and to show you how.
Install Dropbox on the Android operating system
Whether by choice or because this is how your business or team wants to handle file sharing, now you find the need to download Dropbox. First of all, you need to download and install it on your smartphone. Not all Android OS devices follow the same textual steps, but this should give you a general idea of how the Dropbox app works.
- Go to the Google Play Store on your phone, find and select the Dropbox app.
- Once you open the Dropbox app, you can sign in with Google, Apple, or sign up for an account. If you already have a Dropbox account, you can sign in.
- If you haven’t used an existing Dropbox account during the year, it’s likely that it was automatically deleted. You will need to create a new one.
- After completing the registration steps, you’ll be prompted to choose a Dropbox plan. You can either sign up for a 30-day free trial of Dropbox Plus or tap the “x” in the corner to continue using the free version.
Now that you’ve installed and configured the app, you can take advantage of its features.
- The free version comes with 2.0 GB of space. You can always upgrade for more.
- Access your account files from anywhere, even when you’re offline.
- Automatically import photos and videos from your Android Camera Roll.
- Send a link to anyone (including non-Dropbox users) to share a file.
- Scan documents and receipts using your phone’s camera and download them as cloud files.
- Take photos directly from the Dropbox app and save them to cloud storage.
If you decide to upgrade to Dropbox Plus, you receive a whopping 2 terabytes of storage. Dropbox Plus customers can then upgrade to Dropbox Professional for 3 terabytes of storage.
For now, however, let’s share some files.
Sharing files and folders
One of the benefits of using Dropbox for file sharing is that it makes it easy to share files with those who don’t use Dropbox. Yes, it can make it easier for the recipient if they’ve downloaded the app – especially if you’re sharing a folder they might want to access more than once – but it’s not necessary.
One way to share files through Dropbox is to send a link to the recipient’s email address.
- Open the Dropbox menu and select Files.
- Tap the three vertical dots next to the file you want to send.
- Choose Share.
- A pop-up window will appear at the bottom of the screen. Under Send to, enter the recipient’s email address.
- The app can ask if Dropbox can access your contacts. Denying this permission will not affect your ability to share the file.
- You will have the option to include a personalized message.
- Tap Share and you will receive confirmation that the file has been sent.
Sending a link to someone opens your file to a more “unlimited” audience. Anyone with the link can view the file. Dropbox, fortunately, has some security features to prevent the widespread distribution of this file link. Unfortunately, these features are only available to Dropbox Professional users. Therefore, when sharing files using a link, make sure it is a trusted colleague, friend, etc.
- Once again, navigate to your Dropbox files and select the file you want to share.
- Tap the vertical ellipses next to the file name.
- Select Copy link. The link is now copied to your pasteboard.
- Paste the link in the body of any message field – text, email, etc. – to share it.
Manage access to links
- To manage access to links with a Dropbox Professional account, return to the file menu (the three dots) and select Manage Access.
- Under Link Settings, select Control Access.
- Here you can choose who can view the link, whether the link will expire, and disable downloads of the file from the link.
If you are using the free version, you can always remove the link.
If you’ve shared a file, but it won’t open for recipients, try the following troubleshooting methods.
File deleted
Sometimes you accidentally deleted the file or folder from your Dropbox. To restore it you will need to use the Dropbox website platform.
- Sign in to Dropbox from your browser.
- In the left sidebar, you will see an option for deleted files. Click on it.
- Select the file you want to restore. Click on Restore.
Link disabled and expired
If you’ve shared a link, you may have turned it off. Enter your Link Settings> Access Control and turn off the button next to Disable downloads.
On the same note, your link may have expired. You will need to send a new one.
Broken Dropbox rules and regulations
Oops! The file you shared may be against Dropbox regulations. You’ll have to take the heat on this one. There is no sharing of content that violates the rules and regulations of Dropbox.
Wrap
So, Android user, now that you know how to share Dropbox files, what should you do? Remember, while Dropbox uses two-step encryption methods, your privacy is yours too. Never share a link with someone you don’t trust to keep it to themselves. And certainly never share anything too personal. This is obvious for cybersecurity.