How to upload files to Dropbox on a mobile device

Updated Dec 11, 2023

The Dropbox mobile app allows you to create and upload files directly to your Dropbox account from your phone or tablet. Uploaded files sync everywhere you access your files in Dropbox.

Not using Dropbox yet? See how Dropbox makes syncing files easy.

How to upload content from other mobile apps

You can upload content from other mobile apps (Photos, Messages, etc.) to your Dropbox account. To do so:

  1. Open the app where the content is currently saved.
  2. Select what you’d like to upload to your Dropbox account.
  3. Click the app’s Share button or icon.
  4. Select the Dropbox mobile app.
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Note: You must be logged into your Dropbox account on the Dropbox mobile app.

  1. Select the Dropbox save location, and save your content.

How to upload photos and videos

If you don't have camera uploads enabled, you can manually add photos to your Dropbox account. To do so:

  1. Open the Dropbox mobile app. 
  2. Open the Dropbox folder where you'd like to store your photos.
  3. Tap the "+" (plus sign) at the bottom of your screen.
  4. Choose Upload Photos.
  5. Tap the photos you would like to upload.
  6. Tap the folder icon (Android) or Next (iOS), and select where you'd like the files to be added.
  7. Tap Set location.
  8. Tap Upload.
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Note: The Dropbox app for Windows devices does not currently support video uploads. This is due to operating system limitations.

How to upload audio files

iOS users can record audio using the Dropbox mobile app and save directly to their Dropbox account. To do so:

  1. Open the Dropbox app.
  2. Tap the + (plus) icon at the bottom of your screen.
  3. Tap Record Audio.
  4. Tap the red circle to begin recording and the red square to stop recording.
  5. Select the Dropbox folder where you'd like to store your audio file.
  6. Tap Upload.
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Note: The Dropbox mobile app for Windows in S mode (Dropbox Lite) and Android devices do not currently support audio capture.

How to upload other types of files

  1. Open the Dropbox mobile app.
  2. Open the Dropbox folder where you'd like to store your files.
  3. Tap the "+" (plus sign) at the bottom of your screen.
  4. Tap Upload files (Android) or Create or Upload File (iPhone/iPad).
  5. Tap Upload (Android) or Upload File (iPhone/iPad).

You can also choose to create content using Microsoft Office applications.

Learn more about creating content with Microsoft Office applications.
 

If your device has an SD card, you can upload files to Dropbox from there. To do so:

  1. Open the Dropbox mobile app.
  2. Open the Dropbox folder where you'd like to store your photos.
  3. Tap the "+" (plus sign) at the bottom of your screen.
  4. Select Upload files.
  5. Navigate to your SD card, and tap the files you'd like to upload.
  6. Tap Upload (or Open on some devices).
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Note: If you can't view your SD card when browsing for files to upload, verify that Show advanced devices is checked by tapping the menu button at the top of the screen and looking under Settings.

iPhone/iPad users can also upload other types of files using either of the following:

  • The iPhone/iPad Open In menu wherever it appears in other apps
  • App Extensions on iOS 8 and later
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