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Forum Discussion
Selective sync on Android
Hi,
I appear unable to do this on an Android device or phone, I have personal files on my Desktop that I do not want to be shown at all on an Android device, but when downloading the app and logging in all the files are displayed.
I see this has been requested since 2015 through to 2020 but don't see a suitable solution.
Anyone advise a way around it?
Thanks
Cinbor wrote:
I appear unable to do [Selective sync] on an Android device or phone ...
Selective Sync is a feature of the Dropbox desktop application, meant to remove the local copy of a folder from your hard drive to save space. The mobile version of Dropbox doesn't sync all of your files like the desktop app does; it only displays what's in your account so you can upload or download files as needed. Since it doesn't sync files, there's no need for Selective Sync on mobile devices.
Currently there's no way to prevent certain files or folders from displaying in the mobile apps.
- Rich
Super User II
Cinbor wrote:
I appear unable to do [Selective sync] on an Android device or phone ...
Selective Sync is a feature of the Dropbox desktop application, meant to remove the local copy of a folder from your hard drive to save space. The mobile version of Dropbox doesn't sync all of your files like the desktop app does; it only displays what's in your account so you can upload or download files as needed. Since it doesn't sync files, there's no need for Selective Sync on mobile devices.
Currently there's no way to prevent certain files or folders from displaying in the mobile apps.
Hi Rich,
Thank you for the reply,
That is what I thought but doesn't help when I don't want another user with an Android device seeing what private files I have on my own desktop, also if they click it, it will then open / download for them to view, not ideal!
I would have thought the developers would have addressed this by now.
Cheers.
- Rich
Cinbor wrote:
I don't want another user with an Android device seeing what private files I have on my own desktop ... I would have thought the developers would have addressed this by now.
Why would another user have access to your account on a device other than your own? Dropbox accounts are intended for individuals, so no one else should be signing in to your account.
If this is happening when you hand your device to someone to use, you can set a PIN on the Dropbox app so it can't be opened without entering the PIN.
The responses to this question apparently misunderstand the full issue. The issue isn't mainly storage, it's privacy. I want employees to have mobile access to most business folders but not to my personal folders (tax returns, other private stuff). Also certain business information (like personnel or wage information) needs to be private. If all files and folders are visible and downloadable to mobile phones there's no more confidentiality. We use selective sync on their office computers but apparently it can't be done on Android phones. Nor iPhones. I suppose I could pay for multiple Dropbox accounts but then that's not as convenient for the computers. <Groan!>
- Jay
Dropbox Staff
Hi mike2567, we appreciate the feedback on this matter. In general, if you have private files on your Dropbox account, and someone has access to a device of yours, then they can access anything on your account. Even with selective sync, if people know where to look, they can easily re-enable those folders to sync again.
It isn't possible to prevent access to your own files on any of your devices, as that would defeat the point of syncing files. As noted, Dropbox Vault might be a good suggestion to keep some files hidden. An entirely separate account that isn't connected to any of your business accounts, or even placing a password on sensitive documents could help.
