Camera uploads is an optional feature that automatically uploads photos from your mobile device to Dropbox.
Once you enable camera uploads, your photos will upload to the Camera Uploads folder in your Dropbox account. After they’ve uploaded, you can move them to a different folder in your Dropbox account if you’d like.
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Learn more about uploading photos:
Note: If you’re using macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or higher, you’ll see a notification that says “Dropbox would like to access files on a removable volume.”
Clicking OK will allow camera uploads to work. You can change this preference anytime:
- Open System Preferences.
- Click Security and Privacy.
- Click the Privacy tab.
- Click Files and Folders.
- Check or uncheck the box next to Removable Volumes under Dropbox.
Mobile: Turn camera uploads on or off
iOS: iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch
- Open the Dropbox mobile app.
- Tap Account (the person icon) in the bottom right.
- Tap Camera Uploads.
- Toggle Camera Uploads to on.
- Tap Upload.
Android phone
- Open the Dropbox app.
- Tap the menu button.
- Tap Settings.
- Under Camera uploads, tap Turn on camera uploads.
- Tap Allow.
Windows 10 in S mode (Windows Mobile)
- Open the Dropbox app.
- Tap the menu icon.
- Tap Settings.
- Tap Camera upload.
- Toggle Camera upload on.
Desktop: Turn camera uploads on or off
When you plug a camera (or mobile device) into a computer with the Dropbox desktop app installed, you’ll see a prompt asking if you’d like to enable camera uploads for that device. Once you accept, that device will automatically upload your camera roll each time the device is plugged in to that computer.
You can also turn camera uploads on or off with the following steps:
- Click the Dropbox icon in your system tray (Windows) or menu bar (Mac).
- Click your avatar (profile picture or initials).
- Click Preferences….
- Under Backups check the box next to Enable camera uploads for.
- Choose Photos only or Photos and videos from the dropdown.
System requirements for camera uploads
To use camera uploads, we recommend a supported device and the latest version of the Dropbox desktop or mobile app. Camera uploads doesn’t work if your mobile device battery is too low or if it’s roaming.
If camera uploads isn’t working, see if there are any additional requirements in this troubleshooting guide.
Background uploading
Background uploading allows Dropbox to upload photos even when the Dropbox app is closed. It automatically uploads your photos whenever it detects a change in your device’s location.
If you have an Android device, you can prevent photos from uploading when your device’s battery is low.
- Navigate to the Camera uploads page in the Dropbox mobile app.
- Tap Background uploading.
- Use the slider to select the battery level or toggle Only while phone is charging to on.
- Tap OK.
How to download and install the Dropbox desktop app
Once installed, you’ll be prompted to either sign in or create a new account.
How to install the desktop app with admin privileges
The Dropbox desktop app requires admin privileges to run with full functionality on your computer. This enables multiple different core features of Dropbox, including:
- Sync icons that show the sync status of files and folders
- Right-click context menus for taking quick actions in Dropbox
- Access to Smart Sync
For the vast majority of users, the desktop app is automatically installed with admin privileges. However, if you didn't install with admin privileges you can follow the instructions below to do so.
Note: If you don't have admin rights on your computer (for example if you're using a work computer), you may need to ask your IT department for help.
Install the Dropbox desktop app with admin privileges
- If you already have Dropbox installed, uninstall the application.
- Open the installer.
- Do not right-click, and do not command-click Run as an Administrator
- Follow the instructions in the install wizard.
- If you’re asked for an administrative username and password, enter them or contact your administrator to sign in.
- If you’re not asked for an administrative username and password, you’re already an admin on your computer.
- Complete the installation and sign in to Dropbox.
Smart Sync and admin privileges
Some Dropbox users will have access to Smart Sync. If you have access to this feature, check that Dropbox is installed with admin privileges on each computer where the feature will be used.
Depending on the policies at your company, your team members may be able to install Dropbox with admin privileges on their own. If not, they may need the assistance of your IT team.
Why does the Dropbox desktop app for macOS require Keychain access?
Keychain is a password management system for Apple's macOS. Dropbox requires access to your Keychain to help verify your account and to provide another layer of security over the Dropbox app settings.
Dropbox For Mac Os
- To grant Keychain access to Dropbox, click Allow or Always Allow (recommended for seamless access) when prompted to do so from macOS.
- Clicking Deny will result in a 'Couldn't start Dropbox' error message. For security reasons, Dropbox will not start without access to your Keychain.
What is the Dropbox Web Helper for macOS?
How To Use Dropbox On Mac
Dropbox Web Helper supports the Dropbox user interface on macOS computers. It only runs when the desktop app is running. Dropbox Web Helper is an independent process, so it may start and stop at different times than the desktop app. If you adjust your firewall or antivirus software for Dropbox, we recommend similar adjustments for Dropbox Web Helper.