How to Set Up Dropbox Cloud Storage

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Dropbox allows you to share your files easily between all your devices, as well as access them from anywhere in the world on any other computer you can access.

This guide will walk you through setting up the Dropbox client software on your devices, to make it easier to get to your files from everywhere.

2. Create Account

Setup AccountFirst, you will need an account with Dropbox to use their services.

1. Open your preferred browser.
   

1. In the Address Bar at the top, type in dropbox.com and press return or enter.
   

1. Select Sign up near the top.
   

1. Follow the instructions on screen to sign up for a Dropbox account.
   Dropbox is a third-party provider of services, with both free and paid-for services. During setup you will be given choices and options that may change depending on Dropbox. Read and follow the instructions to complete the setup.

1. Be sure to make special note of the username and password you've setup for Dropbox, you will need your username and password every time you wish to access your files remotely.
2. Once setup, you'll be shown the Dropbox homepage.
   

3. Type

For our next step, we need to determine what kind of device you are using.

4. OS Choice

To continue, we need to know what Operating System your computer is using.

There are 2 main Operating Systems for personal computers currently available, Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS.

Microsoft WindowsApple macOSMicrosoft Windows runs on computers produced by multiple companies, such as Lenovo, Asus, Dell, Toshiba, Hewlett Packard, Acer, and Sony.Apple is the only company that makes macOS computers.

5. Client Setup

1. Open your preferred browser.
   

1. In the Address Bar at the top, type in dropbox.com/install and press return or enter.
   

1. Select Download Dropbox to begin.
   

1. Depending on your browser, you will be prompted to download the file, or the file will simply download. If prompted, select to Run the download. Otherwise, open the file once it has finished downloading.
   

1. You'll be asked if the installer is allowed to run, select Yes.
   

1. Dropbox will install, it may take a few moments to complete the install.
   

1. Once installed, Dropbox will minimize to the System Tray. You may need to select the Show All arrow to see it.
   

1. When you click on the Dropbox icon in your System Tray, it will show what it is currently working on syncing (if anything), as well as links to the folder on your computer, and the website at the top. Select the Folder icon.
   

1. You'll be shown your local Dropbox folder.
   

1. Simply copy any file you wish to store on Dropbox to this folder, and it will be made available on the Dropbox website, as well as copied automatically to any other computers you have the Dropbox program installed to with Internet access.

6. Web Access

Once you have the Dropbox client setup on your home computer, any files you place into the Dropbox folder will be accessible from any other computer with an Internet connection, using the web browser.

1. Open your preferred browser.
   

1. In the Address Bar at the top, type in dropbox.com and press return or enter.
   

1. You already have an account now; select the menu, then select Sign in.
   

1. Sign in with your Dropbox username and password.
   

1. You will see your files here, and you can open, download, work on, and upload them from the webpage.
   

1. When you are done, if the computer you are using is public; such as at work or a library, it's best to sign out. Select your user icon in the top right, and select Sign out.
   

7. Client Setup

1. Open your preferred browser.
   

1. In the Address Bar at the top, type in dropbox.com/install and press return or enter.
   

1. Select Download Dropbox to begin.
   

1. Open the download once it has completed.
   

1. Double click the installer to begin.
   

1. Select Open.
   

1. Dropbox will install, it may take a few minutes.
   

1. Dropbox may require you to sign in. Use the same username and password you setup before.
   

1. Once complete, select Open my Dropbox.
   

1. You will be asked to allow Dropbox to read and write to your computer for it to work properly. Enter your computer username and password, then select OK.
   
2. This is your computer's username and password, not your Dropbox username and password. 
3.  

1. Dropbox will show on the tray in the top-right of your screen. Here you will see any activity, such as uploads and downloads, going on with Dropbox. Select Dropbox, then select the file folder.
   

1. You'll be shown your local Dropbox folder.
   

1. Simply copy any file you wish to store on Dropbox to this folder, and it will be made available on the Dropbox website, as well as copied automatically to any other computers you have the Dropbox program installed to with Internet access.

8. OS Choice

To continue, we need to know what Operating System your smartphone or tablet has.

There are 2 main Operating Systems for smartphones currently available, Android and iOS.

Android SmartphoneiOS SmartphoneAndroid smartphones are produced by multiple companies, such as Samsung, LG, Motorola, HTC, and OnePlus.Apple is the only company that makes iOS smartphones.

9. Setup Client

Install Dropbox

1. Open the App Store.
   

1. Select Search in the bottom right corner.
   

1. Search for the Dropbox App.
2. Select Dropbox in the search results.
   

1. Download the App.
   

Configure Dropbox

1. Launch Dropbox.
   

1. We've already created an account, select Sign in at the bottom.
   

1. Sign in using the email address and password for your Dropbox account, then select Sign In.
   

1. You will be offered an option to upgrade your account. For now, select Continue with Basic.
   

1. Dropbox will ask permission to notify you of updates to your files. Select Allow.
   

Use Dropbox

1. Launch Dropbox.
   

1. Here you'll be shown the recent files you've updated or created on Dropbox.
   

1. 
   You can access additional options from the icons at the bottom.
2. Home - Shows your recent and Starred items, the default view.
   

1. Files - Shows all the files you have stored in Dropbox.
   

1. Create - Creates a new document directly on Dropbox.
   

1. Photos - Show the photos you have stored on Dropbox.
   

1. Personal - Shows additional settings for the program itself.
   

10. Setup Client

Install Dropbox

1. Launch the Play Store on your smartphone.
   

1. Select the search bar at the top.
   

1. Type in Dropbox, then select Dropbox from the list.
   

1. Select Install.
   

Configure Dropbox

The first time you launch Dropbox, you will be asked to sign into your account.

1. Open Dropbox.
   

1. We setup an account before. Select Sign in.
   

1. Enter the email address and password you used to create your Dropbox account, then select Sign In.
   

1. Dropbox may request permission to allow offline access to your files. Select Allow.
   

1. If you are using a free Dropbox account, you will be offered to upgrade to a paid account. For now, select Continue with Basic.
   

Use Dropbox

1. Open Dropbox.
   

1. When you open Dropbox, you'll be shown a list of your most recent documents, as well as any starred items you have.
   

1. To access all your files, select menu on the top left.
   

1. Select Files.
   

1. Here you'll be shown all files you have stored in Dropbox.
   

1. Select an item to open it, or use the menu to the right of the file to download, delete, or otherwise modify that file.