Dropbox Make Online Only Not Available: A Guide to Fixing Smart Sync and Syncing Files

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If you're facing the issue of "Make online only" not being available in Dropbox, it's likely due to the Smart Sync feature not being enabled.

Smart Sync is a Dropbox feature that allows you to access your files online, without taking up space on your device.

To fix the issue, you need to enable Smart Sync on your Dropbox account. This can be done by going to the Dropbox settings and checking the box next to "Smart Sync".

Take a look at this: Dropbox Selective Sync Conflict

Smart Sync Issues

If you're experiencing issues with Dropbox Smart Sync online only not working, don't worry, it's a common problem.

One possible cause is the block of antivirus or firewall, which can prevent Dropbox from syncing files online only.

Deactivating your antivirus software might resolve the issue, so try turning it off and see if that makes a difference.

Alternatively, turning off Windows firewall could also help.

If you've tried both of these solutions and still encounter problems, it's worth trying to unlink and restart Dropbox.

Credit: youtube.com, Dropbox Smart Sync Vs Selective Sync – What’s the Difference? (2023)

If none of these solutions work, you might need to reinstall Dropbox as an administrator, which can be done by clicking Apps & features to find Dropbox, clicking the Dropbox program, and tapping the Uninstall option.

If you're using an older version of Windows, it might be worth considering an upgrade, as this could also resolve the issue.

Understanding the Problem

Files stuck in "Online Only" mode can be a real problem, and it's not uncommon for certain files to seem stuck in this status indefinitely. You may have tried to make them available offline, but the option may be grayed out or not functional.

Missing "Make Available Offline" options can be frustrating, especially when it comes to important files or folders. This can make it difficult to control their offline accessibility.

Dropbox updates can sometimes cause unexpected repercussions on the "Online Only" functionality. This can lead to problems like files stuck in "Online Only" mode or missing "Make Available Offline" options.

Here are some warning signs to be aware of:

  • Files Stuck in "Online Only" Mode
  • Missing "Make Available Offline" Option
  • Dropbox Update Upsets Online Only Functionality

Smart Sync Options

Credit: youtube.com, How To Make Dropbox Files Online Only Tutorial

Dropbox Smart Sync local means your files and folders take up space on your computer's hard drive as well as Dropbox cloud space.

If you have never set a file or folder to online-only, it's likely using up space on your hard drive. You can access these files and folders both online and offline.

Dropbox Smart Sync online only refers to when you set items to be online-only, these files or folders occupy practically no space on your hard drive.

However, they still take up a small amount of hard drive space to make files' names and shortcuts occupy space on your computer.

To switch to online-only mode, you can right-click on a file and change it to online-only. But if it's still showing as local, you may need to try one of the troubleshooting methods.

Here are some common issues that can prevent Dropbox Smart Sync from working properly:

  • Deactivate your antivirus software
  • Turn off Windows firewall
  • Unlink and restart Dropbox
  • Reinstall Dropbox as an administrator
  • Upgrade your Windows

By keeping Dropbox updated and managing your storage space proactively, you can reduce the likelihood of running into issues like "Dropbox online only not working".

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Dropbox not online only?

To make a Dropbox file available offline, tap the ellipsis next to it and toggle on Make Available Offline. This allows you to access your file even without an internet connection.

What happens when you make Dropbox online only?

Making Dropbox files online-only frees up space on your hard drive, while still keeping everything accessible on your desktop. Your files are stored in the cloud, keeping your computer's storage space available for other uses.

Jeannie Larson

Senior Assigning Editor

Jeannie Larson is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a keen eye for compelling content. With a passion for storytelling, she has curated articles on a wide range of topics, from technology to lifestyle. Jeannie's expertise lies in assigning and editing articles that resonate with diverse audiences.

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