How to Install Dropbox in Linux and Enhance the Linux Workflow

Linux users have compelling reasons to use Dropbox as their cloud storage & file-sharing solution.

Dropbox offers some unique advantages – even though Linux has a rich ecosystem of open-source alternatives and self-hosted options.

Hey there, Linux fans! we’ve got good news and even better news.

The good news is that you’re about to discover how to install Dropbox on your Linux system.

The better news?

You’ll be boosting your Linux game while having a blast doing it!😅

So, let’s make your Linux life simpler and more awesome with Dropbox!

Introduction to Dropbox

Dropbox is a popular cloud storage & file synchronization service that allows users to store and share files across multiple devices. It was founded in 2007 and has gained popularity for its cross-platform functionality. It has both free and paid plans that are suitable for all types of users.

Dropbox provides tools for users to manage the devices that have access to their accounts. This can include revoking access from lost or compromised devices and controlling which devices are authorized to access the account.

Here are some key features of Dropbox.

File Storage

Dropbox provides users with a secure & centralized location to store their files, including documents, photos, videos, and more.

File Synchronization

Syncs files across multiple devices – so that changes made on one device are reflected on all linked devices. This makes it easy to access your files from any device.

File Sharing

Users can share files with others by sending them a link or inviting them to collaborate on specific files. This is useful for team collaboration.

Version History

Dropbox retains a history of changes made to files, which allows users to access previous versions and recover deleted files. This feature is helpful for recovering accidentally deleted or overwritten content.

Offline Access

Allows users to access their files even when they are offline, as long as those files have been previously synced to the device.

Mobile Apps

Dropbox offers mobile apps for various platforms, including iOS and Android, that allow users to access and manage their files on the go.

The best thing is Dropbox uses a zero-knowledge password manager.

In a zero-knowledge system – even the service provider (in this case, Dropbox) doesn’t have access to your actual passwords.

This adds an extra layer of security because even if Dropbox’s servers were compromised, the passwords themselves would remain encrypted & inaccessible.

Installing Dropbox on Linux

Method 1: Command Line Installation

Using the command line is often the quickest way to install any software tool on Linux. Here are the steps to install Dropbox.

Step 1: Open a Terminal and update Package Lists. It’s always a good practice to make sure your package lists are up-to-date before installing any tool.

sudo apt update

Replace apt with your package manager (Example – dnf for Fedora) if you’re using a different distribution.

Step 2: Install the dropbox using the following command.

sudo apt install nautilus-dropbox

This command will install the Dropbox client for your desktop environment. There is no need to download any additional third-party repositories here.

Step 3: Once the package download is completed, search for Dropbox in the system menu and click on it.

Step 4: It displays two popups on the initial launch. The installation will begin after both windows appear. click on the “Start Dropbox” button.

You need to download the proprietary daemon also for using Dropbox. click on “ok”.

Step 5: Wait for the installation process to complete.

Step 6: After installing the Dropbox client on your computer, you can launch it from your application menu as shown previously.

When you open Dropbox, you should see options to either sign in if you already have a Dropbox account or create a new account.

Fill out the necessary information to create your Dropbox account. Make sure to use a strong and secure password.

After submitting your information – Dropbox may ask you to verify your email address by sending you a confirmation email. Once your email is verified, you can complete the setup process.

You will be asked to choose a plan (such as a free Basic plan or a paid plan with more storage).

Method 2: Graphical Installation

Step 1: Open your web browser and go to https://www.dropbox.com/install-linux.

Step 2: Click on the suitable Linux distribution & version (e.g., Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian) to download the installer package.

Step 3: You can check the installer package in the downloads folder.

Step 4: Once the download is complete – open the file using your file manager by right-clicking on the Debian package.

Step 5: The next step is to click ‘Install’ to install DropBox from the Debian package.

Step 6: You’ll need to enter your password to start the installation process.

Step 7: Click on the “OK” button and install the proprietary daemon.

Step 8: The installation process will begin.

Step 9: When you run Dropbox for the first time, it will prompt you to sign in to your Dropbox account or create a new one.

Once signed in, you can configure Dropbox preferences, such as choosing a Dropbox folder location and selective sync options. Dropbox should start syncing your files after completing the setup. You can see a Dropbox icon in your menu bar for easy access.

How to Integrate Dropbox with Linux File Managers?

Nautilus, Dolphin, or any other file manager will automatically detect and integrate with Dropbox after you’ve installed and configured it.

It doesn’t need any manual integration with file managers.

Once you’ve logged in, a Dropbox folder will be created in your home directory automatically.

This folder serves as the main interface for managing your files/folders stored in your Dropbox account.

Anything you place in this folder will be synchronized with your Dropbox account in the cloud.

Dropbox allows you to choose which files you want to sync to your computer.

This is especially useful if you have limited storage space on your device. You can access this option by right-clicking the Dropbox icon in your system menu.

Also, you can adjust bandwidth & sync preferences to control how Dropbox uses your internet connection for syncing.

This can help you manage the impact on your network speed – especially when uploading or downloading large files.

Troubleshooting Installation issues

Here are some more common installation issues you might encounter when installing Dropbox on Linux.

Incompatible Architecture

If you download the wrong Dropbox package for your system’s architecture (e.g., trying to install a 64-bit package on a 32-bit system), the installation will fail.

Make sure to download the correct package that matches your system architecture to resolve this.

Unsupported Linux Distribution

Dropbox officially supports a limited number of Linux distributions (e.g., Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian). If you’re using a less common distribution, you may run into compatibility issues.

You can try using the generic installer provided on the Dropbox website – but it may not work on all distributions.

Glibc Version Mismatch

Sometimes, Dropbox may require a specific version of the GNU C Library (glibc) that is not available on your system. If this occurs, you might need to consider using an older Dropbox version that is compatible with your system’s glibc version.

Firewall or Proxy Issues

If you are behind a firewall or using a proxy server, it can block Dropbox from connecting to its servers. Just make sure that your firewall or proxy settings allow Dropbox traffic.

You need to configure your proxy settings in Dropbox preferences if this error occurs.

SELinux or AppArmor

Some Linux distributions use SELinux/AppArmor security modules that can restrict the operation of Dropbox. You may need to configure SELinux policies to allow Dropbox to function properly.

Installation Script Execution

If you are using the command line method – make sure that you execute the installation script correctly. Pay attention to any error messages that indicate issues with the installation process, such as incorrect paths or permissions.

Outdated Dropbox Client

If you have an outdated Dropbox client installed, it may not function correctly with the latest Dropbox servers. Regularly update your Dropbox client to the latest version available.

Important Note: error messages may vary depending on your Linux distribution and system configuration.

Always check the official Dropbox support resources/forums for specific troubleshooting steps if you encounter installation problems that are not covered here.

Uninstalling Dropbox from Linux

To uninstall Dropbox from your Linux system, you can use the following command.

sudo apt-get remove dropbox

Replace apt-get with your package manager (e.g., yum, pacman) as needed.

Remember to remove your Dropbox folder and files manually if you no longer want them on your system.

That’s it! You should now have Dropbox successfully installed and configured on your Linux system.

Conclusion ✍️

Dropbox won’t work until you successfully sign in.

There are restrictions on how many devices you can link to your account using the free edition.

The free plan supports up to 3 devices. You’ll have to remove some of the older devices that you no longer use to add new ones.

I hope you found this article very useful in learning how to install Dropbox in Linux.

You may also be interested in learning about the best Dropbox alternatives for secure and smarter storage.