How to Use Dropbox on a Chromebook
Updated on by Jim Mendenhall
Dropbox has come a long way on Chromebooks. What once required a third-party Chrome extension now works natively through the Dropbox Android app, which integrates directly into Chrome OS. Whether you prefer the full-featured Android app or the simplicity of Dropbox’s web interface, getting your files synced and accessible on a Chromebook is straightforward. Here’s everything you need to know about using Dropbox on Chrome OS.
Using the Dropbox Android App
The Dropbox Android app is the best way to use Dropbox on a Chromebook. Since all modern Chromebooks support Android apps through the Google Play Store, you get the same polished experience you would on an Android phone or tablet, but with the benefit of a larger screen and keyboard.
To get started, open the Google Play Store on your Chromebook and search for Dropbox. Install the app, then sign in with your Dropbox account. The app will walk you through the initial setup, which only takes a minute or two. Once you are signed in, you can browse, open, and manage your Dropbox files right from the app window.
The real convenience comes from Chrome OS Files integration. After installing the Dropbox Android app, Dropbox appears as a location in the Chrome OS Files app sidebar. This means you can browse your Dropbox files alongside your local storage, Google Drive, and any other connected cloud services without switching between apps. You can drag and drop files between Dropbox and local storage, or copy files between Dropbox and Google Drive, all within the same file manager window.
If you need access to certain files when you are offline, the Dropbox app lets you mark individual files or folders as available offline. This is especially handy if you use your Chromebook while traveling or in areas with spotty internet. The app will download those files to local storage and keep them synced whenever you reconnect. Keep in mind that offline files take up space on your Chromebook’s internal storage, so be selective about what you cache locally, particularly if your device has limited storage.
Using Dropbox Through the Web
If you would rather not install the Android app, Dropbox’s web interface at dropbox.com works perfectly well in Chrome OS. The web version gives you access to all of your files and most of Dropbox’s features, including file sharing, version history, and folder management. It handles drag-and-drop uploads from the Chrome OS Files app, so moving files into Dropbox is as easy as dragging them into the browser window.
The web interface is a good choice when you need quick access to a shared link or want to manage folder permissions without installing anything. It is also useful on managed Chromebooks where the Google Play Store might be restricted by an administrator. For day-to-day use, though, the Android app is more convenient because of its deeper integration with Chrome OS and support for offline access.
The Old Chrome Extension Approach
If you have been using Chromebooks for a while, you might remember the File System for Dropbox extension developed by Yoichiro Tanaka. This Chrome extension used the File System Provider API to mount Dropbox as a virtual file system inside the Chrome OS file browser. It was a clever workaround at a time when Chromebooks did not support Android apps, and it served the community well for years.
That extension is no longer needed on modern Chromebooks now that the Dropbox Android app provides the same file browser integration with better performance and more features. If you have an older Chromebook that does not support Android apps, the extension may still be useful. Otherwise, you can safely remove it and switch to the Android app instead.
Other Cloud Storage Options
Dropbox is far from the only cloud storage service that works on Chromebooks. Depending on your needs, you might want to use one or more of these alternatives.
Google Drive is built right into Chrome OS and requires no setup at all. It appears in the Files app by default, and files stored in Google Drive are tightly integrated with Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. For most Chromebook users, Google Drive is the primary cloud storage option, and it works seamlessly with offline mode when you enable it through Google Drive settings.
Microsoft OneDrive is available as an Android app from the Google Play Store, and it works much like Dropbox does on Chrome OS. If you are already using Microsoft 365 for work or school, OneDrive is the natural choice for file storage. The Android app integrates with Chrome OS Files, so you can access your OneDrive alongside other storage services.
Box also offers an Android app that works on Chromebooks. It is particularly popular in enterprise environments where IT departments have standardized on Box for file sharing and collaboration. The setup process is similar to Dropbox: install the app, sign in, and your files become accessible through Chrome OS.
Managing Cloud Storage in Chrome OS Files
One of the underrated features of Chrome OS is how well the Files app handles multiple cloud storage services. Once you have installed the Android apps for your preferred services, each one appears as a separate entry in the Files app sidebar. You will see Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and any other connected services listed right alongside your local Downloads folder.
This unified view makes it easy to organize files across services. You can move a document from Google Drive to Dropbox by dragging it between sidebar entries, or copy photos from your local storage to OneDrive with a simple right-click. The Files app treats all of these locations as equals, so the workflow feels natural regardless of where your files actually live.
If you work with files on a local network rather than cloud storage, Chrome OS also supports connecting to network file shares using SMB. For a walkthrough of that process, see our guide on connecting to network shares.
