Suppose you have just installed and opened Dropbox on your iPhone or iPad. But before you can even think about doing something, you get a stupid “No Internet Connection” error. Everything else on your iOS device seems to work well in terms of connectivity. So what can Dropbox want from us?
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It happened with my iPhone. Fortunately, the “No Internet connection” error usually occurs due to a trivial reason, such as the exclusion of Dropbox from the use of network data. Let’s see what I did to fix things, plus several other fixes that might help.
Enable cellular data
Are you using cellular data to access Dropbox? Even if you have enabled cellular data on your iPhone or iPad, it is possible that Dropbox has not used mobile data. You can verify it is quite easy.
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad, then tap Mobile.
Step 2: Scroll down to the Cellular Data option, then activate the option next to Dropbox.
Launch the Dropbox app and you will find that the “No Internet connection” error has been fixed forever. This is what I did on my iPhone, and it was a generally easy solution.
Enable data from Dropbox options
Does the error “No internet connection” activate when I try to download a file? Even if you’ve allowed Dropbox to use network data, there’s another setting within Dropbox that can prevent the app from using it for downloads. It’s time to check if this could be the source of the problem.
Step 1: Switch to the Account tab in Dropbox. Next, tap the Gear Settings icon at the top of the screen.
Step 2: Activate the switch next to Use Cellular Data.
Go back completely and you probably won’t see the error message again. But be careful when downloading large files using cellular data.
Clear the Dropbox cache
If Dropbox displays the error message “No Internet connection”, regardless of whether you have cellular or Wi-Fi network data, it’s time to clear the cache before making any other corrections. This usually removes redundant data and could potentially eliminate any anomalies associated with the Dropbox app.
Step 1: Go to the Dropbox Settings screen.
Step 2: Scroll to the bottom, then tap Clear cache. Tap Clear cache again in the confirmation popup.
After clearing the cache, exit Dropbox and then reopen. It is hoped that the error “No Internet connection” has gone away. Otherwise, the next correction is right below.
TIP: Swipe up from the bottom of your iPhone or iPad to view the app selector, then swipe the Dropbox app tab up to forcibly close it.
Let’s take a look at WiFi
If you are connected to Wi-Fi, consider turning off the modem (if you can easily access it) for at least a minute, then turn it back on. That action alone can fix some bugs or glitches on your Internet connection forever.
Alternatively, you can try renewing the IP address of your Wi-Fi connection. This is just an elegant way to request a new IP address for your connection and can be done almost immediately.
Step 1: In the iOS Settings app, touch Wi-Fi. Then touch the small i-shaped icon next to your active Wi-Fi connection.
Step 2: Tap Renew IP Address, then tap Renew IP to confirm.
Go back to the Dropbox app. If everything works, then congratulations! If not, read on.
Change DNS server
Another valid solution if you are facing the Dropbox error “No Internet connection” on Wi-Fi involves changing the default DNS settings for the connection. Usually, switching to a popular DNS resolution service like Google DNS does wonders in solving common problems related to Wi-Fi connectivity.
Step 1: Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad and touch Wi-Fi. Then, tap the little i-shaped icon next to your Wi-Fi connection.
Step 2: Tap Configure DNS. Remove existing DNS servers, then add the following Google DNS servers into two separate slots:
8.8.8.8
8.8.4.4
Next, open Dropbox. If you still see the error we see what else we can do.
Restore network settings
Since you have already processed some fixes, it is finally time to restore the network settings for your iPhone or iPad. This usually resolves any persistent problems caused by incorrect configuration settings on Wi-Fi and cellular connections.
However, by doing this you will also delete all the Wi-Fi hotspots saved after the reset, so keep that in mind. But it’s an almost safe way to get Dropbox back online and it’s worth it.
Step 1: In the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad, tap General, then tap Restore.
Step 2: Tap Restore Network Settings, then tap Restore Network Settings again in the confirmation window.
After recovery, connect to a nearby Wi-Fi hotspot or enable cellular data and then use Dropbox. You probably won’t have any problems from now on.
Update / Re-install app
If everything fails, consider upgrading the app. Head to the App Store, check for Dropbox updates and apply any available ones. Any known connectivity issues should be resolved later.
If this does not solve the problem or if there are no new updates available, try reinstalling the app. You have two ways to remove the Dropbox app- delete or offload.
Removing the app from your iPhone or iPad removes it, including all files and other data that have been configured to stay offline. Press and hold the Dropbox app icon, then delete it. Then reinstall it via the App Store.
Offloading removes the app but keeps all downloaded files intact. If you are worried about having to download files again or lose data that has not yet been backed up in the cloud, this is the safest option, and the following steps show you how to do it.
Step 1: In the Settings app, tap General, then tap iPhone / iPad Storage.
Step 2: Tap Dropbox, then tap the Offload App.
After downloading Dropbox, simply tap the icon from the Home screen (yes, it will still be there) to re-download it. This should prevent the error from occurring again.
Conclusion
We hope that the above corrections will work and that you can return to synchronize and share files in Dropbox. It is likely that the error was caused by disabling network data or improper Wi-Fi settings that prevented the app from connecting online. I hope you don’t need to reset network settings or reinstall Dropbox.
So, do you have any other advice? Share it in the comments.
