Complete Guide: Dropbox Backup External Hard Drive [2025]

Dropbox Backup is a cloud-based feature designed to automatically backup files on one computer and one external hard drive, seamlessly integrating with your existing Dropbox account. 

Can Dropbox Back Up an External Hard Drive?

Yes, Dropbox backs up an external hard drive, such as USB external drives, portable HDDs, external SSDs, etc., commonly used for storing photos, videos, and large files, but only if the device meets Dropbox’s compatibility requirements.

Once these conditions are met, Dropbox will automatically detect the external drive and let you add it as a backup source.

How to Back Up an External Hard Drive to Dropbox

Dropbox backup external hard drive gives you an additional layer of protection against device failure, accidental deletion, theft, or natural disasters. Review and choose one of these 3 simple and effective methods.

Method 1: Drag and Drop Files to Dropbox Folder (for Smaller Files)

This method is best for users who only need occasional uploads or want full control over what gets stored in Dropbox.

Step 1. Plug in your external hard drive. Then, open the Dropbox folder on your computer.

Step 2. Create an organized structure for external drive backup, e.g., External Drive Backup > Photos, Projects, Archives, etc.

Step 3. Drag and drop the files or folders from external hard drive to your Dropbox folder. It will then sync to the cloud and other devices.

Method 2: Backup External Hard Drive using Dropbox Backup [Official Tool]

This is the most easiest method to automatically backup external hard drive to Dropbox. Download and install the Dropbox desktop app if you don’t already have it.

Step 1. Connect your external hard drive to your computer. Open the Dropbox desktop app. Then, go to Preferences > Backup and click Manage backups.

Step 2. Under Add a backup, select external hard drive and click Back up drive.

Step 3. Choose the desired folders and click Back up to perform Dropbox backup external hard drive.

Be sure to keep the drive connected until the initial backup finishes. Once finished, you may disconnect it. Dropbox will automatically resume backups when the drive is plugged in.

If you plug in a new external hard drive, Dropbox will ask if you want to backup up your drive to Dropbox, along with 3 options as follows.

• Not now: Click to backup later or when needed.
• Choose folders: Select specific folders you want to backup.
• Back up: Backup entire drive immediately while plugged in.

Method 3: Automatic Folder Backup Tool - AOMEI Backupper (More Control)

It’s ideal for users who want a real “set-and-forget” backup without relying on the official Dropbox Backup feature, which requires you to manually connect your device each time you back up. AOMEI Backupper Professional, one of the best folder backup software, helps a lot.

Step 1. Connect your external hard drive to your computer. Open AOMEI Backupper after installing. Click File Backup under Backup.

Step 2. You’ll be asked to select the source and destination.

Click Select Source > Add Folder > This PC to access external hard drive and select the desired folder. Click Add Source to select two or more folders.

Then, click the PC icon > Local Drive and enter the Dropbox folder path. Click OK.

Step 3. Click Schedule to set a backup frequency, such as daily, weekly, monthly, etc., or event triggers for continuous backup. Click Options or Backup Scheme to change the desired items. At last, click Start Backup to backup external hard drive to Dropbox automatically.

💡Tips:
◾ By default, this software uses incremental backup to save backup time and space. You choose to use differential backups.
◾ In Options, you can change compression from Normal or Higher to minimize image file size.
◾  In Backup Scheme, you can enable automatic backup cleanup to delete old backups for more space.

Why Use Dropbox to Backup an External Hard Drive?

Using Dropbox to back up an external hard drive gives you several advantages that traditional local backups can’t match. Cloud-based protection ensures your files stay safe even if your external drive is lost, damaged, or stolen. Key benefits include:

These features make Dropbox backup an effective safety net for anyone (e.g., creative professionals, remote workers, or everyday users) who rely heavily on external drives, especially for long-term storage or on-the-go work.

Dropbox Backup vs Sync: What's the Difference?

Unlike Dropbox Sync, Dropbox Backup focuses on long-term data protection rather than everyday file sharing. It continuously backs up selected drives or folders, stores previous versions, and allows you to restore files to any device at any time.

Feature	Dropbox Backup	Dropbox Sync
Purpose	For long-term data protection	Keeps files identical across devices
Behavior	Store historical copies of files	Real-time update changes
DeletedFiles	Recoverable	Deleted everywhere instantly
Overwriting Risks	Low - changes don’t overwrite backups	High - every change syncs immediately
Best for	Computer backup, external drive backup, data recovery	Daily jobs, collaboration, multi-device access

Final Thoughts

Dropbox backup external hard drive saves users from device failure, accidental deletion, theft, etc., the ideal long-term data protection. You can drag and drop folders to Dropbox folder manually, using the official Dropbox Backup feature, or automatic folder backup software like AOMEI Backupper - a “real” set-and-forget backup method, with more control.