How to Backup Dropbox to Synology NAS with 2 Free Tools

Scenario

How do I download files from Dropbox to Synology?

Bit of a backward question to the one that's usually posed: I'm interested in downloading the files from my Dropbox account to my Synology DS, with the goal of eventually shuttering my Dropbox account and instead using the DS plus a B2 cloud backup.
Is there an easier way to do this than downloading to my computer and then transferring the files via external HDD to the Synology DS?

- Question from Reddit.com

As cloud services and NAS devices are becoming more and more popular, there are a number of people who save files on both of the two locations. If you are using Dropbox and Synology NAS at the same time, you may want to run Dropbox backup to Synology in the following situations:

• Strengthen data security. According to the 3-2-1 backup strategy, you’d better backup important files to two different storage types.

• Manage data centrally. NAS provides a place for users to manage files from different platforms.

• Change cloud service. If you want to use other cloud services instead of Dropbox, you may transfer files from Dropbox to Synology as a transition.

Then, how to backup Dropbox to Synology NAS? There are two methods for your reference:

• #1. Run Synology Dropbox Backup via Synology Cloud Sync

• #2. Backup Dropbox on Synology with a free sync tool

#1. Run Synology Dropbox Backup via Synology Cloud Sync

When it comes to backing up Dropbox files to Synology NAS, you may first think of an official program. Yes, Synology provides an application called Cloud Sync to help users sync files between Synology NAS and public cloud services. You are allowed to perform Synology bidirectional sync or one-way sync based on your needs. Follow the steps below to download files from Dropbox to Synology only:

1. Install Cloud Sync from the Package Center and open it.

2. Click the “+” button in the lower-left corner to bring out a window for selecting cloud providers. Choose Dropbox and click Next.

3. Log into your Dropbox account and click Agree to allow syncing.

4. Configure a sync task to transfer files from Dropbox to Synology NAS.

• Name your sync task in “Connection name”.

• In the “Local path” box, click on the folder icon to create a folder to sync the data to or choose an existing folder on your Synology NAS.

• In the “Remote path” box, leave the default value Root folder if you want to sync all folder structures of your Dropbox account. You can also click on the folder icon to specify the folders you want to sync.

• Choose Download remote changes only in “Sync direction”. This option will perform one-way sync from Dropbox to Synology NAS.

• Set “Data encryption” and “Schedule settings” based on your needs.

5. If needed, click Advanced settings to prevent certain files from being synced. Then, click Apply to start syncing after confirmation.

#2. Backup Dropbox on Synology with a free sync tool

Although it is not difficult to operate Synology Cloud Sync, users feel frustrated when they find Synology Cloud Sync not syncing all files. At this time, a reliable Cloud Sync alternative can cheer you up.

AOMEI Backupper Standard, the best free file sync tool, works well to backup Dropbox to NAS. Following are its main features:

• It allows you to sync files between various locations, such as sync two directories, sync PC to PC and so on.

• It enables you to create a scheduled sync task based on Daily/Weekly/Monthly mode.

• It supports all common NAS devices including Synology, QNAP, and Seagate. And it supports seven cloud drives, i.e. Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Box, SugarSync, hubiC and Cloudme.

How to run Dropbox backup to Synology with AOMEI Backupper

▶ Preparations:

• Download and install Dropbox desktop app, and then sign in with your account.

• Download and install free file sync software.

Step 1. Open AOMEI Backupper, click Sync and select Basic Sync which means to perform one-way sync. To enjoy more advanced sync modes like Mirror Sync and Real-Time Sync, please upgrade to AOMEI Backupper Professional.

Step 2. Edit the task name based on your needs. Then, click Add Folder to navigate to your Dropbox local folder.

Step 3. Expand the drop-down menu of the second bar and choose Add Share or NAS Devices. In the pop-up window, enter the IP address of Synology NAS and click the blue button at the right. Type username and password when asked to.

Step 4. After Synology NAS has been added, all the folders under it will be listed. Choose one folder to store the synced folder and click OK.

Step 5. Confirm the operation and click Start Sync to begin syncing files from Dropbox to Synology.

✎ Tips:

• You can configure more sync settings from Options and set up automatic sync from Schedule Sync.

• If you have created sync tasks with different NAS devices, you can go to Tools > Storage Management to manage your NAS storage space.

• If you have an AOMEI account, you are able to backup files to AOMEI Cloud using the Cloud Backup feature.

Wrapping things up

How to backup Dropbox to Synology NAS in Windows 11/10/8/7? This page offers you two effective methods. Generally, Synology Cloud Sync can meet your demands. However, if it fails, you may turn to free file sync software - AOMEI Backupper. It supports a wide range of cloud services and NAS devices.

What’s more, AOMEI Backupper owns the clone feature which enables you to upgrade hard drive to SSD with secure boot. Why not give it a try?