Offline Access

The Offline Access feature allows you to access and work with your pCloud files even when you don't have an internet connection. This feature works differently depending on the platform you're using.

4 min read
Beginner
Desktop
Mobile

Offline Access

The Offline Access feature allows you to access and work with your pCloud files even when you don't have an internet connection. This feature works differently depending on the platform you're using.

Key Benefit: Access your important files anytime, anywhere - even without internet connectivity. Changes sync automatically when you reconnect.

Desktop Sync vs Mobile Offline Files

FeatureDesktop SyncMobile Offline Files
SynchronizationBidirectional (two-way sync)Unidirectional (download only)
ChangesAutomatically synced in both directionsNot automatically uploaded to pCloud
Storage LocationLocal folder on hard driveSystem memory (app access only)
Use CaseWorking on files offlineViewing files offline

Editing Offline Files

On mobile devices, you can edit offline files using third-party applications:

  • pCloud doesn't have built-in editors
  • When you open a file (e.g., Word document), it opens in your installed editing app
  • After editing, you need to upload the updated copy back to pCloud

Crypto Folder Limitation

Files in the Crypto Folder cannot be made available for offline access on the mobile app. Offline access is only available for files outside the Crypto Folder.

On the desktop app, Offline Access is achieved through the Sync feature, which creates a synchronized local copy of selected cloud folders.

How It Works

  • Local Copy: Creates a bidirectional sync between your pCloud folder and a local folder on your hard drive
  • Two-Way Sync: Changes made in either location are reflected in both places
  • Automatic Updates: When you reconnect to the internet, all changes sync automatically

Setting Up Offline Access on Desktop

For macOS and Windows:

  1. Open your pCloud Drive file directory
  2. Right-click on the folder you want to access offline
  3. Select Offline Access (Sync)
  4. Choose a local folder on your computer
  5. Click Add Sync to confirm

Alternative method:

  1. Open the Sync tab from the pCloud desktop app menu
  2. Click Add new sync
  3. Choose a local folder from the first dropdown menu
  4. Choose the corresponding folder in pCloud Drive
  5. Click Add Sync to confirm
  6. Monitor progress at the bottom of the Synced folders window

For Linux:

  1. Open the app's Preferences
  2. Navigate to the Sync section
  3. Create a synchronization link between a folder in pCloud Drive and an empty folder on your local hard drive

Removing Offline Access on Desktop

To remove offline access and stop the sync connection:

  1. Open the Sync tab in the pCloud desktop app
  2. Click the Stop button for the specific sync connection

Important: When you work offline, you work directly on the local folder, not on pCloud Drive. Changes sync when you reconnect.

On mobile devices, offline files allow you to download and access files without an internet connection.

How It Works

  • Downloaded to Device: Files are stored in your mobile device's system memory
  • App Access Only: Offline files can only be accessed from within the pCloud mobile app
  • One-Way Download: Changes made offline are not automatically synced back to pCloud

Enabling Offline Access on Mobile

For iOS (iPhone/iPad):

  1. Locate the file or folder you want to access offline
  2. Tap and hold on the file or folder
  3. Select Make available offline from the menu

For Android:

  1. Locate the file or folder you want to access offline
  2. Open the More options menu (three dots)
  3. Select Make available offline

Accessing Offline Files on Mobile

From the left menu:

  • Open the pCloud app
  • Tap on the left menu
  • Select Offline files

Using search (iOS):

  • Tap the Search bar at the top
  • Select Marked Offline or Offline files filter

Removing Offline Access on Mobile

  1. Locate the file or folder with offline access
  2. Open the More options menu
  3. Select Remove offline access

Using Mobile Data

By default, files are only downloaded for offline access when connected to Wi-Fi. To enable mobile data:

  1. Open Settings from the left menu
  2. Scroll to the Offline files section
  3. Toggle Use Mobile Data to ON

Note: If you're using mobile data, downloads will only start when you connect to Wi-Fi or enable "Metered Network" in the pCloud app settings.

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