Uploading, Downloading, and Organizing Files

Master the essentials of file management in pCloud - learn how to upload, download, and organize your files across all platforms.

File Uploads Across pCloud Apps

You can upload files to pCloud directly from the website in a few main ways.

Upload Using the Upload Manager

    1. Go to https://my.pcloud.com and sign in to your account
    2. Navigate to the pCloud folder where you want to upload your files
    3. Click the Add button in the top-right corner

    You will see several upload options:

    • File Upload
      Choose the File Upload tab, select the file from your device, and confirm.

    • Folder Upload
      Choose the Folder Upload tab, select one or more folders, and confirm.
      Note: Folder upload is available only in Chrome and Edge browsers.

    • File from URL (Remote Upload)
      Choose the Remote Upload tab, paste the direct link to the file, and confirm.

    Upload Using Drag and Drop

      1. Go to https://my.pcloud.com and sign in to your account.
      2. Navigate to the pCloud folder where you want to upload your files.
      3. Drag files or folders from your computer directly into a folder on the pCloud website.
      4. Alternatively, you can copy an image and paste it into the folder.

      Upload Using Third-Party Backup

      You can import files from other services to pCloud. One-time backups are available every 30 days.

        1. Log in to your pCloud account on the website.
        2. Click Backups in the left-side menu and select Third-party.
        3. Choose the service you want to connect, such as Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, Facebook, or Instagram, and click Start.
        4. Follow the on-screen steps to connect your account and allow access.
        5. After the connection is complete, select the files you want to back up.

        Supported third-party cloud backups:

        • Google Drive
        • Google Photos
        • Dropbox
        • OneDrive
        • Facebook
        For more details, see the Features & Tools page here.

        The pCloud Drive creates a virtual drive on your computer where you can upload files just like any other folder:

        • Copy or drag and drop files directly into your pCloud Drive
        • Files are automatically uploaded to the cloud
        • Changes sync instantly across all your devices

        Uploads Feature in pCloud Drive

        The Uploads feature allows you to upload files or folders from any location on your computer, including external devices:

        • You can upload from USB drives, external hard drives, or CDs
        • Ensure the external device stays connected during the upload process
        • Supports uploading files from any location with necessary permissions

        What Happens with Duplicate Files?

        If you try to upload a file with the same name as an existing file:

        • Same content: Upload will not proceed to avoid duplicates
        • Different content: New file will overwrite the existing one

        Important: Make sure there aren't any files with the same name and different content in the destination folder, unless you intend to use Uploads as a one-way backup process.

        Downloading Files

        Download your files from pCloud to your local device whenever you need offline access.

        Common Download Issues

        If you can't download a file on your computer, check these common causes:

        • Cache size: The cache size on your computer may be lower than required. Increase the Cache Size setting and try again
        • Insufficient space: You may not have enough free space on your computer. Clear files on your system and try again

        Upload and Download Speed Limits

        You can control your upload and download speeds in pCloud Drive:

        1. Open Settings in pCloud Drive
        2. Go to the Speed section
        3. Manually set upload and download speed limits

        Note: By default, speeds are set to Unlimited and only depend on speeds achievable by your internet provider.

        Organizing Files and Folders

        Keep your cloud storage organized with folders and file management features.

        Creating and Managing Folders

        • Create folders to organize your files by project, type, or category
        • Use nested folders for better organization
        • Rename files and folders as needed
        • Move files between folders using drag and drop

        File Synchronization

        File synchronization is the process of updating computer files on two or more locations:

        • Files are copied in both directions - upload to web platform and download to your computer
        • pCloud Drive performs real-time synchronization between the pCloud web platform and your device
        • Any changes made in one location automatically appear in the other

        Files to Avoid with Sync, Backup, or Uploads

        Certain file types are not recommended for use with Sync, Backup, or Uploads features:

        • Database files that are constantly being updated
        • System files
        • Files that are locked or in use by other applications

        Excluding Files from Sync, Backup, or Uploads

        You can exclude specific files or folders from your Backup, Sync, or ongoing transfers:

        1. Open pCloud Drive preferences
        2. Navigate to the Sync, Backup, or Uploads tab
        3. Select the files or folders you want to exclude
        4. Apply the exclusion settings

        Uploading and Downloading Files on Android

        Learn how to manage files in the pCloud Android app with easy upload and download options.

        Uploading Files from Android

        There are three ways to upload photos and videos to the pCloud Android app:

        1. Built-in Upload Manager

        1. Open the pCloud app
        2. Select the directory where you want to upload files
        3. Tap the + button
        4. Select the files you want to upload
        5. Confirm the upload

        2. Automatic Upload Feature

        The Automatic Upload feature automatically backs up all photos and videos from your device:

        • Go to the pCloud main menu
        • Open Settings
        • Locate the Automatic Upload option
        • Toggle it on

        Once enabled, all photos and videos on your device will be automatically backed up to pCloud, including new ones you take.

        Note: This feature safely backs up your mobile photos and videos to the cloud, ensuring you never lose precious memories.

        3. Upload from Android Gallery

        You can upload individual photos and videos directly from the Android Gallery:

        1. Open your Android Gallery
        2. Select a photo or video
        3. Tap the Share button
        4. Scroll down and select Save to pCloud

        Downloading Files to Android

        To download a file from the pCloud app to your Android device:

        1. Locate the file in your pCloud account
        2. Tap on the three-dot icon at the bottom right corner of the file
        3. Scroll down and select Download
        4. The file will be downloaded to your device's default Download folder

        Uploading and Downloading Files on iOS

        Manage your files easily with the pCloud iOS app on your iPhone or iPad.

        Download the pCloud iOS App

        To get started:

        1. Open the Apple Store on your iPhone or iPad
        2. Search for pCloud
        3. Download and install the app
        4. Sign in with your pCloud account

        Uploading Files from iPhone/iPad

        Upload files to your pCloud account from your iOS device:

        1. Open the pCloud app
        2. Navigate to the folder where you want to upload files
        3. Tap the + button
        4. Select the files you want to upload from your device
        5. Confirm the upload

        Automatic Upload on iOS

        The Automatic Upload feature backs up all your mobile photos and videos automatically:

        1. Go to the pCloud main menu
        2. Open Settings
        3. Locate the Automatic Upload option
        4. Toggle it on

        Important: Once enabled, all photos and videos on your iOS device will be automatically backed up to your pCloud account.

        Upload Notes to pCloud

        Transfer notes from your iOS device to pCloud Secure Storage:

        1. Open the Notes app on your iOS device
        2. Select a note you want to transfer
        3. Click on the Share icon
        4. From the options, select Save to pCloud
        Previous article

        Shared Links

        Share files and folders with anyone using Shared Links in pCloud. Learn about link settings, password protection, branding, and traffic management.

        Next article

        Managing Shares and Access Control

        Learn how to manage shared folders, control access levels, view shares, and terminate access when needed.

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