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.
You can upload files to pCloud directly from the website in a few main ways.
Upload Using the Upload Manager
- Go to https://my.pcloud.com and sign in to your account
- Navigate to the pCloud folder where you want to upload your files
- 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
- Go to https://my.pcloud.com and sign in to your account.
- Navigate to the pCloud folder where you want to upload your files.
- Drag files or folders from your computer directly into a folder on the pCloud website.
- 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.
- Log in to your pCloud account on the website.
- Click Backups in the left-side menu and select Third-party.
- Choose the service you want to connect, such as Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, Facebook, or Instagram, and click Start.
- Follow the on-screen steps to connect your account and allow access.
- After the connection is complete, select the files you want to back up.
Supported third-party cloud backups:
- Google Drive
- Google Photos
- Dropbox
- OneDrive
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:
- Open Settings in pCloud Drive
- Go to the Speed section
- 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:
- Open pCloud Drive preferences
- Navigate to the Sync, Backup, or Uploads tab
- Select the files or folders you want to exclude
- 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
- Open the pCloud app
- Select the directory where you want to upload files
- Tap the
+button - Select the files you want to upload
- 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:
- Open your Android Gallery
- Select a photo or video
- Tap the Share button
- Scroll down and select Save to pCloud
Downloading Files to Android
To download a file from the pCloud app to your Android device:
- Locate the file in your pCloud account
- Tap on the three-dot icon at the bottom right corner of the file
- Scroll down and select Download
- 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:
- Open the Apple Store on your iPhone or iPad
- Search for pCloud
- Download and install the app
- Sign in with your pCloud account
Uploading Files from iPhone/iPad
Upload files to your pCloud account from your iOS device:
- Open the pCloud app
- Navigate to the folder where you want to upload files
- Tap the
+button - Select the files you want to upload from your device
- Confirm the upload
Automatic Upload on iOS
The Automatic Upload feature backs up all your mobile photos and videos automatically:
- Go to the pCloud main menu
- Open Settings
- Locate the Automatic Upload option
- 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:
- Open the Notes app on your iOS device
- Select a note you want to transfer
- Click on the Share icon
- From the options, select Save to pCloud
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