cloud storage

How to Migrate from Dropbox to kDrive

Dropbox kDrive
Difficulty: Easy Estimated time: 1-2 hours

Step-by-step guide to switch from Dropbox to Infomaniak kDrive, the Swiss cloud storage alternative with strong privacy.

Prerequisites

  • A Dropbox account with files you want to migrate
  • A kDrive account (Infomaniak)

Steps

  1. Create a kDrive account

    Sign up at Infomaniak and activate your kDrive storage with up to 15 GB free.

  2. Install the kDrive app

    Download and install the kDrive desktop and mobile apps for seamless syncing.

  3. Drag-and-drop file transfer

    Copy your files from the Dropbox folder to the kDrive folder on your computer.

  4. Update shared links

    Re-share important files and folders via kDrive and notify collaborators of the new links.

  5. Uninstall Dropbox

    Once all files are verified in kDrive, remove the Dropbox app and cancel your subscription.

Why Migrate from Dropbox to kDrive?

Dropbox stores your files on US servers subject to the CLOUD Act, meaning US authorities can access your data without your knowledge. Infomaniak kDrive is hosted exclusively in Switzerland, one of the most privacy-protective jurisdictions in the world. Your data is covered by Swiss data protection law and the GDPR, with no exposure to US surveillance frameworks.

Beyond privacy, kDrive offers generous storage plans at competitive prices, built-in document collaboration with OnlyOffice, and a commitment to ecological data centres powered by renewable energy.

Detailed Migration Steps

Step 1: Create Your kDrive Account

Visit infomaniak.com and sign up for a kDrive plan. The free tier provides 15 GB of storage, which is sufficient for testing the migration. For heavier usage, paid plans start at affordable rates and include collaboration features for teams.

Step 2: Install the kDrive App

Download the kDrive desktop app for Windows, macOS, or Linux from the Infomaniak website. Install mobile apps from the App Store or Google Play. Sign in with your Infomaniak credentials and choose which folders to sync locally.

Step 3: Drag-and-Drop File Transfer

The simplest migration approach is a direct file transfer:

  1. Open your Dropbox folder in your file manager
  2. Open your kDrive folder alongside it
  3. Select all files and folders and drag them into kDrive
  4. Wait for the sync to complete (check the kDrive app status icon)

For large libraries (50 GB+), consider transferring in batches overnight to avoid bandwidth issues.

Any files previously shared via Dropbox links will need new share links:

  • Right-click files in kDrive and select Share
  • Choose link sharing permissions (view only, edit, password-protected)
  • Send updated links to collaborators and update any bookmarks or documentation

Step 5: Uninstall Dropbox

After verifying all files transferred correctly:

  1. Spot-check important documents and folder structures
  2. Unlink your computer from Dropbox at dropbox.com/account
  3. Uninstall the Dropbox desktop and mobile apps
  4. Cancel your Dropbox subscription if applicable

Tips for a Smooth Migration

  • Verify file counts in both services before deleting Dropbox
  • Check that special characters in filenames did not cause sync issues
  • Set up kDrive’s automatic camera upload on your phone to replace Dropbox’s photo backup
  • Explore kDrive’s built-in OnlyOffice integration for collaborative document editing

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