Shared file not syncing consistently from Ipad MS 365, but it will update from a computer

[NCMonsterTree]

I have dropbox for business.  I have some employees that are not dropbox team members but I would like them to update some shared files through dropbox for reporting purposes.  It works seamlessly when they are using a computer, but it rarely works when they are using an ipad or other mobile device (oddly, it seems to work sometimes, but we are unable to repeat the success when it happens). 

Here is the situation:

I shared an excel file with editing privileges that is within my dropbox folders to my employee.  From an ipad, the employee selects and opens the file in drop box app which appears to give them an read only preview of the file.  Then to edit it they open excel from the dropbox app.  They make the edits, close and save.  However, the changes they made to the file do not update the original I shared with them from my dropbox folders.  

When they are using a computer, it works every time.

Is there a specific set of instructions that they need to follow to get the dropbox file to update from their ipads?

Thanks for the feedback!

[Megan]

Hi @NCMonsterTree, how are you today? Happy Friday! 

Based on all the details you shared, it sounds like the user you're sharing your file with, follows the correct set of steps. 

You can also see more about this here. 

Two important questions: when they edit the content, using their iPad, can they see the changes when they re-open the file after saving it? 

Also, do you check for the updated version locally, or using your desktop app? 

Let me know more, and we'll take it from there!

[NCMonsterTree]

Thank you,

Q1: yes, when they reopen it on their ipad the data is changed/updated.  

Q2: He was sitting next to me on his ipad and I was checking to see if the update showed up on a desktop using the app.

[Hannah]

Hey @NCMonsterTree, sorry for jumping in!

If you login to your account on dropbox.com and navigate to this file, do your employee's updates appear there?

[NCMonsterTree]

Yes, those changes are now both online and also on the app.  Is it the case that it doesn't update the desktop app immediately but after a period of time it syncs with the desktop app from online?

Thanks,

Chris

[Megan · Accepted solution]

Hey Chris! 

Long story short: yes. 

It seems that it might need some time to sync the changes your colleague made to your account online, and then on the app. 

If you're able to see the changes now, there's nothing to worry about. The first thing to keep in mind for future reference, is whether the changes someone made can be located online, or not. 

If you can, then it's a syncing issue, and something to do with the app. 

In any case, I'm glad everything is now back on track! I'll be one post away if you need anything else, thanks! 🤗