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Forum Discussion
LinaFerro
3 months agoNew member | Level 1
Apps in my iPhone say my Dropbox is empty when I try to attach files
Hello!
Whenever I try to attach a file saved in Dropbox from an app (for instance, WhatsApp message, or Mail app) in my iPhone (iOS 18.1), the app says my Dropbox is empty, although it is fully synced in my phone.
Interestingly, from the Messages app I'm able to attach a file and if I open the Dropbox app and select to export a file to WhatsApp or Mail, it works.
I've tried disabling and enabling Dropbox from the Browse option, clearing history and website data and restarting the phone, and nothing worked.
Any suggestions?
Thank you!
- torrmundiHelpful | Level 5
I have a similar issue: IPad with Dropbox installed, v410.2.2, and accessing Dropbox through IPad’s Files app, Files says “Dropbox is Empty”. I am properly signed in, and internet is available. This device shows up in Linked Devices. There are even 8 offline files, according to the local account page. I do have cellular data off, but it should be fine with WiFi access. I tried clearing the Dropbox cache. Going to Dropbox>Files, I see all the files I should, including photos I took yesterday. Clearly, sync is working. Not being able to access Dropbox through the native Files app really puts a hurt on being able to access Dropbox content in other applications.
- Walter
Dropbox Staff
Hi there LinaFerro - sorry to hear you're having issues with this.
Can you please send us a screenshot of the exact error you're getting so that we can have a visual too?
Are you doing this via the Files app on your device perhaps by the way?
Have you tried clearing the app's cache since you first noticed this?
Let us know more and we'll take it from there, Lina.
- benkrallNew member | Level 2
Dropbox have not responded or attempted to fix this.
it is still impossible to add a Dropbox file from outside the Dropbox app - Dropbox is empty.
The files integration does not work with Dropbox, it just shows “Dropbox is empty” even though if I open the Dropbox app, everything is there.
Dropbox don’t understand that this is broken and they don’t get how to fix it.
- Rich
Super User II
benkrall wrote:
it is still impossible to add a Dropbox file from outside the Dropbox app - Dropbox is empty.
It's working fine for me, following the same example that LinaFerro provide in their screenshots above.
Go into the Files app first and open Dropbox. Make sure you can browse your files in the Files app normally. If you can, try to attach a file from Dropbox (through Files) again.
- LinaFerroNew member | Level 1
Hey, Walter, thanks for your message. Here's what happens:
1. I open WhatsApp
2. I click on the “+” to open the menu, then click on “Document”
3. I select “Choose from files”, then “Browse” so the Dropbox icon is accessible
4. I click on “Dropbox” and the app says it is empty
Thanks for your help!
- JodyHill34New member | Level 1
I am having the same issue. Using my iPhone, if I try to attach a file in a browser or in email, I receive a message stating, “Dropbox is empty”. Please help
- Rich
Super User II
JodyHill34 wrote:
Using my iPhone, if I try to attach a file in a browser or in email, I receive a message stating, “Dropbox is empty”.
Don't try to attach the file directly from the Dropbox app. Add Dropbox as a location in the Files app, then attach from Files. You'll be able to navigate your Dropbox from Files. It's a much smoother implementation since Files is part of iOS.
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