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Files cannot be accessed when using certain WiFi networks — Dropbox related?
Hello. Am having difficulty accessing files on Dropbox from my computer when I am using certain WiFi connections... wondering what the issue is...
I discovered it's a WiFi/Dropbox issue as it only happens when I am not at home, using some sort of public WiFi (maybe with a firewall?). I just could not access any files — InDesign files or even a JPG file in Photoshop. The apps just hang and I have to force restart the programmes. I then realised I couldn't even preview the JPGs in Finder and I couldn't cut/paste the files into a non-Dropbox folder on my computer (it just hangs).
Some files (recent ones) could be accessed though... it's quite random for now, I couldn't discover the reason.
Sometimes Dropbox just says "Reconnecting to the internet, this may take a moment". I change to my phone hotspot and it could sync, but still I couldn't access the files properly.
I tried to right-click and select "Make Available Offline", and it's checked in Preferences.
Anything I am missing out that would make the files accessible again? Kind of worrying especially if I am using some wonky wifi when I am outside for work, and I couldn't open files...
My Dropbox version: 230.4.8797. I am using macOS, on Sequoia 15.5.
Thank you! Hopefully it's a small issue and rectification is easy.
My guess here is the files are not available offline and as such when you are trying to open them without a connection to Dropbox they cannot open as they arent actually on your machine.
I have found quite a few public WiFi's now block Dropbox (and OneDrive/GDrive etc.) as I assume it was using too much bandwidth.
5 Replies
- Mark
Super User II
My guess here is the files are not available offline and as such when you are trying to open them without a connection to Dropbox they cannot open as they arent actually on your machine.
I have found quite a few public WiFi's now block Dropbox (and OneDrive/GDrive etc.) as I assume it was using too much bandwidth.
Will go back to my home wifi to see if I've marked (or not) the option for the files to be available offline. I think this issue happened after I've changed the dropbox syncing to be a different type (File Provider version I think)... Thanks for the reply..
- Megan
Dropbox Community Moderator
Hey JK! I hope you're doing well!
My first thought is indeed what Mark already mentioned about online-only files. It's worth checking out if this behavior happens with all of your content, or just the online-only ones.
You might also want to take a look at this relevant Help Center article about whitelisting the Dropbox desktop app.
Lastly, Dropbox can also fail to connect due to proxy settings which may have been changed either by other programs or by your network administrator. If you're having connection problems even though you haven't set up a proxy server, try the steps mentioned here.
If none of this works, let me know and we'll drive deeper into this.
In any case, keep me posted of any updates!
Hi there, thanks, I think making the files "offline" worked. I now see a 'tick in a green circle' icon next to the files or folders, when previously there was none. I haven't had a chance to work with an external WiFi yet but I think the problem should solved! I will try another day to see if I still have issues.
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