Need to see if your shared folder is taking up space on your dropbox 👨‍💻? Find out how to check here.

Forum Discussion

simonellery's avatar
simonellery
Helpful | Level 5
5 years ago

Files Not Downloading With Double Click

Hi there. I am looking at a dropbox guide. It says 'To access a file that is stored with Smart Sync, team members can just double-click it and Dropbox quickly downloads and opens it on their computer...
desktop
Download
Mac
sync
cgravelm's avatar
cgravelm
New member | Level 2
5 years ago

I have the same issue. I have two dropbox (one personal and one business through work) that I have installed on two computers (iMac at work, and MacBook at home). Double-clicking to download smart sync files works on my laptop, but not on my work computer. I also get an error message saying that I do not have permission to open the file. Both computers have Big Sur 11.6.

tanaudel's avatar
tanaudel
Explorer | Level 4
5 years ago

I'm having the same problem. I'm on a MacBook Pro with Monterey. ANY file that's not stored locally I have to right click on and make local in order to open it. Even if it's small and the connection is great.

  • sprocket003's avatar
    sprocket003
    Collaborator | Level 8
    4 years ago

    I also am having the same issue! When I double click a file that's in the cloud the Finder says "The file couldn't be opened." I'm on Monterey 12.0.1 on an M1.

    • Walter's avatar
      Walter
      Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
      4 years ago
      Hi all!

      For anyone affected by this, could you please try the steps outlined here and let me know if you notice any difference?
      • simonellery's avatar
        simonellery
        Helpful | Level 5
        4 years ago

        Nope, does nothing.

About View, download, and export

Node avatar for View, download, and export
Need support with viewing, downloading, and exporting files and folders from your Dropbox account? Find help from the Dropbox Community.

The Dropbox Community team is active from Monday to Friday. We try to respond to you as soon as we can, usually within 2 hours.

If you need more help you can view your support options (expected response time for an email or ticket is 24 hours), or contact us on X, Facebook or Instagram.

For more info on available support options for your Dropbox plan, see this article.

If you found the answer to your question in this Community thread, please 'like' the post to say thanks and to let us know it was useful!