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Forum Discussion
How can I migrate an entire Dropbox folder from one computer to another on Mac OS?
Device
Macbook Pro 2025
Operating System/Browser (if using the web)
macOS 13.7.8 and macOS 26.2
Dropbox App Version (if using the app)
238.4.6075
Syncing Status
Up to date
Question or Issue
I currently have about 450 GB of files sync'ed in my Dropbox folder on my Macbook Pro. I have purchased a new Macbook Pro and want to know what is the easiest way to migrate my Dropbox folder to the new laptop.
I have seen instructions from 3 years ago that say that I can copy them to the new laptop (via external hard drive for example or perhaps macOS's Migration Assistant) and then let it reindex. I want to know if this is still the best method. I really want to avoid having to re-download AND re-index 450GB of data.
3 Replies
- Dell_Dropbox
Community Manager
Hey there flingfuelexit18171231 welcome to the community
You can absolutely move your existing Dropbox folder to your new Mac without re-downloading everything.
The easiest method is to copy your entire Dropbox folder from your old Mac to the new one using an external drive, then install Dropbox and point it to that folder. Dropbox will verify the files instead of re-downloading them, which saves time and bandwidth.
Here is the step-by-step guide: https://help.dropbox.com/installs/move-dropbox-folder
- Jay
Dropbox Community Moderator
Hi flingfuelexit18171231, thanks for contacting us.
The steps there should still be applicable when connecting a new device to your Dropbox account.
If you need any further assistance, please let me know!
- Megan
Just popping in to see if you've had a chance to look at our last message. Still need help? We're all ears! If the issue is sorted, let us know what worked out for you.
