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Syncing icons are missing on Mac OS
Application Affected
Dropbox desktop app / newest update as of 2/3/2026
Device
M3 iMac
Operating System/Browser (if using the web)
Sequoia
Dropbox App Version (if using the app)
241.4.4795
Question or Issue
DB auto updated the other day. I am running the desktop app on 2 machines, an M3 and M4. Both the same OS. After the update, the M3 lost the BLUE Sync icon when syncing and then the GREEN icon when synced.
Nothing has changed on the machine other than DB update. Now the M4 machine is running fine. No issues with the BLUE or GREEN icons.
I did some research and it was suggested to remove any apps like ONE-DRIVE so I did remove it on the M3 but that didn't help. I also have ONE-DRIVE on the M4.
So I need this fixed as I work off of DB all the time and need to know what it synced, what is being synced. So if anyone has a fix - that would be awesome.
If there is a way to install the previous DB app that did work and turn off auto-update, that would be great. It is a little concerning that DB automatically updates its app without my permission and if there is a glitch that can corrupt or erase all my files, that could be a major issue. Glad this glitch is only the icons but it could be worse so I don't think DB should do auto-update.
THANK YOU!
26 Replies
- Walter
Dropbox Community Moderator
Hi there J-Reacher - sorry to hear you're having issues with this.
Have you tried logging out of the Dropbox desktop app through the app's preferences and then back in since you first noticed this?
If not, can you give it a go and let me know if this persists?
While we're at it, if you have any other 3rd party apps that are running on your computer, please temporarily disable them as they might be interfering.
In any case, keep us posted!
I have logged out and then back in.
I have reinstalled the DB app after doing a complete delete of DB app. Then it went into sync mode and had all blue check icons but none of them turned to green even after hours of sync. So I restarted and then all the blue icons disappeared.
I have already indicated: I did some research and it was suggested to remove any apps like ONE-DRIVE so I did remove it on the M3 but that didn't help. I also have ONE-DRIVE on the M4. I HAVE A COMPLETE CLONE OF MY BOOT DRIVE ON MY M3 ANE M4 AND THE M4 IS RUNNING FINE!
So this is an issue with your app. I did not have the problem until DROPBOX chose to update the app WITHOUT MY PERMISSION. So FIX IT!
- Walter
I see, thanks for the update and sharing your thoughts on this J-Reacher.
At this point. can you perform a clean advanced reinstall and let me know how it goes?
Nope - didn't work. I followed the instructions and re-connected to my DB drive so it can start re-syncing.
The blue icons came up and I have been letting it sync but then I rebooted and now no blue icons. DB icon in the menu bar says it's syncing. Just doesn't indicate it with the blue or green icons.
Really wish you guys wouldn't have auto update. Seems like this has been a problem in the past. IDK why you guys can't figure it out. I have wasted so much time on this issue -
- Walter
I see, thanks for the update on this one J-Reacher - much appreciated.
I was able to locate your ticket with our support team and pass your comments on so that the expert who's looking into your case is aware.
They'll be getting back to you soon, but please let me know if you have anything else to add in the meantime.
I have been having this issue as well and have tried all the recommended "fixes" stated above. This appears to be a dropbox issue - would love to see speedy fix from dropbox!
Thanks!
Hey Kelly,
When did you start having this problem? What machine are you having an issue with? This issue started the other day for me after the upgrade on my M3 Mac. My M4 Mac has no issue. So just curious because this has been expedited to their top techs on what to do to solve this. So I would like to know from you so that I can show them that this is a bigger issue than just me. Then I can keep you informed on what I find out.
Thanks
Im using a MacApple M2 Pro, and it was happening for the past 2-3 days, I wasnt on the most recent OS, so I updated this morning to tahoe 26.2, and still no sync icons. Seems like dropbox has had this problem a lot, since I see a bunch of related threads over the years for this exact issue.
Ya - this is pissing me off. I think it's def an issue with M2 and M3 because my M4 doesn't have the problem. OK thanks - I will let them know.
- Hannah
Hey kellyA, sorry to see that you're also having an issue with this.
Have you tried reaching out to our support team yet?
