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Solved
Dropbox re-indexes files during every startup on my Mac Mini.
Application Affected Dropbox Mac version Device Mac Mini M4 Operating System/Browser (if using the web) Sequoia 15.6.1 Dropbox App Version (if using the app) v230.4.8797
Question or Issue
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After several tests, I discovered that Dropbox takes an unusually long time to reindex at every startup when my Dropbox folder is on an external SSD, even if only a small number of files are kept locally.
I eventually moved Dropbox back to my internal SSD—the last thing I wanted to do—and everything returned to normal.
It seems that the Dropbox Mac app doesn’t work well with external SSDs, most likely due to macOS’s frustrating limitations on cloud storage.
Megan
Dropbox Community Moderator
Dropbox Community ModeratorHey David Hwang, thanks for posting here today!
Reindexing is normal in order for the app to sync any local changes to your account online and vice versa. It's definitely expected when using an external SSD too.
However, as Mark pointed out it shouldn't take a long time. Keep in mind that this definitely depends on the amount of files you have available locally, inside your Dropbox folder.
How long does the process usually last, and how many files do you see when you select your Dropbox folder, and check its properties?
Let me know more, and we'll take it from there!
After several tests, I discovered that Dropbox takes an unusually long time to reindex at every startup when my Dropbox folder is on an external SSD, even if only a small number of files are kept locally.
I eventually moved Dropbox back to my internal SSD—the last thing I wanted to do—and everything returned to normal.
It seems that the Dropbox Mac app doesn’t work well with external SSDs, most likely due to macOS’s frustrating limitations on cloud storage.
