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Spotlight Search Doesn't Link to Files in Dropbox in macOS 13 Ventura
After upgrading to macOS Ventura, I was prompted to upgrade to "Dropbox for macOS 12". I proceeded with that, it moved my Dropbox folder to ~/Library/CloudStorage and confirmed all was successful. No...
- That’s the same problem I had. I solved it by doing a complete clean install of dropbox. You may not need to do all of this, but to be safe, in Dropbox settings Selective Sync uncheck all of your folders and wait for them to be removed from your Mac. Once that’s done, unlink your Mac from Dropbox preferences. You should see the Dropbox getting started screen. Quit Dropbox and move the app to the Trash. Remove all dropbox files from ~/Library being careful to look at the path name. Only remove things that are within a Dropbox parent folder. Look in library application support, and library preferences. Empty the Trash. Restart your Mac. Reinstall Dropbox from dropbox.com. Once reinstalled, to make things faster sync only one small folder and wait for the prompt that new Dropbox for macOS 12 is available. You should see the message within a few minutes of reinstalling Dropbox. Allow it to upgrade and migrate your files to the new location. Once that’s done you can then sync all your folders. Let your Mac index itself and the problem should be solved.
Megan
Dropbox Community Moderator
Dropbox Community ModeratorHi everyone! Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
There are a few reasons you might be experiencing issues with searching for files within Dropbox using Spotlight.
Following the update where the Dropbox folder was moved to `~/Library/CloudStorage`, Spotlight sometimes does not re-index the folder until after it is opened for the first time.
Could you try opening the Dropbox folder in Finder (it should be under Locations in the left sidebar), and then allow a little time for indexing to take place before retrying Spotlight search?
Another reason is that the Spotlight index may need to be rebuilt, carry out the steps in this article. Keep in mind that, the article mentions the ‘Documents’ folder but you need to use the Dropbox folder instead.
If none of the above steps help, please let me know and we can take another look.
Thank you!
I have had the problem mentioned here and your suggestion got the problem half-fixed.
system: macbook pro, macOS 13.2.1, DropBox v167.4.4719
Initial problem: Spotlight searches failed to find files in ~/Library/CloudStorage/DropBox (These are files that are "offline", i.e. locally stored.)
Partial solution: I rebuilt the Spotlight index. (https://support.apple.com/en-ie/HT201716)
Good Results: Spotlight searches now find files in DropBox!
Unresolved problem: When I go to the DropBox folder in the Finder and use the Finder search box in that window, searches fail on contents and name searches. (These same searches work fine when NOT limited to the DropBox folder.)
Note: In the terminal, the DropBox directory appears to be a symbolic link.
Question: Is symlink the problem? Does Spotlight fail to recognize a symlink as a searchable "folder"? Is there a way to limit a Spotlight search to the DropBox 'folder'? thanks!
