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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. Now when using Spotlight to search (I often type something like 'drawings folder' to open a folder called Drawings) the results in Spotlight show the Dropbox app icon beside the name of the item I want (rather than a Finder icon for folder or file). Hitting Enter or clicking on the result switches to Finder and does nothing, or sometimes will open the Applications folder and show the Dropbox app. It's not linking me to the actual file in ~/Library/CloudStorage.
I have done the following and the problem is not solved:
- Restarted
- Ensured all files are available for offline access
- Rebuilt the spotlight index
- Unlinked Dropbox from this Mac, did a complete clean install of dropbox, performed the upgrade to v159.4.5870 and synced just one folder to begin
Nothing works. Any suggestions??
- 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.
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- I’ve noticed that Google Drive uses the new macOS cloud storage system, but just uses a symlink back to its folder in the user’s home folder. Possibly as a workaround for this issue?
Google's implementation is either lazy, genius or both.
- Megan
Dropbox Community Moderator
Hey dreamingenthusiast, how are you today?
Can you take a look at Walter's reply here, and let me know if this works out for you?
I'll be waiting for your update, thanks!
Hi Megan, I appreciate your reply. I reviewed Walter's post that you linked. I attempted to rebuild the spotlight index on my Mac, per https://support.apple.com/en-ie/HT201716. However, when I clicked + to add Dropbox in Spotlight Privacy, the Dropbox disk did not show up under locations or in the MacBook Pro root directory. I already restarted my computer after the update where the Dropbox folder was moved to ~/Library/CloudStorage, so this appears to be a bug. How might we fix this?
- Nancy
Thanks for sending over your ticket number, Styline!
I’ve traced it in our system and I can see that one of our support agents has messaged you. When possible, please check their response and reply back to them, if necessary.
I’ve also left them an internal note, so that they know you’ve posted here.
Cheers.
- Nancy
Hi dreamingenthusiast, I hope you’re doing well.
Can you please open a support ticket as well via this link and let me know the ticket number you’ll receive?
Had same issue. Ventura and newest Dropbox Version. User on Mac without Admin rights.
I added the Cloudstorage Folder to Spotlight to not be indexed. Restartet. Testet as expected - nothing found. Removed the Folder in Spotlight preferences. Restart. Took a while but now it works.
Hi Hannah, I tried Walter's suggestion of rebuilding the spotlight indexing and it still does not work. What's next?
I've followed your suggestion of reindexing but it doesn't yield any results. The thing is, it does show the folder I searched for in the spotlight results but clicking on the result (to open the folder) does nothing, it won't work. Not sure it's still an indexing issue vs a dropbox bug post update.
