I am running an iPad Pro (3rd generation) with iOs 15.1, but I had the same problem with previous versions of iOs as well. I have two issues. First, I have tried a number of times to add Dropbox folders as "Favourites" in the side bar. It works when I add them, but then later they just disappear. Second, when trying to access my Dropbox files through the iOs Files app, the connection seems to periodically drop out. It works fine most of the time, but often I will try to load it and it just shows me a blank screen. I then have to leave it sitting there for about 10 minutes and eventually it reloads and takes me back to the home Dropbox folder. But during that time if I try to access Dropbox through the Files app it just doesn't load. Below is a screenshot of me trying to access Dropbox:

For those of you on this thread, I would not waste my time here. I spent months trying to resolve this with no results. I have tried every trouble shooting device in the book (there's and mine). Requests from them to communicate via email that went no where. I'm an IT professional with over 30 years experience in the industry and know what I'm doing. There final resolution always seems to be it's the device providers problem, which is crazy since it's the device providers OS. Who blames the operating system? There is a definite problem in their app that they just don't want to address it. Hannah - sorry if this seems rude, but I've reached the end of my rope. Kindest regards,Miss Paulette

I finally had to move my files to google drive. I couldn’t get work done any longer. I still have a Dropbox account because my wife hasn’t moved yet, and I check on this problem from time to time and it still occurs. For what it’s worth, dropbox support contacted me that same as they are you. I got escalated to tier 2. I sent them videos showing what happens. It happens on EVERY file integration as you know, but I just picked one as an example. The tech immediately blamed the other application and closed the ticket. Hope you have better luck but I wouldn’t count on it.

I've been having the same problem for a very long time. It doesn't happen with any of the other cloud services I have set up in Files. Only in Dropbox. It doesn't happen when I use the Dropbox app itself. Only when I access Dropbox files through the Files app on my iPad. It is not just annoying, it prevents me from being able to do my job. All the files I need to edit are housed in Dropbox. I need to open the PDF documents in Files so I can handwrite feedback on them with my iPad and Pencil. When the connection drops, it can be up to 5 minutes before I can be productive again. That kills my ability to get all my work done. I wish someone would get this resolved!

Yes - I have the very same issue with Dropbox dropping out of connection through the files app on my IPad Pro 5th gen (IOS15.4.1). All I can say is that the previous contributors to this thread have described the problem accurately and I have nothing further to add except to add my voice to those that need to get this issue fixed as soon as possible as it is an annoying glitch that causes a significant impact on productivity on the iPad which on the whole is a great tool. It must be a APPLE/Dropbox protocol issue as the stand alone Dropbox app does not experience any dropouts - only through files.

Hi all. I have had some email contact from dropbox out this issue we are all having. Unfortunately it has been a very predictable interaction with dropbox basically passing the buck to apple and not taking any responsibility for the issue. I pointed out that it could be an apple and Dropbox issue but that dropbox as a platform would stand a better chance of getting apple to cooperate than us as single end users. No luck as yet with getting them to do anything constructive.

Integration with iOs Files app dropping out

66 Replies

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Dmkiz
Explorer | Level 4
4 years ago
And here's a screenshot of what happens when it drops out:
Jay
Dropbox Community Moderator
4 years ago
Hi Dmkiz, thanks for bringing this to our attention.

If you're not on a Dropbox Basic plan with more than 3 devices connected, could you try uninstalling the app, rebooting the device, and re-installing it to see if this helps?

Keep me updated with any progress!
Dmkiz
Explorer | Level 4
4 years ago
Unfortunately that didn't solve the problem. I just got the same thing again:
Jay
Dropbox Community Moderator
4 years ago
It sounds like there might be a connection issue with the Dropbox site.

Do you have any proxy, VPN, firewall, security software, or even ISP/router issues could be restricting traffic to the following Dropbox domains?
Dmkiz
Explorer | Level 4
4 years ago
No I don't have a proxy or VPN. And I get the same problem on my home and work wifi networks and on mobile.
Jay
Dropbox Community Moderator
4 years ago
It does appear to be an issue with the device itself in some way. I'd recommend getting in contact with the support team directly for further assistance.
bsullens
Helpful | Level 5
4 years ago
I've been having the same problem for a very long time. It doesn't happen with any of the other cloud services I have set up in Files. Only in Dropbox. It doesn't happen when I use the Dropbox app itself. Only when I access Dropbox files through the Files app on my iPad. It is not just annoying, it prevents me from being able to do my job. All the files I need to edit are housed in Dropbox. I need to open the PDF documents in Files so I can handwrite feedback on them with my iPad and Pencil. When the connection drops, it can be up to 5 minutes before I can be productive again. That kills my ability to get all my work done. I wish someone would get this resolved!
Walter
Dropbox Community Moderator
4 years ago
Hey bsullens, sorry to hear you're having issues with our integration with the Files app for iOS/iPadOS devices.

Could you please let us know some additional information about the issue at hand?

For example, what is your device's OS and the version of our mobile app used on the affected devices?

Does this happen when you're on cellular data, wifi or both?

Any additional information is more than welcome.
bsullens
Helpful | Level 5
4 years ago
I'm using my iPad when this occurs. I honestly have not tried it on my iPhone because the reason I am opening these files in the Files app is for markup with the pencil. My iOS version on the iPad is 15.2.1. This iPad does not have cellular capability, so it happens when I am connected to Wifi. I can force a fix by turning off Wifi for about 3-4 minutes, but I have no way of knowing if that is any faster than just waiting for it to fix itself in about that same amount of time. It interrupts my workflow and worst of all my rhythm when grading. Keeping that momentum going is critical for me to get it all done in the limited time we have to turn around grades and provide equitable feedback to each student. As a workaround, when the drop outs occur multiple times during a single grading session, I have moved all my files to a secondary cloud drive in a temporary folder. I finish my grading run from that cloud service without any interruption by lost connections, and then I move the files back into Dropbox to maintain a consistent location for all my student submissions. I do not like having my files in multiple places, even for a short period of time. The risk of forgetting where a set of files is located or ending up with multiple versions on different cloud services in different stages of completion is too great. I started with Dropbox before I added any other cloud storage services to my mix. The vast majority of my prep and grading records are there. It would be a huge project to completely switch all those files over to a different cloud service just because the connection keeps dropping out on the device I use to do my grading markup. I sincerely hope someone can help. If you need additional info, please let me know.
Barry
bsullens
Helpful | Level 5
4 years ago
By the way, the problem has already occurred three times during the last 30 minutes of this current grading run. Quite frustrating and detrimental to my ability to get my work done in a reasonable amount of time.

EDIT: Side note, it just happened again, so I went to the Settings app to turn off Wifi for a few minutes. Before doing so, I nosed around the General tab and noticed I had an update pending. I doubt it will have much effect, but I wanted to let you know that by the time you read this post, I will be running 15.3.1.