Dropbox and Files App Issues (iOS 11)

[Neil K.]

Hello

I am having issues using Dropbox with the Files App.

1. When trying to attach a file to an email I can browse and select the file but when I select the file the round 'downloading' icon appears but it never completes. The square 'cancel' icon at the centre of the circle is unresponsive. 
2. When browsing Dropbox within the Files App some (but not all) folders display "To view the items in this folder, you need to authenticate". When I click the button to authenticate the screen briefly flickers but nothing happens. 
3. I cannot browse Dropbox within Files unless I disable my Dropbox pass-code/touch ID. A few days ago this was working.
4. The search feature within Files does not return any of the Dropbox files.

I have tried the following steps to remedy the situation:

• Cleared Dropbox cache.
• Deleted the Dropbox App and then restored it to the latest version (64.3)
• Rebooted my iPhone 7.
• Tried another device (iPad Mini 2).

None of these actions have made any difference. I would appreciate any help that you can offer.

Thank you.

[jpharrin]

I just uploaded the newest version of the app. It’s 64.3.4. If this isn’t what you have try uploading again. I haven’t experienced all of the issues you mentioned. I was able to authenticate and open files by opening the Dropbox app.

[Neil K.]

Thanks for your reply. 64.3.4 is the version I have but am still having all the same issues.

From another forum thread I have seen folder names containing a period (.) are causing some issues and indeed many of the folders I cannot view have a . in their filename. Suppose I will just have to wait until a new version is released.

Still can't attach files to email or see dropbox files in Siri search etc.

[jpharrin]

Just to make sure is Dropbox turned on for Siri?

Settings->Sire & Seaerch->Dropbox

[Neil K.]

Yes it is turned on. As I said I think it may be to do with the authentication issue with folders containing a . in their filename. I can't remember if it was the Dropbox forum or the Apple Communities forum where I read a thread with other people having similar issues with such filenames.

Just tested: I renamed a folder from "1.ComputerScience" to "1ComputerScience" and now the Files App will browse to it fine, but going to any folder with a . still gives "To view the items in this folder, you need to authenticate". Clicking 'Authenticate' just makes the screen flicker and nothing happens.

[jpharrin]

Other responses.

1. I successfully attached one file and couldn’t another (due to authorization require). The latter was a Pages file copied from either iCloud or directly from my MacBook. I don’t remember which. I downloaded the document from Dropbox and found it was saved as a zip file.

2. This might be a similar issue to #1. I think I read that iOS 11 (or Dropbox?) has issues dealing with zip files that will be corrected in a later revision?

3. I can’t duplicate this issue.

[TacoSmith]

Neil, I'm experiencing the same issue that you mentioned in #2 on my wife's new iPad Pro with iOS 11 and Dropbox. She extracted some brushes to use in an app and stored them in a folder on Dropbox via her PC. When she tries to import them via the iPad app, it opens up the Files app. She tries to navigate to the brushes but gets an error that says "To view the items in this folder, you need to authenticate". I click the authenticate link, and a gray box pops up but then disappears. She can't proceed past this screen.

[jpharrin]

The following is from a Dropbox document describing features currently not available.

***
Previewing "bundle" files, like Garageband, Ominoutliner, and iWork '09 documents (you may see Authentication error when trying to open these files)
***

https://help.dropbox.com/mobile/ios-files-app

TS what you describe might be the same file type issue and something to be resolved in future updates. Can your wife open the files in Dropbox using her PC?

[TacoSmith]

Thanks for the heads up regarding this jpharrin.  My wife can open the files from her computer and also from her iPad Pro directly from the Dropbox app.  The problem does seem to be with opening the folder through the Files app. 

[Neil K.]

Still can't navigate to folders where the name contains a full stop (.)

Other people I know are having this problem too.