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macOS File Provider: Dropbox cannot relink to existing CloudStorage folder
Application Affected Dropbox on Windows PC and iMac Sequoia Device Windows PC and iMac Sequoia Operating System/Browser (if using the web) Latest Windows, iOS 15.7.4 After a routine restart, the Dropbox desktop app lost its login state and now cannot relink to the existing File Provider folder at ~/Library/CloudStorage/Dropbox; instead the installer tries to create a new Dropbox folder. I have been successfully using Dropbox with the macOS File Provider configuration (CloudStorage location) for several months. My Dropbox folder has consistently been located at: /Users/xyz/Library/CloudStorage/Dropbox I did not reinstall the Dropbox application and I did not intentionally sign out or attempt to relink my account. The issue appears to have started after a routine computer restart, at which point the Dropbox desktop client seemed to lose its login state. When I start the app now, the first thing I see is a “Welcome to Dropbox” message and the menu bar icon indicates that the application is “Waiting to be linked to a Dropbox account.” My existing Dropbox folder remains intact. The folder at /Users/xyz/Library/CloudStorage/Dropbox still contains all my files. The .dropbox marker file is present in that folder. All files are also visible and intact on dropbox.com. When I attempt to sign in through the desktop app, the following occurs. The app asks me to sign in with Dropbox. After signing in, the setup process shows the message “There’s already a folder named Dropbox.” If I select “Choose Another Location” and point to the existing folder, the dialog says “A folder named ‘Dropbox’ will be created inside the folder you select.” This suggests the installer is trying to create a new Dropbox folder rather than adopt the existing File Provider folder. Because of that message I have not proceeded, since it appears it would create a nested structure such as: /Users/xyz/Library/CloudStorage/Dropbox/Dropbox Currently the Dropbox icon appears in the menu bar but is greyed out and the client shows the state “Waiting to be linked to a Dropbox account.” To summarize: I was already using the CloudStorage/File Provider location successfully for months. I did not reinstall Dropbox. I did not intentionally unlink the account. The existing Dropbox folder and files are still present and intact. The client appears unable to relink to the existing File Provider folder and instead tries to create a new one. During the setup flow the client also displayed the message that the desktop app cannot sync over 500,000 files. I am not sure if this is related. However, only about 150–200k files are synced locally on my iMac. I also discovered the identical situation on my Windows PC starting at about the same time, which suggests this may be related to my Dropbox account rather than the individual devices or operating systems. Could someone advise how to safely relink the Dropbox client to the existing File Provider folder at: /Users/xyz/Library/CloudStorage/Dropbox without creating a second Dropbox folder? I rely heavily on Dropbox for daily work, so I would greatly appreciate guidance. Thank you.
I'm trying to add Dropbox as a location in Files app, but it says syncing is paused.
I cannot use dropbox as a location to select files from on iphone ios 26.2.1 I have restarted, installed everything over and over. Removed preview app, and nothing. Application Affected dropbox on iphone Device iphone 17 pro ios 26.2.1 Operating System/Browser (if using the web) files iphone app Dropbox App Version (if using the app) 460.2.2 Question or Issue Need a solutionFile Provider version disconnected and now I'm not eligible for that version
Application Affected Dropbox Desktop App Device Mac Studio Operating System/Browser (if using the web) macOS 15.3 Dropbox App Version (if using the app) 239.4.8301 Question or Issue I was forced to upgrade and switch to "File Provider" which was a complete nightmare, regardless, I got it installed and everything was working fine. I just returned from being out of town and "Dropbox" is no longer in the Locations portion of Mac Finder. Further, it appears that File Provider has completely "unlinked" itself. When I tried to connect again, it said "Couldn't update Dropbox, Check your internet connection". I installed a new version, and now it says I'm ineligible for File Provider. Number of files on hard drive: 330,623Exciting news — we’ve launched the new Sync & Storage Dashboard in the Dropbox desktop app!
This dashboard makes it easier than ever to keep your files organized and your computer running smoothly. With just a click, you can: Get a real-time view of your sync status Quickly spot and resolve any syncing issues Monitor and manage how much disk space your Dropbox files are using Adjust your selective sync and storage preferences To open the dashboard, click the Dropbox icon in your taskbar (Windows) or menu bar (Mac), then select your avatar and choose Sync & storage. We’re excited for you to try it out! Please let us know your thoughts and how we can make it even better!
