How to clear the Dropbox cache folder

Updated Nov 15, 2024

The information in this article applies to all Dropbox users.

The Dropbox cache is a hidden folder named ".dropbox.cache" that is stored in your root Dropbox folder.

You won't see this folder unless the ability to view hidden files and folders is enabled in your operating system.

If you deleted a large number of files from your Dropbox, but your computer’s hard drive doesn't reflect these deletions, the files you deleted may be held in the cache folder. Dropbox keeps a cache of files for efficiency and emergency purposes. It's also used as a staging area for downloading and uploading files.

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How do I clear the Dropbox cache folder?

Your cache folder is automatically cleared every three days. If you need to delete sensitive files immediately, or you need to clear up some space on your hard drive, you can manually clear the cache with the steps below.

Open a new Windows Explorer or File Explorer window by clicking on the Start menu and then My Computer or My PC.
Type or copy and paste the following code into the location bar at the top of the window and press return:

%HOMEPATH%\Dropbox\.dropbox.cache
This will take you directly to the Dropbox cache folder in your Application Data folder.
Delete the files in your cache by dragging them out of the Dropbox cache folder and into your Windows Recycle bin.

Dropbox team users:

If you have a Dropbox team account linked to the desktop, the name of your Dropbox folder will be appended with your team name.

For example, if you were clearing your cache on a Dropbox team account called "Organization" you'd see:

%HOMEPATH%\Organization Dropbox\.dropbox.cache

Note: You’ll need to replace “Organization” with your Dropbox team name in the path above.

If you have a personal account linked to the desktop, the name of your Dropbox folder will be appended with your personal username in parentheses “(Personal)”.

For example, if you were clearing your cache on a personal linked account, you’d see:

%HOMEPATH%\Dropbox (Personal)\.dropbox.cache

Open your Dropbox folder in Finder.
Press Shift-Command-. (period).
- A folder named “.dropbox.cache” will appear.
Open the “.dropbox.cache” folder.
Delete the files in your cache by dragging them into your Trash.

Dropbox team users: If you have a Dropbox team account linked to the desktop, the name of your Dropbox folder will be appended with your team name.

For example, if you were clearing your cache on a Dropbox team account called "Organization" you'd see:

~/Organization Dropbox/.dropbox.cache

If you have a personal account linked to the desktop, the name of your Dropbox folder will be appended with your personal username in parentheses “(Personal)”.

For example, if you were clearing your cache on a personal linked account, you’d see:

~/Dropbox (Personal)/.dropbox.cache

Note: On Mac File Provider, the folder named “.dropbox.cache” doesn’t appear.

Open a new Terminal window.
Once there, enter the command to remove the files in the Dropbox cache directory:
- For non team users, enter the path: rm -R ~/Dropbox/.dropbox.cache/*
- For team users, enter the path: ~/Organization Dropbox/.dropbox.cache
- For personal linked accounts, enter the path: ~/Dropbox (Personal)/.dropbox.cache