Dropbox support for macOS on File Provider

Dropbox is continuing to expand the rollout of full support for macOS 12.5 and later. Dropbox for macOS on File Provider is our latest update that utilizes Apple’s updated File Provider API and fixes issues related to opening online-only files in third-party applications. This updated experience is more deeply integrated with macOS and comes with some changes required by the API. 

Dropbox is actively working to preserve the reliability and quality of our sync experience along with these changes. Most customers are now eligible for Dropbox for macOS on File Provider.

To check your eligibility for updating to Dropbox for macOS on File Provider:

1. Click the Dropbox icon in your menu bar in the top right corner of your screen.
2. Click your initials in the upper right.
3. Click Preferences.
4. Click the Sync tab.
5. Click Get started.

If you’re not eligible for the update, you won’t see Get started. Instead, you’ll see a brief explanation of why you’re not eligible to update at this time.

Notes:

• We’re working directly with a small subset of macOS users with complex configurations to ensure their migration is as seamless as possible. 
• Some macOS users with complex configurations—like those storing their Dropbox folder on an external drive—won’t be migrated at this time. These users will continue on their existing Dropbox experience. Learn more about Dropbox for macOS and external drives below.

While we recommend opting-in to the latest version of Dropbox for macOS on File Provider, this migration isn’t required for you to continue using Dropbox. If you are not interested in receiving the latest update, you can still open online-only files directly in Finder. 

You’ll receive a notification from the Dropbox icon in your menu bar when an update to Dropbox for macOS leveraging the File Provider API is available. If you’re interested in joining our early access program, here’s how you can opt in:

• Dropbox Basic, Plus, Professional, and Family: Turn on early releases and keep an eye out for a notification to opt-in.
• Dropbox Standard, Advanced, Enterprise, and Education: Contact your Account Team or Customer Support for more information. 

Using external drives with Dropbox for macOS on File Provider

As part of the update to Dropbox for macOS on File Provider, changing the location of your Dropbox folder is no longer supported due to a requirement from Apple that all cloud storage provider folders be moved to the user’s Library folder.

We’ve been working on a solution to this with Apple as we migrate users onto Dropbox for macOS on File Provider.

The majority of external drive users aren’t eligible to migrate to Dropbox for macOS on File Provider. However, a small group of external drive users may still receive this update. If you’ve updated to Dropbox for macOS on File Provider but want to change the location of your Dropbox folder back to your external drive, you can do so by following the instructions below.

To log out of your account:

1. Click the Dropbox icon in the menu bar.
2. Click your profile picture or initials.
3. Click Preferences.
4. Click Account.
5. Click Sign out.

You’ll then be prompted to re-enter your account information.

To log back in to your account:

1. Click Sign in with Dropbox.
2. Select how you want to store your files (local or online-only).
3. Click Next.
4. Click Advanced settings when you see “You're almost finished.” 
5. Under Dropbox location, select a folder location.
   • You can choose to store the Dropbox folder on your external drive from this screen.
6. Click Done. 

Note: Changing the location of your Dropbox folder may cause issues opening online-only files in third-party applications. These files may need to be re-linked. 

Learn more about the expected changes with Dropbox for macOS on File Provider.

Want to get support and share your feedback on using Dropbox for macOS on File Provider? Join the conversation in our community forum.