Support for Dropbox on File Provider

Updated May 01, 2025
person icon

This article describes an update available to all Dropbox users on macOS.

Dropbox on File Provider uses Apple's updated File Provider (API) to more deeply integrate with macOS and fix issues related to opening online-only files in third-party applications. 
 

Your device must be running macOS 12.5 or later to use the latest version of Dropbox on File Provider. Using the latest version of macOS is strongly recommended.
 

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

  1. Click  (Dropbox icon) in your menu bar in the upper right corner of your screen.
  2. Click your avatar (profile picture or initials) in the upper-right corner.
  3. Click Preferences.
  4. Click the Sync tab.
  5. In the  Dropbox folder updates section, click Get started

 

If you’re not eligible for the update, you’ll see, “You are not eligible for Dropbox on File Provider at this time.” under Dropbox folder updates in the Sync tab.


If you’re already on Dropbox on File Provider, it will say so under Dropbox folder updates in the Sync tab.

highlighter icon

Note: We’ve begun rolling out support for storing the Dropbox folder onto compatible external drives for some users. Learn more about external drive support for Dropbox on File Provider.

While we recommend opting-in to the latest version of Dropbox on File Provider, this migration isn’t required for you to continue using Dropbox. If you're 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 leveraging the File Provider API is available.


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

How to opt out of Dropbox on File Provider

If you’ve already updated to Dropbox on File Provider and would like to switch back to your previous experience, you can do so with the following steps:

  1. Click 🗀 (Dropbox icon) in your menu bar.
  2. Click your avatar (profile picture or initials) in the upper-right corner.
  3. Click Preferences.
  4. Select  Accounts in the left sidebar.
  5. Click Sign out.
  6. Open the Dropbox desktop app.
  7. Log back into your Dropbox account.
  8. Follow the setup prompts until you see a screen that says Advanced settings at the bottom.
  9. Click Advanced settings.
  10. Check the box next to Opt out under Dropbox on File Provider updates.
  11. Click Done.

 

You’ll now no longer be on File Provider. Your Dropbox folder should now be found under Favorites in Finder.

highlighter icon

Note: Before following the steps below, ensure that the new Dropbox folder location is syncing your files and working as expected.

To delete the unlinked folder:

  1. Open Finder.
  2. Click Dropbox under Locations in the left sidebar.
    • Note: You’ll see “This is an unlinked Dropbox” at the top.
  3. In the top right corner of your screen, click Delete "Dropbox”.
  4. Click Delete.
Want to get support and share your feedback on using Dropbox on File Provider? Join the conversation in our community forum.
Was this article helpful?

Let us know how why it didn't help:

Thanks for letting us know!

Thanks for your feedback!

Community answers

Other ways to get help