Automatic migration to Dropbox on File Provider

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. You may be eligible to migrate to Dropbox on File Provider.

Learn more about Dropbox on File Provider.

When will the migration take place?

If you’re eligible for the migration, you’ll receive a notification informing you of the deadline for the update will occur. Clicking Got it on the pop-up will schedule your migration for that date.

You can also check this date in Preferences in the Dropbox desktop app. To do this:

1. Click ☑ (Dropbox) in your menu bar.
2. Click your avatar (profile picture or initials).
3. Select Preferences.
4. Select the Sync tab.

The date of your migration will appear under Dropbox folder updates. You’ll also receive reminder notifications before the migration is scheduled to take place.

Can I change the date of the migration?

You can’t change the deadline for the migration, but you can reschedule it to an earlier date that works for you. You can do this using the pop-up that will appear informing you about the date of the migration:

1. Click Manage update 
2. Click Schedule at the bottom of the pop-up to open a scheduling window for the migration.
3. Choose the date and time for the update.
4. Click Schedule to confirm it.

You can also reschedule the migration in the preference page of the Dropbox desktop app. To do so:

1. Click ☑ (Dropbox) in your menu bar.
2. Click your avatar (profile picture or initials).
3. Select Preferences.
4. Select the Sync tab.
5. Click the dropdown next to Update now.
6. Select Schedule update from the dropdown.
7. Click Schedule in the pop-up.
8. Choose the date and time for the migration.
9. Click Schedule to confirm.

How long will the migration take?

The length of the migration will depend on how many files you have stored on your Dropbox account. The more files you have stored on your account, the longer it will take. On average:

•  Migrating with 10,000 files or less takes less than 10 minutes
•  Migrating with 100,000 files or less takes less than 30 minutes
•  Migrating with over 300,000 files takes over an hour

Once the migration begins, it will continue until it’s finished. If it’s interrupted for any reason, the migration will resume as soon as possible. 

You’ll still be able to access your offline files during the update, but online-only files won’t be available until the migration is complete. Any edits you make to your documents won’t sync until after the migration.

What do I need to do to prepare for the migration?

To ensure the migration to proceeds smoothly, make sure:

• The Dropbox desktop app is running
• Your files are fully synced
• Your laptop is charged to at least 20%, if you’re using one
• Your device is connected to the internet

If these conditions aren’t met at the scheduled time for the update, the update will take place as soon as they are.