How to set up Dropbox Dash

Updated Apr 24, 2024

Dropbox Dash is currently in beta and only available in the U.S. in English. Features will be available on a rolling basis. To learn more, visit https://dash.dropbox.com.

Dash is subject to additional beta terms and conditions.

You can use Dropbox Dash to search across all your activity on your computer. You can locate files like AirTable and Word documents, open Zoom meetings, view your websites and bookmarks, and more.

Dropbox Dash system requirements

The current version of Dropbox Dash supports Windows 10, Windows 11, and macOS 10.15 or higher.

Notes:

Dropbox Dash isn't currently available for mobile devices.
To search local files, Windows Search Index must be enabled on Windows and Spotlight Search must be enabled on Mac.

How to install Dropbox Dash

To search all your activity across apps on your computer, you need to download Dropbox Dash.

To download Dropbox Dash to your computer:

Visit the Dropbox Dash signup page.
Follow your computer’s download steps.

Upon arriving at the Dropbox Dash signup page, the download will begin automatically. If the .exe file did not automatically download, click Retry download.
Double-click the .exe file in the lower left of your browser window.
Follow the steps to download Dash.
Double-click the downloaded file to launch the app.

Upon arriving at the Dropbox Dash signup page, the download will begin automatically. If the .dmg file did not automatically download, click Retry download.
In the top right of your browser window, click the .dmg file.
In the newly opened window, drag the Dash icon into the Applications folder.
Open Finder.
Open the Applications folder.
Open Dash by double-clicking your downloaded file.

How to add Dropbox Dash to your browser

To include your online activity in searches, you need to install Dash as a browser extension.

To add Dash to your browser:

Log in to dropbox.com.
Navigate to the Dash connectors page.
Click “+” (plus sign) next to Chrome Extension or Edge Browser.
Click Add to Chrome or Add to Edge.
Click Add extension.
Click Keep it in the box that appears to save Dash as your new browser.

When you open a new browser window from now on, it will open up your Dash homepage.

Notes:

If you added Dash before, but didn't add your calendar or browser extension, you can click on the Add calendar and Add to Chrome buttons to link them to Dash.
You’ll still be able to search the internet in your usual browser search bar.
You can get AI-generated answers to questions about your work and Dash by entering your question in the Search bar at the top of your Dash browser window.

How to disconnect and delete Dropbox Dash

Before uninstalling the Dash app, complete the following steps to remove Dash access to your external applications:

Log in to dropbox.com.
Go to the Dash connectors page, then click the Connected tab.
Click the three dots to the right of each connect app, then click Disconnect.
Go to the Apps tab in your account settings.
Click Dropbox Dash.
Click Disconnect and follow the prompts on the screen.
- Note: If you installed the Dropbox Dash browser extension, remove the extension from your browser. Learn how to remove extensions from Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge.

Once you’ve removed all of the connected apps, permissions, and the browser extension, you can uninstall the Dropbox Dash desktop app. Follow the instructions for your device below.

Open the Dropbox Dash desktop app.
Go to Preferences.
Click General.
Click Reset and Quit
Go to Add and Remove Programs and locate the Dropbox Dash Uninstaller.
Run the uninstaller and follow the on-screen prompts.

Open the Dropbox Dash desktop app.
Go to Preferences.
Click General.
Click Reset and Quit
Open Finder.
Click Applications and locate Dropbox Dash.
Either drag the application to trash or right-click on the Dropbox Dash icon and choose Move to Trash.
Restart your computer.

Who can’t use Dropbox Dash?

Not everyone can use Dropbox Dash during the beta. Here’s a summary of how or why you might be restricted:

You’re logged out.
- Logged out users can log in to their Dropbox account or sign up for a new Basic account. You’ll then be redirected back to the Dropbox Dash page you were trying to access.
You’re using an unsupported device.
- Dropbox Dash can only be installed on Mac or Windows computers.
- Note: Dropbox Dash is not currently available for mobile devices.
Additional users that are restricted from using Dropbox Dash during the beta:
- HIPAA teams, since Dropbox Dash is not HIPAA compliant yet.
- Customer Success Manager teams, since your contracts may not cover beta products without individual legal approval.
- Non-admin team members need to reach out to Dash support for permission before they can use Dropbox Dash.