How to check if your files and folders are syncing
This article describes a feature available to all Dropbox users, unless otherwise stated.
How to sync a file or folder
To sync a file or folder:
- Open the Dropbox folder in File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac).
- Locate the file or folder you’d like to sync.
- Right-click the file or folder.
- Click Sync next under Quick Actions.
Your file or folder will start syncing immediately.
The Dropbox desktop app syncs or updates when you add or update files or folders in your Dropbox account.
How to check if your files and folders are syncing
To check the sync status of all files and folders:
- Click the Dropbox icon in your taskbar (Windows) or menu bar (Mac).
- The sync status displays at the bottom of the window that appears. You may see:
- Indexing: Means your files and folders are preparing to sync with your Dropbox account. While in this state, changes to files and folders won’t be reflected.
- Syncing [file name]: Indicates a specific file is syncing with your Dropbox account.
- Syncing [x] files: Indicates a specific number of files are syncing with your Dropbox account.
- Syncing paused until [x]: Indicates you have paused syncing. You can pause synching for 30 minutes, 1 hour, Until tomorrow, or Indefinitely. The status shows the timestamp of when the pause expires. You can select Resume to resume syncing.
- Your files are up to date: Indicates your files have synced to your Dropbox account and are current.
- Starting: Means the Dropbox desktop app is starting up.
- Connecting components (only on Dropbox for macOS on File Provider): This status is part of the startup process for the Dropbox desktop app and means the app is connecting to all components required to run.
- Note: This status only displays for members on Dropbox team accounts.
- Requesting access to encrypted folders: Means you’ve logged out of your Dropbox account and need access to an encrypted team folder. Learn how to gain access to an encrypted team folder.
- Note: This status only displays for members on Dropbox team accounts.
- [x] files are unable to sync: Means Dropbox can’t sync the number of files shown. You can click the See issues button to view your troubleshooting options.
Note: Dropbox Backup customers may see slightly different wording on some sync statuses.
Choose which folders sync with selective sync
Selective sync allows you to choose which Dropbox folders to store on or remove from your computer’s hard drive.
Learn how to use selective sync.
What to do if your files aren’t syncing
If synced files or folders don't appear locally on your device, or in your Dropbox account, there are multiple ways to troubleshoot and fix the issue.
FAQs about sync status
What should I do if the Dropbox desktop app indicates everything is up to date, but files are missing?
If your Dropbox desktop app inaccurately reports everything is up to date, when you know files in your account are missing, there may be a few causes:
- The files are still syncing: Large files can take extra time to sync to your device.
- The app needs to restart: If an error has caused the app to stop syncing, closing the app and reopening it may resolve the issue.
- The app should be reinstalled: there may be an issue with your installation of the Dropbox desktop app, uninstall and reinstall the app to see if it resolves the error.
How can I stop Dropbox from syncing?
While syncing is paused, you may still receive notifications on changes made to your files. However, the changes won’t be reflected in the Dropbox folder on your computer.
