The information in this article applies to Dropbox desktop app users on a macOS operating system.
Note: If you’re not using a macOS computer, you’ll need to read the article on Dropbox sync icons on a Windows desktop app or the article on Dropbox sync icons on a Linux desktop app.
There are two locations where sync icons appear:
To check the sync status of a specific file or folder:
Note: If you can’t see a sync icon, close all non-Dropbox applications then quit and relaunch the Dropbox desktop app. If the issue persists, restart your computer.
Dropbox sync icons on macOS vary, depending on which of the following sync engine powers your desktop app:
To check what sync engine powers your app:
Your file is synced and available offline.
All files in the folder are downloaded and available offline.
Your file is available offline.
Notes:
A white cloud with a black outline and down arrow.
Your file is fully synced and only available online.
There is at least one online-only file in the folder.
Note: There may also be files that are downloaded and available offline in the folder.
This doesn’t apply to folders.
Your folder is ignored and won’t sync.
Note: When a folder is ignored, this icon only appears on the folder—not on its individual files.
Folders with both icons will contain at least one online-only file and may also contain files that are available offline.
Description
File icon meaning
A green circle with a white checkmark.
Note: Explicitly marked by user as available offline.
A white cloud with a gray or blue outline.
Your file is synced but only available online.
This doesn’t apply to files.
Your file can’t update or sync.
Your file is ignored and won’t sync.
Note: To manage files and see which are online only or available offline, open the desktop app, click your avatar (profile picture or initials) in the bottom left, click Sync & storage, then click Manage hard drive space.
You can also see the sync status of your Dropbox account on the Dropbox icon in your menu bar. This is visible when the Dropbox desktop app is running on your computer and it shows the status of your entire account, not just files and folders.
The icon colors may vary, but you’ll see the following icons:
Fully synced
The files and folders on your Dropbox desktop app are fully up to date. Any changes you made are reflected everywhere you access Dropbox.
Sync in progress
The files and folders on your Dropbox desktop app are updating. Any changes you made are updating everywhere you access Dropbox.
Syncing paused
Changes you make to files and folders on your Dropbox desktop app won’t update everywhere you access Dropbox until you resume syncing.
Learn how to pause and resume file syncing in the Dropbox desktop app.
Not connected to internet
Changes you make to the files and folders on your Dropbox desktop app won’t update everywhere you access Dropbox until you’ve reconnected to the internet.
Learn why Dropbox might not be connecting and how to solve it.
Note: This icon can also mean that the Dropbox desktop app is starting up or closing down.
Unread notifications
You have unread Dropbox notifications.
Learn about how to manage Dropbox notifications.
Camera uploads in progress
You’ve connected a camera or mobile device with a camera to your computer and your camera roll is being uploaded to Dropbox.
Learn more about camera uploads.
You can also see the sync status of your entire Dropbox account in the lower left of the app window. To open the app window, click the Dropbox icon in your menu bar. If your files are fully synced, this status will say Your files are up to date.
Learn more about other sync statuses.
Note: Dropbox Backup users will see slightly different wording on some sync statuses.
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