Dropbox: File Provider on macOS Computers

Environment

U-M Dropbox, desktop app, macOS

Issue

What is Dropbox on File Provider?

Resolution

Dropbox released an update to their desktop app that allows you to migrate to Apple’s new File Provider experience. Dropbox on File Provider integrates with macOS and resolves issues related to opening online-only files in third-party apps, such as Microsoft.

While we strongly recommend opting in to the latest version of Dropbox on File Provider, this migration isn’t required for you to continue using the Dropbox desktop app. If you're not interested in receiving the latest update, you can still open online-only files directly in Finder. Refer to the Dropbox Help Center for instructions on opting out.

Getting started

• You should receive a banner notification in the top right corner of your desktop and a sticky notification within the desktop app stating “Dropbox on File Provider is now ready” with the option to “Get started.” Clicking Get started will begin the pre-migration setup process, and the notification will disappear. (If you do not complete the migration, it will reappear once daily for you to dismiss.)
• After clicking Get started, a new window will appear where you’ll begin the setup process. Dropbox will explain what will happen, and when you’ve read through everything, click Start to begin the migration.
• If the sticky notification doesn’t appear in your app, you can trigger the update by quitting and relaunching the app > clicking your icon in the top left corner of the app > Preferences > Sync > Update now.
• If you are signing in to the desktop app with your U-M Dropbox account for the first time, File Provider will be enabled by default. If you would like to keep it off, click Advanced settings on the initial sign-in screen, check the Opt out box under "Dropbox on File Provider," and click Done.

Post-migration

• You will be prompted to log back in to the desktop app with your U-M Dropbox account.
• Your Dropbox folder moved to ~/Library/CloudStorage.
• Your Dropbox folder in Finder is now under Locations instead of Favorites.
• Several new sync icons have been updated to match macOS icons.

Important: If you had previously moved your Dropbox folder to an external drive, you will need to follow the instructions for reconfiguring your setup post-migration. There are now several requirements before you can move the folder to the drive, including being on macOS 15.4+, having under 500,000 files in the Dropbox folder on your device, and ensuring your external drive is formatted as Apple File System (APFS) and encrypted.

Common/known issues

Linked Dropbox accounts can’t be on different experiences on the same device.

• If you have two Dropbox accounts linked on a device (e.g., a U-M and a personal account), both accounts must meet the eligibility requirements to migrate to Dropbox on File Provider on that device.
  • If both accounts are eligible, both accounts will be updated on the startup of the Dropbox desktop app after choosing to migrate to File Provider.
  • If one account is ineligible, both accounts will continue to use the legacy Dropbox experience.
• Logging out of your personal account (if ineligible) on your desktop app will allow you to migrate to the new File Provider experience.

Some individuals may have two versions of the Dropbox desktop app installed after updating to File Provider. If you’re experiencing syncing issues, uninstalling the second app may help resolve the problem.

1. Check to see if you have the Dropbox desktop app in the following locations:
   • /Applications
   • ~/Library/Application Support/Dropbox
2. Do one of the following depending on your situation:
   • If you find the file in both locations, delete the file in the second location (~/Library/Application Support/Dropbox).
   • If you find the file in the second location but not in the first, move the file to the first location (/Applications).
3. Restart the Dropbox desktop app.

Certain files or folders with very long names or that are located in deeply nested folder structures won't be synced.

• The name length limit for a file or folder will depend on the entire path.
• The current path length limit is 8,096 characters.

Some file types aren't supported on File Provider, including Final Cut Pro libraries and Adobe InDesign Lock files (.idlk).

• Certain types of files may not sync on macOS 12, including files/folders that contain a byte-order mark (BOM) or begin with a space followed by a single digit. These issues are resolved by upgrading your OS.

Syncing or updating an account with over 300,000 files can take longer than in previous versions. (File sync performance is now managed by macOS.) We recommend utilizing selective sync to speed up the process.

Safari can’t open .html or .css files without Full Disk Access permission.

Refer to the Dropbox Help Center for a complete list of all changes and limitations.

Additional Information

• Beginning June 10, 2025, and after you upgrade to File Provider, you can utilize the new co-authoring experience when opening Microsoft files from the Dropbox desktop app to collaborate in real-time with others.
• Dropbox Help Center: Support for Dropbox on File Provider

Need additional information or assistance? Contact the ITS Service Center.