Here are some of our most frequently asked questions. If you have a question that isn't covered by the FAQ's please create a new topic here.
I can't delete an old Dropbox Backup
If an old computer or external drive backup is still using your Dropbox storage and you can't find the option to delete it, these steps can help remove the backup and free up space.
Quick Resolution | - Re-install or open the Dropbox desktop app on any computer.
- Click the Sync & Backups (or Backups) tab → choose the obsolete backup.
- Click Manage backup → Delete backup and confirm.
- If the device is long gone, unlink it first on the web, then delete the backup.
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Common Causes | - Backup deletion requires the desktop app; the web-only interface shows the backup but won’t remove it.
- The original device is still linked, so Dropbox treats the backup as “active.”
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Possible Fixes | - Use a current desktop installation to remove the backup via Manage backup.
- Unlink the lost device from Settings → Security → Devices, then retry deletion.
- When the delete option doesn’t appear, restart the desktop app or sign in on another machine with the same account.
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Learn More | How to delete Dropbox Backup Managing Dropbox Backup (device-unlink method & other tips) |
I can't find my deleted Dropbox files
If files or folders have disappeared from your Dropbox account, don't panic - depending on your plan & when they were deleted, you may still be able to recover them.
Quick Resolution | - Check Deleted files on dropbox.com & click Restore for anything still within the recovery window.
- Review the Events page to confirm who or what deleted or moved the items.
- If many items vanished at once (shared-folder wipe-out, ransomware, etc.), use Dropbox Rewind to roll your account or a folder back to a safe point.
- Out-of-window or corrupted data? Open a file-recovery ticket with Dropbox Support & include event links.
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Common Causes | - Files were deleted more than 30/180/365 days ago (time limit depends on your plan).
- A collaborator deleted or moved files in a shared folder - Dropbox may have synced the change.
- User mistake on one device (e.g., “clean-up” action while the desktop app was running).
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Possible Fixes | - Restore from Deleted files or Version history before the retention window expires.
- Use Dropbox Rewind for mass deletions or ransomware events (not available on Basic).
- Contact Dropbox Support to assist.
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Learn More | Recover deleted files or folders – step-by-stepFile-recovery time limits by planUse Dropbox Rewind to undo large changesContact Support about missing/corrupted files |
