I deleted my Dropbox Backups, but they are still counting 1.9 GB against my quota

Question

I have a Dropbox Basic account with 2 GB of storage. Dropbox currently reports that I am using approximately 2.4 GB.

The storage breakdown shows approximately 454 MB of Regular files and 1.9 GB of Backup.

I previously had Dropbox Backup configured for an SSD/external drive. I deleted those backup jobs through Manage Backups. Manage Backups now shows no existing SSD or external-drive backups, only the option to add a new backup.

I also turned off “Ask to backup external drives” in Dropbox Preferences.

However, after waiting for the account storage to recalculate, Dropbox is still counting approximately 1.9 GB as Backup. Because of this, Dropbox says my account is over its 2 GB limit and file syncing is paused.

My actual regular Dropbox files are well below the 2 GB limit.

How can I get the 1.9 GB of deleted Backup data removed from my storage calculation? I do not want to delete my regular Dropbox files or upgrade my plan simply to resolve storage that appears to be associated with backups I have already deleted.

Jay · Answer

Thanks for the update. Were you able to view the deleted backups on the backup page?

If not, could you attach a screenshot showing what you're seeing there?

StanleyWhite · Answer

Hi Mark. Thanks for responding. I deleted both backup jobs yesterday and deliberately waited until today to give Dropbox time to recalculate the storage.

It has now been well beyond a few hours, but my storage still shows approximately 1.9 GB being used by Backup. Manage Backups no longer shows either backup job; it only gives me the option to add a new backup.

Is there another location where deleted backup data may still be retained and counted against my storage quota, or another step I need to take to have Dropbox recalculate it?

Jay · Answer

Hi @StanleyWhite, thanks for contacting us.

Could you check the Dropbox Backup page directly, and then click 'Show deleted backups'.

Are you able to permanently delete the Backups from your account by clicking the ellipsis on the deleted backups?

If you can share any error messages or screenshots, that'll help me narrow this down much faster.