Sync status icons missing in Finder after reverting from File Provider to legacy (macOS)

notLuri

Hello Dropbox Support,

I need help with sync status icons (badges) not appearing in Finder on my Mac. My files sync normally and the menu bar app reports everything as up to date, but no icons show on any files or folders in my Dropbox folder.

Background:
I accidentally updated to the File Provider version of the desktop app. I then uninstalled it and reinstalled the legacy version. The icons have been missing since then.

What I've checked:

• I'm running the legacy app, and my Dropbox folder is a normal folder in my home directory (not under ~/Library/CloudStorage).
• With Dropbox running, the command pluginkit -mDAD 2>/dev/null | grep dropbox returns:
  + com.getdropbox.dropbox.garcon(275.4.3565)
  + com.getdropbox.dropbox.TransferExtension(275.4.3565)
  - com.getdropbox.dropbox.fileprovider(275.4.3565)
  So the legacy Finder Sync extension is enabled and the File Provider extension is ignored.
• I followed the fix suggested on the Dropbox Community pages, including toggling the Finder extension, force-quitting Dropbox processes and relaunching Finder. It made no difference.
• I turned off other apps' Finder extensions that could conflict with Dropbox. The icons still don't appear.

My setup:

• macOS version: MacOS 27 Golden Gate
• Dropbox desktop app version: 275.4.3565
• Account type: Business
• I've restarted my Mac numerous times, and the Smart Sync options do still appear, just not the badges

My questions:

1. Could a leftover File Provider registration or other state from the accidental switch still be on my Mac, and how do I clear it fully?
2. Is there a supported way to get sync icons working on the legacy app, or do you recommend moving back to File Provider?

I can send screenshots or diagnostic output if that would help.

Thank you,

Megan

Hey there, @notLuri, welcome to our Community!

Since your Dropbox folder is missing its sync icons in Finder, you may need to remove leftover Dropbox folders from a previous File Provider setup. Here is how to do that:

1. Open Finder.
2. Press Command + Shift + G.
3. Enter ~/Library/CloudStorage, then press Return.
4. Delete any old Dropbox folders in this location.
   • Important: Before deleting folders, make sure any files you need are backed up and available in your current Dropbox folder.
5. Quit the Dropbox desktop app.
6. Open Activity Monitor, then force quit any remaining Dropbox processes.
7. Open the Applications folder, then reopen the Dropbox desktop app.
8. From the Apple menu, select Force Quit.
9. Select Finder, then click Relaunch.
10. Check whether the Dropbox sync icons are now visible in Finder.

Can you give this a try and let me know if it helps? Thanks a bunch!