I don't like the recent files to be shown. Can I turn off the feature or at least clear the files so they don't show up?
Hi all,
Thanks for keeping sending your thoughts and thanks for summarizing it Alexis.
You have the ability to switch off recents from your https://www.dropbox.com/account page. That currently works for web only and not mobile.
That currently works for web only and not mobile.
To add to what Ed posted...
This thread is referring to the Recents page on the Dropbox website; not the mobile clients. For further discussion about Recents on the mobile clients, please refer to the following thread:
@Rick R
This problem is with both, but ESPECIALLY with mobile. The referenced thread is about Apple apps, but I will reiterate my comment there as well.
It started as an Apple thread but quickly moved to cover all mobile apps. It's the largest and most appropriate thread on Recents in the mobile apps so it's the one we've been redirecting everyone to use. Doesn't make sense to have a separate post for each mobile app.
On the website, which this thread covers, you can already disable the default display of the Recents list so it's no longer as big of an issue as it remains on the mobile clients.
For the record, I'm in COMPLETE agreement regarding the feature on both the web and mobile apps and have been pretty vocal about it in the past. I'm just trying to keep everything organized here.
1. I don't like the fact that the defult page is "recent files", which wouldn't be so bad if it maybe showed folders instead of thumbnails of actual files.
2. The "recent files" list seems really long, it shows files I looked at, new folders, any activity basically is on the list, files I feel like I dealt with weeks ago still show, when you scroll down it's seems limitless.
3. Is this a feature that is not being fixed because most user's are not paid customers?
4. I notice on the forum anybody remotely connected to DB only replies to tell people to direct them related post. Or they simply say "no" the issue can't be fixed, but never to give answers to help.
5. It's a big glitch, let's be honest people use these things to hide pictures too, so to have those same pictures be the exact thing to pop up first is ridiculous.
6. Everyone notices that Dropbox is not really addressing these concerns, and are seemingly not worried about fixing the concerns.
I ask does the lack of concern from Dropbox come from users not being subscribers? Or like another poster asked, is it because the app is automatically downloaded on some devices, giving you more users.?
8. This issue occurs on both the computer and cell phone app.
I don't like the fact that the default page is "recent files"
Recent files can be turned off for Dropbox Webpage on Dropbox Settings in https://www.dropbox.com/account
This is a user supported forum. You can open a ticket with DB if you want to report an issue or a new feature request. But we all want more customization for this settings and maybe this can be done in future releases.
It's a big glitch, let's be honest people use these things to hide pictures too, so to have those same pictures be the exact thing to pop up first is ridiculous.
Most users found the recent files feature a benefit instead of a problem. If you plan to hide new items for whatever reason, there is a workaround: Disable icon notifications in your desktop and create a shortcut to access the Dropbox folder in your desktop. In this way, visitors in your office will never see new items in the recent list. Remember you can disable recent list in the website.
I hated this the moment I saw it, and I've only just found time to look on here. I notice that the few comments from DB staff/superusers either ignore mobile apps, or say that most people like the recent files feature. Huh? If that's so, why has everyone here (with one possible exception) absolutely slated it?
I've just been through this thread upvoting all the comments that hate the feature - just in case it makes any difference! Why is there not a button to downvote the comments from the DB folks?
So, when do we get a solution? In the meantime, I've stopped using Dropbox for most of my files. If the fix (i.e. the ability to select the open recent files by default) doesn't come soon, I'll be looking at an alternative. Pity, I've always liked Dropbox, and recommended it to others who use different apps. I was looking into Dropbox for business for my small company, but that's off the radar now.
Talk about shooting yourself in the foot!
Keith,
No one is ignoring the mobile apps. As I've already stated twice in this thread, which you've been through while up-voting, this thread is discussing the Recents tab on the website, which can already be disabled as default. I also posted a link to the thread discussing the mobile clients. I'll post it here again for you.
https://www.dropboxforum.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/203130809-How-to-clear-Recent-file-list-in-mobile-apps
"Recents" ONLY seems to come up if I goto www.dropbox.com
not if one goes to www.dropbox.com/home
Rich,
OK, you correctly state that this thread is "referring to the Recents page on the Dropbox website; not the mobile clients"
The thread that you have posted the link to (which I had already read) is about how to clear the recent file list, not how to fix the undesirable behaviour.
Therefore I disagree with your statement "No one is ignoring the mobile apps" and correctly state that mobile apps are being ignored.
Bouncing people around is not going to help, it's going to Drive more away...
@Keith.
I myself don't like the recent files feature in my Mobile. I don't use the web GUI too much, I normally access my files via our computers or smartphone. In my computer, I have direct access to my files. In my Android devices, I need to go back to my files (again, I don't like the Recent file features, not useful for me).
But my wife and lot of friends and colleagues like the feature. I hope DB developers in future versions can allow us to Disable the feature and add additional bonus like filter extensions (i.e: don't show photos in the recent files list).
This are already in our Wishlist.
That thread started out that way, but changing the behavior is also included in the discussion (and the primary topic of that thread as you read further). It's also the most active thread regarding this topic, so it makes more sense to send people there, where the topic is being discussed, rather then to an inactive topic or an unrelated one, like this one.
To all: As this thread (the one you're reading now) pertains to the website, and a solution has already been provided, there's no need for this topic to remain open. If you're coming here looking for help with the Recents tab on your mobile devices, please use the thread that is linked above (April 18th). Otherwise, please start a new thread relevant to the issue you're having. Thank you.
