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Dropbox desktop app won't connect to the internet after enabling private relay on Mac OS

After enabling private relay on macOS, I have noticed that Dropbox does not connect to the internet after rebooting. It gets stuck on: reconnecting to the internet, this may take a moment. However, I disable the private relay in iCloud settings, it connects instantly and stays connected.

Is this a known fact that Dropbox sync client does not work with private relay on macOS?

Cheers,

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Walter

Hey @Umair R. - sorry to hear you're having issues with this.

Can you please clarify your computer's exact OS version and the status/version of the Dropbox desktop app as shown in your menu bar?

Any additional information or screenshots are more than welcome!

Umair R.

I am running MacOS 15.3.1

Dropbox app is v220.3.3984

Walter

Thanks for the info @Umair R. - much appreciated!

It seems that you're running a beta version of the Dropbox desktop app. If it's not too much of a trouble for you, could you try the latest, stable version from this page and let us know if the issue persists?

Just make sure to toggle off the 'early releases' from your account's settings first.

Umair R.

Hello Walter,

Yes, I tried the regular version and then switched to the beta version. Both had the same effect. I am happy to switch it back to the regular version.

I have noticed that it happens not only on one device but also on my MacBook.

Another thing to add is: Once I switch off private relay, the Dropbox connects instantly, if I switch private relay on after it has been connected, it disconnects and reconnects within a blink. So leaving private relay on is not an issue. The real issue is that if I leave private relay on and then reboot the Mac, it gets stuck on reconnecting.

ClaudeDenis

Is it apple's issue or dropbox's?

Umair R.

Looks like Dropbox issue. All other apps work with private relay, but not Dropbox.

Nancy

Hey @Umair R., since this is related to the interference between Dropbox and a third-party app, I’m afraid there’s not much we can suggest here.

I’ll leave this thread open though, in case another user has found a workaround to make the two work seamlessly together.

Umair R.

Hi Nancy,

Private relay is not a third party app. It is built into MacOS and every other apps work fine with it being enbaled. But Dropbox has some issues. Would it worth speaking with the engineering to see whether they see an underlying issue?

Nancy

Hey @Umair R.! I double checked this with our team in the meantime, and they also mentioned that this is mostly related to Apple rather than Dropbox (since the app is working normally otherwise).

A few more steps you can try in the meantime are these ones:

Add Dropbox to Firewall Exceptions:

- If disabling Private Relay isn't a long-term solution, you may need to configure your firewall to allow Dropbox access.

- Check your firewall settings and add Dropbox as an exception.

Check Dropbox System Extension:

- Open Dropbox, click your avatar, then Settings, then General.

- Ensure the "Dropbox system extension" toggle is set to "On".

If these don’t work either, I’m afraid you’ll need to contact Apple’s customer support directly for further assistance.