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A Dropbox icon has replaced the Desktop and Documents icons on macOS

I have Dropbox latest client installed in MacOS. I don't use the Dropbox backup features for desktop or documents - however it has still taken over these icons in the Finder navigation bar.

I've tried removing Dropbox, but as soon as I reinstall, the icons revert back.

Does anyone know how to clear / prevent Dropbox from taking over these icons in the Finder navigation bar?

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Walter

Hey @paul-files - sorry to hear you're having issues with this.

Just to make sure we're on the same page, could you send us a screenshot of what's troubling you so that we can have a visual?

If you could also clarify your computer's exact OS version and the version and status of the Dropbox desktop app, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks!

paul-files

Hi there,

No option here to attach a screenshot here as far as I can see...

But I can describe fairly accurately:
In MacOS Finder, the 'Desktop' and 'Documents' system icons have been replaced by a dropbox logo icon (the same blue 'open box' one that is used in the taskbar).

Versions:
Dropbox utility = 220.4.4126
MacOS = 15.3.2 (24D81)

Walter

Thanks for the additional information @paul-files - much appreciated.

There should be an option to attach a screenshot in your reply's box looking like this:

If you're not seeing it, please try clearing your browser's cache or another browser.

paul-files

I've tried the two browsers I have installed - Chromium (Arc) and Safari - and neither offer the attachment icon you show.

However - here's a link to the screenshot on Dropbox: [added by Moderator]
Kind regards
Paul

Walter

I see, thanks for the link to the screenshot, Paul. Note that I removed it now to avoid traffic/bandwidth issues with your links.

As for the issue at hand, can you take a look at your backups tab in the app's preferences and the backups page online and let me know what you find?

paul-files

Hello Walter,

In the app, Preferences > Backup tab:

Ask to backup external drives = disabled
Camera Uploads = disabled

In the app, Preferences > Backup > Manage backups:

Backup is disabled

The backups page link points to an empty table that says "No backups here at the moment".

Hannah

Hey @paul-files, thanks for the additional info, this is quite a strange case, indeed.

May I ask, was the Dropbox backup feature enabled on the particular device (the one the screenshots are from) at some point?

If not on this one, did you enable the feature on another device linked to this account?

Also, when did you approximately notice this for the first time?

paul-files

Hello,

I have previously used backup, that would be more than six months ago I reckon - and it was on the Downloads folder, not Documents or Desktop.

As for other devices, I have photos backup enabled on my iOS device. On another Macbook machine that I use, Dropbox is also installed but has not taken over the Desktop / Documents icons in the same way as this case.

I first noticed this issue quite a long time ago to be honest, but since it's more of an aesthetic quirk than any kind of functionality issue, it's not been of huge concern.

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Hannah

Thanks for that, @paul-files.

Would it be okay to reach out to you via email, so we can take a closer look?

paul-files

Sure, that's fine.

Walter

Thanks for the cooperation @paul-files - much appreciated. I've just followed up via email so please have a look at your inbox and we'll take it from there.