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My Dropbox folder is empty on the Mac, but I can see my files online.

macOS Tahoe (beta 9)

I just noticed that my Dropbox folder on my Mac is empty! When I log in to Dropbox online, all my files are still there though.

I tried moving a file into the Dropbox folder on my Mac, and it shows up both online and locally.

In other words, all my old Dropbox content is missing in Finder. Does anyone know how to fix this? I’m on the Tahoe beta, and I’m not sure how long this issue has been around. Since I see the files that I move to the Dropbox folder I don't think it's related to macOS, but to something with Dropbox.

Please help!

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andreascarlsson

None of the folders are selected, something have deselected them.

But it says "Only the selected folders will take up space on this device’s hard drive", which makes me worried that my drive will be filled up. However, there is also another sync setting that says "Only online". If those two statements contradict each other I suggest another wording in the selective sync dialogue.

I have checked some of the folders now, and they show up in Finder as they should, and it seems that they don't take any space.

That means problem solved and thanks for the help! Please change the wording on Selective sync though (I don't know how it's phrased in English, maybe that is correct). 🤗

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Megan

Hi there, @andreascarlsson let's jump right into this!

I'd like for us to check two things.

The first one is the app's current syncing status in order to make sure it's up-to-date. Can you check by hovering your mouse over the little Dropbox icon in your menu bar, next to your WiFi?

The second thing that came to mind is to check your selective sync settings. Is it possible that you temporarily unsynced some of your local folders?

Let me know what you find, and we'll take it from there.

andreascarlsson

Thanks for your input.

Sync is in order.

I realized that I used Dropbox 18 days ago, and IIRC I used Finder for that.

I haven't changed any settings that I'm aware of. Last time I did that was a couple of years ago when you introduced the "Store only Online" function (Same as Selective sync?) which I have for all my Dropbox files.

– And that may be what's wrong here; When I go into preferences the wording (I have the Swedish version so it may alter somewhat) is: "Choose which folders you see on this device Only the selected folders will take up space on this device’s hard drive. You can still access unselected folders anytime at dropbox.com."

However, I want to see the files in Finder, even though they are stored online. That has worked perfectly until now. As I remember it, there used to be three checkboxes: "Store on both Dropbox and computer," "Store only on Dropbox but still visible in Finder," and "Store only on Dropbox, not visible in Finder." (Though I wouldn't swear to that memory.)

Megan

Hey @andreascarlsson, thanks for your speedy reply!

Have you made sure that your folders are selected when visiting your selective sync preferences?

Based on what you described it sounds like you're referring to a different feature -similar to selective sync- that helps you save hard drive space. If you need to see how to make your files online-only you can read more about this here.

andreascarlsson

None of the folders are selected, something have deselected them.

I have checked some of the folders now, and they show up in Finder as they should, and it seems that they don't take any space.

That means problem solved and thanks for the help! Please change the wording on Selective sync though (I don't know how it's phrased in English, maybe that is correct). 🤗

Megan

Hey @andreascarlsson!

Happy to see that your issue is now resolved!

If you need anything else, we'll be one post away, thanks! 😇

Theresa

Hi @andreascarlsson and welcome to the Dropbox Community! I’m so happy to hear your files are now showing up properly and thank you for coming back to share your update. It’s always helpful for others when someone follows up, especially with syncing issues on Mac ✨.

I’m Theresa 👩‍💻, one of the Community Managers here. Now that things are back in place, I’d love to know... do you have a favourite Dropbox feature that makes your experience on macOS easier or more enjoyable?

Looking forward to hearing from you,

T 😺 (Dropbox Community Manager)

Lalia

Sounds like it could be tied to the new Tahoe beta changes — maybe the files are still online-only and just not showing up locally the way they used to.