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Searching for files in Finder in the Dropbox folder isn't working on Mac OS

Hi everyone.

Im using macOS Sequoia 15.3.2. When I'm in a Finder windows, in my dropbox folder – the filesearch don't work. The search doesn't find any results.

If I'm in a regular folder on my SSD, everything works fine.

Any syggestions?

Best regards

Søren

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Mark

Have you tried to rebuild the search system? https://discussions.apple.com/thread/253479408

svedel77

Hi Mark,

Yes, I've tried that. Didn't work. Tried again when I saw your post. Still no luck.

- Søren

Walter

Hi Søren, what is the version and status of the Dropbox desktop app as shown in your menu bar?

Does this persist after rebooting your computer and quitting and relaunching the app?

svedel77

Hi Walter,

I have rebooted many times. Both before and after Mark's instructions. And in general. The version of Dropbox is as shown on this screenshot :

Walter

Yes, but what is it's exact status as shown in your menu bar, Søren? Is it 'up to date' or syncing perhaps?

svedel77

indiralaresa

I've experienced the same problem on my iMac using Ventura (MacOS 13.6.3) and on my MacBook Pro using (MacOS 14.7.5). Even when I have my Dropbox folder selected, it doesn't find it. Is it something in the Dropbox settings or the MacOS settings? When I search Dropbox online its clearly there. I hate to have to do a separate search when I have the desktop app in my Finder. Did the steps above and nothing. Any advice?

svedel77

No, unfortunately it didn't help. I have a suspicion, that it have something to do with permissions. Of some sort.

- Søren

Walter

If you installed it with admin privileges in the first place, you shouldn't have an issue with this @svedel77

Have you tried re-building your Spotlight index since you first noticed this?

harry63

Was this ever solved? I'm having the same problem and I have tried all of the suggestions above. I am on MacOS 15.7.2.

Megan

Hey @harry63, let's jump right into this!

Could you send us a screenshot of what it looks like on your end?

While we're at it, could you also clarify the app's current version and syncing status? You can find the version, and syncing status by hovering your mouse over the little Dropbox icon in your menu bar next to your WiFi.

Also, when you quit the Dropbox desktop application and try searching for the files again in Finder, do you get the same results?

Keep me posted, and we'll take it from there!

harry63

I have attached the screenshot. I created a file called AAA_Dropbox Test.rtf for this. I did quit the desktop application and try searching and ran into the same problem.

Dropbox Version 238.4.6305

Syncing Status: Up to Date

Hannah

Thanks for the update here, @harry63.

Was the Dropbox app installed with admin privileges on your computer?

Can you make sure the Dropbox app has full disk access as well?

Nancy

Hi @harry63! Do you still need our assistance with this, by any chance?

Let us know.