Child Item

The Dropbox desktop app is stuck at "Upgrading Database" on MacOS

danielvega1984

Application Affected
Dropbox App
Device
Macbook Pro
Operating System/Browser (if using the web)
macOS Tahoe 26.2
Dropbox App Version (if using the app)

Question or Issue
For several days, my Dropbox App does not reflect the contents of my Dropbox. When I sign in to dropbox.com, I can see that all my files are on my account. But when I click on the app on my laptop, I see the message "Upgrading Database..." Someone on the forum suggested leaving my computer on overnight to allow the upgrade to finish, but this tactic did not work. As it stands, I am unable to use the Dropbox App on my laptop.

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Desktop

Sync

Mac

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Closed - Partially Delivered

Accepted answers

Megan

Hey @danielvega1984!

You'll basically need to follow these steps:

-Sign out of the Dropbox desktop app.
-After that uninstall the app.
-Locate your existing Dropbox folder locally and rename it to something like "Dropbox.old".
-Reinstall the Dropbox app.
-Then sign into the application again, in order to create a brand new instance of the Dropbox folder.

Please let me know about the results once you follow these steps.

All comments

Walter

Hi there @danielvega1984 - thanks for bringing this to our attention.

Have you tried closing the app and relaunching it or even rebooting your computer since you first noticed this?

If you did and this persists, can you reinstall the app and let us know how it goes?
Thank you!

danielvega1984

Walter,

Yes, I've already tried rebooting and reinstalling, and it still gives me the same message.

Walter

In that case, you can perform an advanced reinstall at this point @danielvega1984.

Let me know of any updates!

danielvega1984

I've reinstalled the Dropbox App and it still gives me the same message ("Upgrading database...).

I have macOS Tahoe 26.2. Is this not compatible with the Dropbox App?

Walter

You can find the system requirements for the Dropbox desktop app here if you'd like to take a look @danielvega1984.

That said, have you tried logging out from the account through the app's preferences and then back in?

danielvega1984

Yes, I did. It still says "Upgrading database..."

Megan

Hey @danielvega1984!

Please let me know about the results once you follow these steps.

danielvega1984

Yes, that worked. Thank you very much.

Should I delete my Dropbox.old folder?

Megan

Hey @danielvega1984!

Happy to see that your issue is now resolved!

If you made sure that there are no useful files there, feel free to delete it.

If you need something else, please let me know and I will be more than happy to help every step of the way. 🙃

sbrady19

This fixed my NOT working dropbox. Now........I have 2 folders in my window on my Mac......how do I remove them. I only need to see files that are syncing.

Walter

You'll just need to delete your old Dropbox folders (the one that's not in use at the moment) @sbrady19. Let us know of any updates!

Jonesthesteam134

Hi Megan

I wonder if you can help me.

I updated my Mac OS to Sequoia 15.7.4 and now my Dropbox app will not open at all. If i quit from the desktop, then try to sign in it tells me 'unable to connect to Dropbox'.

I have turned off my Firewall and enabled Dropbox in the Full disc access tab.

I do not know how to uninstall, as ive tried the ways you advised to the other user and it seems impossible.

I am stuck, can you help please.

Megan

Hi there, @Jonesthesteam134, I'd love to try and help you!

When did you first notice this issue? Also, it might sound trivial but have you tried restarting your modem/ internet router by any chance?

In addition to that, can you let me know more, in regards to the app's current version, and syncing status? You can find this by hovering your mouse over the little Dropbox icon in your menu bar, next to your WiFi.

As for uninstalling the Dropbox desktop application you can use the steps mentioned here, and then download and reinstall the app using this link.

Keep me posted!