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The Files app shows “syncing with Dropbox paused”, while offlining freezes the iOS mobile app

NLC99

I have an iPad Pro M4 and iphone 15 pro, both running the latest versions of op systems and Dropbox app. On both devices the native Filess app shows “syncing with Dropbox paused”. In the Dropbox app itself, if I mark folders for offline access, the download starts, but then freezes. Some folders may show the green sync icon, but then revert to the blue icon and show “queued”. I don’t know whether these issues are linked?

I’m tearing my hair out. If there a single file among hundreds of thousands, surely there must be a way of identifying that?

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Accepted answers

NLC99

The problem seems to have cleared overnight! I’m now starting to download files for offline viewing in Dropbox and will see whether that works as well.

All comments

Hannah

Hey @NLC99, sorry to see that you're having this issue.

I couldn't recreate this on my device, but let's see what we can find.

Can you let me know which exact Dropbox app version you're using and how much available storage space your devices (not your Dropbox space) have?

In the meantime, please make sure to check these similar threads below, to see if the solutions there are useful in your case:

https://community.dropbox.com/en/discussion/859988/i-see-a-syncing-with-dropbox-is-paused-error-on-my-files-app

https://community.dropbox.com/en/discussion/854386/syncing-with-dropbox-paused-error-when-i-access-my-files-app-on-ipad

Let me know how it goes!

NLC99

I have tried all the basic solutions, like turning Dropbox on and off in the files app and reinstalling the Dropbox app….always the same result.

Dropbox app version on both devices is 494.3.2

Hannah

And what about the available storage space on the devices? Do each of them have at least 500MB free?

NLC99

the ipad does. The iPhone doesn’t but I don’t make many files available offline.

Nancy

Hi @NLC99! Hope it’s alright for me to jump in.

As Hannah mentioned, the Dropbox app needs at least 500MB of free device storage, so that’s necessary to make sure the offlining feature will work properly.

Before reinstalling the Dropbox app on your device, did you also clear its cache (via the Dropbox mobile app settings)? After uninstalling Dropbox, did you restart your iPad?

If the issue persists after having done the above, I’d like a few screenshots of what you see on your end. More specifically, a screenshot of the "syncing with Dropbox paused" message, and one of the icons next to your offline files/folders.

Thanks!

NLC99

Sorry, I was reading Gb, not Mb. Both devices have plenty of storage available.

I have gone through the process again, making sure I cleared the cache first, before removing the Dropbox app, restarting the device, then reinstalling Dropbox.

For the time being I haven’t marked any folders for offline access, keeping it clean. But, immediately, the Files app shows the sync paused message. Here’s a screenshot.

Nancy

Ah, no worries! That’s great then; you have more than enough space indeed.

When did you notice the issue between the Files app and Dropbox? Was it after a specific OS or Dropbox app update?

NLC99

I’ve been having the problem for a while. Definitely pre iPadOS 27 update

NLC99

The problem seems to have cleared overnight! I’m now starting to download files for offline viewing in Dropbox and will see whether that works as well.

Megan

Hey @NLC99, happy Monday!

Is it safe to assume that everything is back on track? I'm glad to hear your issue has been resolved, and I'm always here if you need any further troubleshooting. Thanks!