Last updated: March 5, 2026
Dropbox may stop syncing files, showing a paused icon, "Syncing" that never completes, or files not appearing across your devices. This can cause you to work with outdated files or lose recent changes.
Storage full: Your Dropbox account may be out of space.
Sync paused: Syncing may have been manually paused.
Internet connection: Poor connectivity prevents syncing.
Conflicting files: Files with the same name edited on different devices.
Firewall blocking: Network security may block Dropbox.
Selective sync settings: Some folders may be excluded from syncing.
• Click the Dropbox icon in your system tray/menu bar.
• If sync is paused, click "Resume Syncing".
• Look for any error messages or warnings.
• Visit dropbox.com/account to see your storage usage.
• Free accounts get 2 GB. If full, delete files or upgrade your plan.
• Empty the Deleted Files section to free up space.
• Make sure you're connected to the internet.
• Try uploading a small file manually to dropbox.com.
• Switch networks if your current one is unstable.
• Click Dropbox icon > Profile > Preferences > Sync.
• Click "Selective Sync" and make sure all needed folders are checked.
• Unchecked folders will not sync to your computer.
• Click the Dropbox icon > Profile > Quit Dropbox.
• Wait 10 seconds and reopen Dropbox.
• Check if syncing resumes.
• Uninstall Dropbox from your computer.
• Download the latest version from dropbox.com/install.
• Sign in and let it re-sync your files.
If syncing still doesn't work, visit help.dropbox.com to contact Dropbox support. Plus and Professional subscribers get priority support.
Q: Will reinstalling Dropbox delete my files?
A: No, all files are stored in the cloud. Reinstalling only removes the desktop app. Your files will re-sync when you reinstall.
Q: Why does Dropbox show "conflicted copy"?
A: This happens when the same file is edited on multiple devices before syncing. Dropbox keeps both versions. Compare them and delete the one you don't need.
Q: How much free storage does Dropbox give?
A: Dropbox Basic (free) gives 2 GB. You can earn extra space by referring friends or completing setup steps.
Q: Can I sync specific folders only?
A: Yes, use Selective Sync in Dropbox Preferences to choose which folders sync to your computer.