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Forum Discussion
How to clear the Dropbox mobile app cache on iPhone/iPad?
Using an iPhone 5C running iOS 9.1 and Dropbox 4.0.4. The iOS Dropbox app itself is only 55.8 MB in size, however my iPhone is reporting that Dropbox is using a total of 300+ MB in Documents and Data. I have zero files marked as "Offline" within the Dropbox app, so the app should not be storing any Documents or Data locally on my iPhone.
I realize the Documents and Data referenced are most likely the result of recent files being cached by the app, but if this is the case, is there any way to manually clear that cache? Or set a limit of cache size? Currently, uninstalling and reinstalling the app is the only solution I've found, which is far from what I'd consider a "solution". I have to uninstall the app, reinstall it, sign in, wait for 2-factor auth code to enter, set up my Passcode again, set up the Camera Upload again...just a horrible overall process just to clear out the cache.
There are other apps which allow you to either set a cache size, or some that include an option to manually clear the cache. Either one of these options would be better than nothing at all.
Just noticed today that there's a new button in Dropbox settings saying Clear cache. So hopefully the problem is now resolved :-)
I have the same problem. I've got more than 1gb of Documents and Data after one week of usage. I'm simply forced to stop using the app if Dropbox developers can't address to this problem.
- Rich
Super User II
I realize the Documents and Data referenced are most likely the result of recent files being cached by the app
Yes, that's correct.
is there any way to manually clear that cache? Or set a limit of cache size?
No, there isn't. They will be removed automatically.
Currently, uninstalling and reinstalling the app is the only solution I've found
Unfortunately, that's also correct.
I believe that is a major issue to be solved, can't be just left that way.
This way the app is practically unusable especially for people like me who have a Pro account and browse Dropbox files at the daily bases. I'd rather move to iCloud if the issue wont be solved.
- We pay to use Dropbox storage not the other way around.
Hey,
I uploaded several videos from my iPhone 6 to Dropbox folders and the total space taken by the app and data exceeded 2.2GB!
The only way to "deflate" the unwanted used space on my device was to delete and reload the app.
That is for sure a major flaw preventing a serious use of this app: I'm confident it will be fixed soon.
I actually fixed this issue...by just buying a 128gb iPhone 6s :)
Ok, the issue is still there, it just doesn't concern me as much as before when every single used MB on my phone counted. I've got a lot more breathing room now. I'll still "clear the cache" by uninstalling and reinstalling occasionally, but now I'll likely do it once a month instead of 3-4 times a week.
Yeah it's just that simple - add the clear cache button and everyone would be pleased!
- It added but simply doesn't work!! Such a great problem is in front of the developers ' eyes; so how they could solve serious security problems if happen and protect users?!
Dropbox any news? I've got a pro account but I can't use your services. Is adding a "clear cache" button so hard?
Same problem here. Dropbox app is consuming 1 GB. I only have a 16 GB phone. Dropbox must add the ability to dump the cache at will. I am a Dropbox Pro customer. We require it.
Definitely an issue. I can bet that apple makes it difficult for Dropbox to let the user be in charge of the cache, so they force all users to use iCloud. Fortunately OneDrive works better
I actually have a number of apps installed with manual control over clearing the cache. One of them is just a simple wallpaper-downloading app, which has complete control on the cache, including the ability to set a max cache size or clear it altogether. Can't be too terribly difficult for Dropbox to figure out if these other apps have.
