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Forum Discussion
Marcus D.9
10 years agoExplorer | Level 4
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 :-)
- Marco I.2New member | Level 2
Yeah it's just that simple - add the clear cache button and everyone would be pleased!
- mmirNew member | Level 2It 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?!
- Damiano C.1New member | Level 2
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.
- RobsriNew member | Level 2We pay to use Dropbox storage not the other way around.
- Fu G.New member | Level 1
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.
- Damiano C.1New member | Level 2
Dropbox any news? I've got a pro account but I can't use your services. Is adding a "clear cache" button so hard?
- Adam H.27New member | Level 1
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.
- Damiano C.1New member | Level 2
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.
- Tomáš P.2Helpful | Level 5
My Dropbox app on iOS is taking up over 15 GB of storage while I have no offline files there. And Dropbox still has the nerve to tell me "To continue using Dropbox, delete some files, photos, or apps from your device." while it's Dropbox itself that is causing the problem. AFAIK there's no way to clear the cached data except for reinstalling the whole app. Please fix this issue.
- Chris_SNew member | Level 2
Signing out & signing back in did not clear my cache, I had to uninstall & reinstall. Please respond to this thread, Dropbox, you are a great service in so many ways but this is really poor & quite crippling to those of us saddled with 16gb phones.
- D W.2New member | Level 1
I uninstalled the Dropbox app earlier this week—I had no other choice! ☹️
I can't understand why the company's REAL EMPLOYEES do not address this problem. Instead, users come to these forums and seek solutions, but the fact is NONE of US knows. The colossal failure for this company to understand their customers circumstances, and to—at a minimum—show some sort of concern is bewildering.
To the CEO & other executives: Don't bother creating this tech super company of the future if you can't master the simple basics of customer service.
- RichSuper 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.
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