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Forum Discussion
AirDrop broken on MacOS Ventura
I'm using MacOS Ventura and I can't receive files via AirDrop anymore.
My Downloads folder is inside my Dropbox as I'm using Dropbox Backup, so it is all inside the Cloud Library now. The Spotlight Search is broken and now also I can't receive airdropped files anymore. They are sending but afterwards they are just nowhere to be found on the hard-drive. It's quite the mess.
@DropboxTeam: It would be highly appreciated if you can expedite looking into resolving the issues on Ventura!
You'll need to access the preferences in the desktop app, click the Backup tab, and then Manage Backup. From there you can remove the Downloads folder from the backup.
So here is what happens:
1. I'm sharing a file via AirDrop from my Phone to my MacBook.
2. My MacBook automatically accepts the file (because it's logged into the same iCloud account), otherwise I would assume the notification would pop up to accept the file. The laptop makes the AirDrop sound that it's receiving the file.
3. On the phone you can see that the file is sending and the progress. On the MacBook you can see that the file is being received.
4. The phone now says that the transfer is done. The MacBook is trying to open Finder, but no window appears. On the top left in the taskbar next to the Apple logo you can see though that Finder is becoming the active application.
5. Now when I open finder manually the file is nowhere to be found. Neither in Downloads where it usually lands, nor in Documents, Desktop or Home folder. Even searching for the file it's just nowhere.
My assumption is that because my Downloads folder is managed by Dropbox due to Dropbox Backup and is now located in the secure Cloud Library, AirDrop for some reason can't save it and therefor it just never is being saved.
I can provide information if required, and might also try to change my AirDrop location folder to a different folder outside of Dropbox to see if that works, though that seems to be pretty complicated and requires a chain of Terminal commands, so not sure if I really want to mess with it. For now my AirDrop unfortunately is unusable to receive files on the MacBook =(- Jay
Dropbox Staff
What version of Ventura are you running? Has this happened since the moment you upgraded it, or activated Dropbox Backup?
I am having the exact same problem. It was working fine until yesterday when I installed the Dropbox update and then boom, AirDrop is broken. I AirDrop from my phone to my Macbook constantly, so it's definitely the new Dropbox client that broke it.
This happened to me too! Airdrop not working after updating dropbox. When will this be fixed?
Unfortunately for me, the only way for this problem to be fixed was to completely delete, uninstall DropBox from my computer AND reinstall my Ventura software. Even just uninstalling/deleting DropBox did not fix the problem, I had to completely reinstall the software on my computer. Now, airdrop is working just fine!
I have the same problem: Airdrop does not work with Finder post install of latest Dropbox running on Mac Ventura.
Airdrop works for opening a Chrome Page (iPhone to Mac) but not Photos. As other replies state, this has to do with how the latest Dropbox version changes the Downloads folder.
I spent an hour with Apple Support. We confirmed that when I set up a separate test account, Airdrop works. So I am having exactly the same problem as @styline originally reported on this thread.
@Dropbox - any engineering fix for this planned?
I'm having exactly the same problem. Happened after Dropbox moved itself to a more "secure" location on the hard drive. I was on MacOs Monterey. Then updated to Ventura. Still the same problem. Tried disabling Dropbox backup, moved Downloads folder to Favorites, deleted Dropbox downloads folder. Nothing works. Seriously considering dropping Dropbox.
- Walter
Hi all, I just wanted to give you an update on this and let you know that this is under our radar now and we're looking into it internally.
We'll let you know more as soon as we have more information to share.
I have just come across this message and now know why Airdrop no longer works on my iMac - iPad. I have Monterey 12.5.2 and recently tried to airdrop some files to my iPad. All I got was a"waiting" sign on the iMac and nothing more.
I do have Dropbox which is used to sync my Reunion app (and contents) to the iPad so this is probably the problem.
Alan
20-1-23
I had the same issue with airdrop files not showing up or being searchable.
I went into the manage synced folders and unticked the 'downloads' folder and restarted everything ,
and I can now see my airdropped files.
preferences/backups/manage backups/change folders
untick 'downloads'
phew
hope that helps
i have the same problem since the last dropbox update. but im using macOS Monterey
I can't get airdrop files. the download it's done but the files are nowhere to be found.
Still not solved... Apple reports many users having similar issues. Escalate please!
Megan - If it’s not fixed, why did Ned, ticket #21354826, email me telling me to update Dropbox to the newest version saying the issue has been fixed? As of now, I’m still using the older version and airdrop is working fine on the old version. Seems that the agents who reach out privately to individuals are not aware of the discussion here as they keep telling me that everything should work fine.
Still broken
Wow! I find it hard to believe that there still is not a fix for this.
I have no access to AirDrop from my devices to my Macbook Pro.
Also, every time I go to delete something from my desktop, it says "Are you sure you want to delete this permanently?"Also having the same issue with airdrop files not showing up anywhere in downloads!
What is going on?
Super annoying and also ready to leave dropbox if not fixed
I'm planning on switching from Dropbox to Backblaze. This is now over 6 months of this being a problem. I moved from Google Drive to DB for almost this exact same reason. There has to be a way for this to work like it used to. I just need my files accessible in the cloud while all my mac default locations to stay the same.
I have the same problem and Apple told me, that it's the problem of Dropbox and that the standard folder for downloads from Dropbox is in conflict with the Download folder from Mac. So they couldn't help me and sent me to Dropbox - here I am!
How do I change the standard folder from Dropbox for the download files?
Hi Jay,
first thanks for getting back to me.
Can you please let me know, how I disable the backup function for Dropbox on my Mac?
