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Forum Discussion
Error message "couldn’t communicate with a helper application" when trying to move a folder
Hi,
I'm trying to move a folder that contains folders with photos in it from my dropbox to Files App in iPad. Previously it worked wonderfully and i can move them just fine. But, now after i updated to the latest iPad iOS 16.1, i can't move folders from my dropbox to my iPad in the File App. It still works when moving the picture directly though but its a pain to create the folder manually my self.
I've tried restarting my iPad, delete my dropbox and re-installing them, and reconnecting them all those stuff but still got those error when moving a folder. Any idea how to fix it? or is it a bug in the iPad iOS 16.1?
- Hannah
Dropbox Staff
Hey difaraka, thanks for posting to our Community today.
Which version of the Dropbox app are you using? You can see that if you open the Dropbox app, tap on account and then on the gear icon.
Also, have you perhaps contacted Apple about this, to see if there's an issue on their end?
Let me know what you find!
Hi Dropbox Community & Support,
I have the exact same issue and have spoken to Apple Support;
iPhone 12 Pro
IOS 16.1.1
Dropbox App 306.2.2
Workflow;
Dropbox and iCloud Drive within the Apple "Files" ApplicationOpen Dropbox within "Locations" on the Apple Files App
Three "Dots" top right to select file/folder
Bottom middle folder icon to "Copy" this file into iCloud Drive location from Dropbox Location
** Error Message **"The Operation Can't Be Completed.
Couldn't communicate with a helper application"
This workflow has been working fine for the past 12+ months on hundreds of files / folders
Apple support have confirmed that this is a compatibility issue with the "Helper Application" which is a Dropbox issue.
Apple have advised that the Helper Application is not a native apple application and the issue is within Dropbox itself / the Dropbox helper application itself and is a compatibility issue with the latest IOS 16.1.1
They've advise that Dropbox would need to address the compatibility issue and that they are responsible for this fix.
Really hoping this can be fixed soon and not sure of the best way that this can be broadcasted or shared with the Dropbox development / support team.- Jay
Hi dustyanalogue, have you tried removing Dropbox from the iOS Files app by disabling it from the Locations menu there, rebooting your device, and then re-enabling it?
- Yes I’ve tried that. Just did it then - disabled Dropbox under locations. Rebooted device and re enabled. Still the same error message.
Further to that I’ve disabled Dropbox in files, deleted the Dropbox app. Rebooted, re installed the Dropbox app and then enabled in files. Still the same error message.
Having the same error, while trying to move a .docx file from Dropbox to my iPad inside the Files App. Also when trying to upload from my iPad to Dropbox in the Files App, the document will show up on my iPad as if it was uploaded, but it does not show up on Dropbox on any other platform.
iPad Pro 12.9” 5th generation (M1)
iPadOS 16.3.1
Dropbox version 316.2 (iPad is set to auttomatically update apps, so I believe it updated on 15th of Feb, when the version was released. issue started showing up on 17th of Feb)
did some initial troubleshooting, after reading the messages in the forum, such as removing Dropbox from Locations tab, rebooting iPad and re-adding Dropbox to Locations. Also tried uninstalling and re-installing the app altogether. The issue keeps showing up.
- Jay
Hi everyone, our team is aware of this issue and are actively looking into it.
In general, the problem can arise due to an outdated iOS, and other applications that interact with the iOS Files app. In addition to ensuring that the iOS is up-to-date, we recommend updating the other apps on your devices.
Please let us know if this helps with the behavior you're experiencing.
Similar issue (but let me know if best to create a new thread): Brand new Macbook Pro...like, one day old. Latest OS (Ventura 13.2.1 (22D68)).
There are some FileMaker Pro files on my Dbox that I am trying to pull down to my laptop. Each are 5.07 GB. It begins the download but goes VERY slowly. Then I get the "couldn't communicate with a helper application" popup message and the download status bar resets and the process begins again... vicious cycle!
Any thoughts?
Many thanks!
Hello,
When I'm sending an email from my iPhone and try to attach a file from dropbox this is the message that comes up just wondering if anybody has the same issue.
- Megan
Hi Swags, how are you today?
In regards to the issue you're facing when you're trying to attach files from Dropbox, which version of the Dropbox app do you use on your end?
Can you also send me a screenshot of the error message you mentioned above?
Let me know more, and we'll take it from there!
Hi Megan, I'm using version 316.2.2
