How to Clear or Remove the Recent file list in mobile apps

Lori, I had the same issue.

Dropbox is hiring propagandists to censor and down play criticism.

E.g. Rich R. moved and censored my posts and I still disagree him interfering and down playing posts.

I reported his abuse of super user rights to dropbox. Perhaps if more people do they realise they have to revoke and start reading what customers write themselves.

Took Ages to find but this works, due to a folder change I had about 700 recents !!

Corey A. February 24, 2016 00:30

Hi all,

I get this response from DropBox support. I have actually tried this and it works. I have DB in a folder on my Android so I had to create the shortcut on a page first then move it. Hopefully they listen and remove the Recents.

Ralph, Feb 23, 8:32 AM:

Hi there,

Thanks for writing in. I understand that you would like to change the default tab/folder when the app opens. When tapping the Dropbox icon, Dropbox will open up to the Recents page first. This is working as intended and cannot be modified by the user.

We are always looking for user input when creating the next version of the Dropbox app and I will make sure your comments are passed along to our development team.

As a workaround, the Dropbox app offers the ability to create a home screen widget to any folder in your account, including the top-level Dropbox folder.

To create this shortcut:
- Tap and hold an empty spot on the home screen (phones) or tap the All Apps icon on the home screen (tablets)
- Tap “Widgets”
- Tap and hold the “Dropbox Folder” widget, drag it to the desired location on your home screen, and release.
- Upon releasing, you’ll be prompted to “Create shortcut to” the currently selected folder. If you wish to open a different folder, navigate to the preferred folder.
- Tap the “Create Shortcut” button.

You can now use this new Dropbox folder icon on your home screen to bypass the Recents view upon opening the Dropbox app.

If there is anything else I can do to be of service, please reach back out to me and I will be more than happy to assist.

Regards,
Ralph

Ian, thanks for sharing.

IT is a work around for core functionality and I found out it is lagging when opening.

Also it does not resolve the bizar steps you need to circumvent the dropbox viewers nobody needs, wants or asked for. I want to open pdfs in either adobe or UB reader. 

Lastly it does not resolve dropbox absolutely not showing any interest in their user community here...

Do we know if Dropbox are working on a way to disable Recents or allow more control of Recents?

Can someone please tell me how this has not gone viral?? Dropbox's complete lack interest or concern toward users' privacy?? We've given them a ridiculously ample amount of time to address the issue, or even explain what is going on. It's time we got the rest of the Internet involved.

From https://www.dropbox.com/about :

"We create products that are easy to use and are built on trust. WHEN PEOPLE PUT THEIR FILES IN DROPBOX, THEY CAN TRUST THEY’RE SECURE AND THEIR DATA IS THEIR OWN. OUR USERS’ PRIVACY HAS ALWAYS BEEN OUR FIRST PRIORITY, AND IT ALWAYS WILL BE."

...Unless someone is standing next to you, then they get to see everything you have recently done. Including file names, other Clients' data, pictures of your naked 3 month old in the bath tub...

Either Dropbox or I don't understand what "Privacy," "Always," and "First" mean.

Creating a shortcut works.   Just delete the dropbox icon.   My guess is the company is in profit taking mode / waiting for Microsoft or Google to buy them.  

Defaulting to recent view makes no sense.  That is not how peoples' brains work.  If I am accessing Dropbox, I am looking for a particular file.  There is a high probability that the file or folder is not recent.This forces users to take an extra step.  Killing workflow.  Recent files is for when I don't remember where that thing is, but I know I used it the other day. I understand you are trying to help people be organized by presenting them information you think they need.  But people don't think that complex.  When I use Dropbox, I usually know where the file is. I totally disregard "Recent."  I have never checked Recent once.  Why hunt through an unalphabetized list when the item might not even be in there?  Recent should be an option, not a hurdle, which it is. I am blown away that this feature got implemented the way it did.  If this is still an issue the next time my subscription is up, I am not renewing.  Keep it simple!

Support, please advise ETA to problem resolution or alternatively advise how I can refund my remaining subscription so I can port to BOX.

If you are unhappy with this please vote 1 star in app store and post here to confirm.

Justin,

Dropbox does not provide ETA's on resolutions or new features. Also, per the terms, Dropbox does not issue refunds. You can downgrade your account so that it doesn't auto-renew at the end of your subscription, but you will not be refunded the balance. You'll continue to have your Pro account benefits until your subscription runs out.