Forum Discussion

jgoshawk's avatar
jgoshawk
Explorer | Level 3
5 months ago

The Dropbox desktop app is stuck on starting on Mac OS

I can't get past the "starting..." stage on the DB app. I've uninstalled, cleared everything related to DB from my computer, downloaded fresh, installed again. Everything I can think of. Always, the ...
desktop
Install
Mac
Setting up the apps
kenstir's avatar
kenstir
New member | Level 2
29 days ago

Dang it, I'm having this too.  I see it on macOS Sonoma 14.7.2, Dropbox 215.4.7202.  First Dropbox appeared to be up-to-date, except it did not upload my new files.  Then I tried to pause and restart sync, at which point it said "Starting" forever.  Then I quit the Dropbox app and restarted it, and now it says "Connecting components" forever.

I hate to go back to sneakernet, or NAS folders, or .... 

kenstir's avatar
kenstir
New member | Level 2
29 days ago

Just noticed that the files themselves appear in Finder with a bang-inside-a-cloud icon which says "Couldn't communicate with a helper application."

  • kenstir's avatar
    kenstir
    New member | Level 2
    28 days ago

    Fixed for me by logging out and logging back in.

    I believe these are the repro steps but since it involves an upgrade I can't repro:

    • Update your macOS.  In my case I updated from Sonoma something to Sonoma 14.7.2 (23H311)
    • Login.  Dropbox appears to be up-to-date but isn't per above.  New files are in an error state, "Couldn't communicate with a helper application."

About Apps and Installations

Have a question about a Dropbox app or installation? Reach out to the Dropbox Community and get solutions, help, and advice from members.

Need more support

If you need more help you can view your support options (expected response time for an email or ticket is 24 hours), or contact us on X or Facebook.

For more info on available support options for your Dropbox plan, see this article.

If you found the answer to your question in this Community thread, please 'like' the post to say thanks and to let us know it was useful!