Clear Dropbox Cache Mac

What is Dropbox cache on Mac?

The Dropbox cache on Mac is a hidden folder that plays a significant role in keeping your Dropbox running smoothly. It temporarily stores cache files to improve speed and reduce data transfers. Over time, cache files store and use too much disk space, causing sluggish efficiency requiring manual clearing.

Why you should clear Dropbox cache on Mac?

If you delete Dropbox cache on your Mac, it reclaims disk space, fixes sync issues, removes old deleted files, and solves Dropbox errors. Though cache buildup is generally normal and harmless, it can result in harmful system glitches if not cleared regularly.

A note from our experts: 

 

When you notice Dropbox taking up space on Mac, use MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup to fix the issue. This tool is trusted by millions of Mac users, as it manages to get rid of the redundant files on your system, including utility logs, not just Dropbox cache. MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup slips into the hidden corners of your laptop and safely removes unnecessary files that prevent your Apple device from running smoothly.

 

Catch a detailed instruction on how to benefit from MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup:

1. Download and launch the MacKeeper app.
2. In the left menu, select the Safe Cleanup option.
3. Click Start Scan to begin checking.
4. After the scan is completed, check the results, choose the files you don’t need, and click the Clean Junk Files button to eliminate them.

Is it safe to delete Dropbox cache on Mac?

Yes, clearing the Dropbox cache on Mac is absolutely safe. This folder stores temporary cache files to hasten file access and syncing, so deleting Dropbox cache won’t harm your essential data. Instead, you’ll free up disk space and fix the syncing issues. Besides, Dropbox can recover cache if needed with no risk to your vital files or account settings.

How to empty Dropbox cache on Mac?

You can easily empty Dropbox cache on Mac in Finder and quickly free up disk space. Go to Finder, find the .dropbox.cache in the Dropbox folder, remove the files and folders you don’t need, and empty the Trash bin.

1. Remove Dropbox cache manually

I guess you know what to expect if your iCloud storage is full, similar processes happen when the Dropbox cache folder needs restoration. However, the problem is that Dropbox stores the cache in a hidden folder, so it’s a bit complicated to detect the issue.

Why do you need to clean Dropbox cache files? We’ve gathered the main reasons to motivate you below:

• To free up storage space: Over time, Dropbox accumulates lots of cache files, taking up much space on your hard drive. If you’re running out of storage, removing Dropbox cache can quickly free up some space.
• To improve performance: An overload of cache files can lead to sluggish Mac performance. Clearing the Dropbox cache folder optimizes the Mac’s responsiveness and speeds up the syncing process.
• To fix issues: Sometimes Dropbox stores corrupted or outdated cache files, which result in efficiency problems. Removing these files can resolve the issues.
• To protect privacy: As the Dropbox cache folder contains deleted files, the perfect solution is to clear the folder manually to ensure that previously deleted private content doesn’t remain on your device.

Now, let’s determine how to remove Dropbox cache manually. If you know how to clear application cache on Mac, you’ll easily grasp the idea of how to do the same with Dropbox:

1. Before removing Dropbox cache, ensure there are no active apps to prevent potential conflicts. Click on the Dropbox icon in the menu and choose Quit Dropbox.
2. Find the cache folder: Its location varies depending on your operating system. Enable the Show hidden files option if you can’t find it quickly.
3. When the cache folder is opened, select all files and subfolders within it, right-click them, and click Delete button or drag them to the Trash manually.
4. Empty the Trash bin to free up the space immediately.
5. Relaunch Dropbox not to lose the necessary cache. Find Dropbox in the Apple menu and restart it.

If you constantly experience the run-out-of-space problem, I, on the part of the MacKeeper team, advise you to choose the best cloud storage for Mac, which is a good alternative in such a situation.

2. Use third-party tools to delete Dropbox cache

If you don’t like the idea of removing Dropbox cache manually, you can always choose a third-party tool to complete this mission. There’s a variety of options developed to eliminate useless elements from your device, including Dropbox cache.

I suggest you distinguish the pros and cons of using third-party tools to delete Dropbox cache so that you can make the right choice.

Advantages of third-party tools to delete Dropbox cache on your Mac

Third-party tools provide more than a Dropbox cache removal, as they’re designed to maintain your system optimized in general. Read on for its main benefits below.

• Automation: Professional tools automate the process of Dropbox cache removal. They scan your system for unnecessary files and automatically delete them.
• Time-saving: Using third-party tools like MacKeeper, you don’t need to make manual settings constantly, which saves you much time and effort.
• Optional features: As a rule, third-party apps offer extra functions to optimize your Mac’s performance, not just Dropbox cache deletion. At least they remove other junk data from your macOS.

Disadvantages of third-party tools to delete Dropbox cache on your Mac

Remember that there’s a reverse side to using third-party tools to delete Dropbox cache, you’d better be aware of.

• Require permissions: Often, third-party tools need admin rights to delete junk files, especially when these files are stored in protected folders like Dropbox cache.  
• Aren’t transparent: Many tools don’t share the type of data they have access to on your Mac, so it’s highly recommended to choose only reputable and secure ones.  
• May erase the important data: Improperly configured tools may delete not only the Dropbox cache, but also the essential files, so you’d better check twice what’s been removed.

Conclusion

Clearing Dropbox cache on your Mac is an important process for its optimization and the avoidance of cluttering the operating system. You can do it manually or use third-party apps. If you prefer the second option, pay attention to MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup—a reliable tool designed by Clario Tech to delete unnecessary data from your Mac quickly, with no risks. It has passed Apple’s security checks for malware and bugs and gained Apple notarization, becoming a leading solution in the Mac optimization and cybersecurity software market.