How to Remove Dropbox From Mac

Can you uninstall Dropbox on Mac completely

Yes, you can completely uninstall Dropbox on a Mac, but system files and background services may remain unless manually deleted. Synced files stay in your Dropbox cloud account.

A note from our experts: 

 

Simply deleting an app on your Mac doesn't always clear out everything. It often leaves behind hidden files that consume storage space and can slow down your system. That's why we recommend using MacKeeper's Smart Uninstaller, which not only removes the app itself but also locates and deletes all related files to free up space and prevent clutter.

 

Here's how to use Smart Uninstaller to remove unwanted apps fully:

1. Open MacKeeper and choose Smart Uninstaller from the left sidebar. It will scan for all installed apps, along with any files associated with them.
2. Click Start Scan to begin. The tool will organize results into categories like apps, plugins, widgets, and leftovers.
3. Review the scan results and choose what you want to remove. You'll also see apps you haven't used in six months, which MacKeeper marks for easy cleanup.
4. Hit Remove to uninstall your selections. Smart Uninstaller will completely wipe the apps and any associated files.

How to uninstall Dropbox on Mac

To uninstall Dropbox on Mac, log out of your account and quit the app. Then, you have a few steps to take:

1. Remove Dropbox from Applications.
2. Delete leftover files via Finder or Terminal.
3. Optionally, clear login items and background services.

1. Unlink Dropbox account from Mac

If Dropbox is taking up space on your Mac, unlinking your account is the safest first step to prevent sync conflicts or file loss.

Follow these steps:

1. Click the Dropbox icon in the top menu bar.
2. Click your profile picture or initials, then select Preferences.
3. Go to the Account tab and click Unlink this Dropbox.
4. Confirm the action when prompted because your Mac will disconnect from the Dropbox account.

We suggest unlinking before removal so files remain safe in the cloud, and sync doesn’t continue while uninstalling the app.

2. Delete Dropbox app

Once unlinked, you can remove the Dropbox app like any other macOS application.

Here's how:

1. Open Finder and go to the Applications folder.
2. Locate Dropbox in the list.
3. Drag the Dropbox icon to the Bin, or right-click and select Move to Bin.
4. Enter your admin password if prompted.

Using this approach, you delete the visible application from your system. However, it doesn't touch your settings, caches, or background files, which you'll need to clear manually in the next steps.

3. Remove Dropbox via Finder

Residual files can remain in your Library even after you delete Dropbox.

Follow these steps to remove them and avoid interference when trying to recover overwritten files on Mac:

1. Open Finder, then press Shift + Command + G.
2. Enter ~/Library and click Go.
3. Navigate through the following folders and delete any Dropbox-related files:
   • Application Support
   • Preferences
   • LaunchAgents
   • Caches
4. Empty the Trash once you're done.

A warning from our team: Be careful not to delete anything unrelated. We recommend making a backup first if you're unsure.

4. Clear Dropbox cache and system files

For full cleanup, you'll need to delete Dropbox's cached data and service files, which helps with clearing the cache on Mac and removes leftover clutter.

Here's what to do:

1. In Finder, press Shift + Command + G and type ~/Dropbox/.dropbox.cache.
2. Delete everything inside that folder.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/Caches and remove any folders labeled Dropbox.
4. Also, check ~/Library/Application Support and delete DropboxHelperTools if it exists.

Important:

 

Clearing cache on a Mac prevents background activity and reclaims disk space. It's especially useful if you're planning to reinstall Dropbox or switch to a different service.

 

Also, to succeed with freeing your MacBook’s space on a deeper level, we suggest you read our other dedicated piece on how to clear disk space on Mac. Check it out for the peace of your mind.

5. Use Terminal or third-party tools (optional)

For advanced users, Terminal offers a direct method for deleting hidden Dropbox files.

Here are the instructions to do it safely:

1. Open Terminal by typing “Terminal” in the search bar.
2. Type the following commands one at a time, pressing Return after each:
   • sudo rm -rf ~/.dropbox ~/.dropbox-master  
   • sudo rm -rf /Library/DropboxHelperTools 
3. Enter your Mac password when prompted.

A pro tip from us:

 

Be cautious since these commands bypass safeguards and should only be used if you’re confident. Alternatively, we recommend using MacKeeper’s Smart Uninstaller, which automates this process without the risk of manual errors.

How to remove Dropbox from Mac without deleting your files

If you want to get rid of Dropbox on Mac but keep your files intact, there’s a safe way to do it. Many users worry about losing essential documents when removing Dropbox, but with a few simple steps, you can disconnect the app while keeping all your data locally stored.

To uninstall Dropbox without deleting files:

1. Click the Dropbox icon in the menu bar and go to Preferences.
2. Under the Account tab, click Unlink this Dropbox. This stops syncing without deleting files.
3. Open Finder and check your Dropbox folder to confirm your files are still on the hard drive.
4. Drag the Dropbox app from the Applications folder to the Bin.

Conclusion

Cleaning up Dropbox from your Mac doesn't have to be complicated. Start by unlinking your account, then remove the app and any remaining system files to uninstall it completely. You can also choose to keep or delete local files based on your needs.

To simplify the process, try MacKeeper's Smart Uninstaller. It removes Dropbox and all related files in one go, saving you time and preventing leftover clutter that can slow down your Mac over time.