If you recently upgraded to the latest version of macOS, and you have the Dropbox desktop app installed on your computer, we recommend you update to the latest version of Dropbox for the best experience.
Dropbox Download
Notifications
After updating your device to macOS Catalina, you’ll see a notification that says “Dropbox Would Like to Send You Notifications”.
Dropbox uses the freemium financial model and its free service provides up to 18 GB of free online storage (2 GB + 512 MB per referral). Dropbox Features. Your files are always available from the Dropbox website. Dropbox works with Windows, Mac, Linux, iPad. Accessibility for Dropbox Accessibility is an Apple setting that allows Mac notifications to interact with other apps. Find out about Dropbox and Add Dropbox to the Files app on your Chromebook Access your Dropbox account in the Google Files app to browse files stored on your Chromebook and your Dropbox.
Clicking Allow ensuresyou’ll stay up-to-date on all of your file activity.
You can change your notification preferences at any time by opening System Preferences and clicking Notifications.
Camera uploads
When you plug your mobile device into your computer after updating to macOS 10.15, you’ll see a notification that says “’Dropbox’ would like to access files on a removable volume.”
Clicking OK ensures Dropbox uploads photos from your mobile device automatically. Learn more about Camera uploads.
Screenshots and screen recordings
After taking your first screenshot or screen recording on macOS Catalina, you may see a notification that says “’Dropbox’ would like to access files in your Desktop folder.”
Clicking OK allows all of your screenshots and screen recordings to automatically save to a Dropbox folder called Screenshots.
How to download and install the Dropbox desktop app
Once installed, you’ll be prompted to either sign in or create a new account.
How to install the desktop app with admin privileges
The Dropbox desktop app requires admin privileges to run with full functionality on your computer. This enables multiple different core features of Dropbox, including:
- Sync icons that show the sync status of files and folders
- Right-click context menus for taking quick actions in Dropbox
- Access to Smart Sync
For the vast majority of users, the desktop app is automatically installed with admin privileges. However, if you didn't install with admin privileges you can follow the instructions below to do so.
Note: If you don't have admin rights on your computer (for example if you're using a work computer), you may need to ask your IT department for help.
Install the Dropbox desktop app with admin privileges
How To Use Dropbox On Mac
- If you already have Dropbox installed, uninstall the application.
- Open the installer.
- Do not right-click, and do not command-click Run as an Administrator
- Follow the instructions in the install wizard.
- If you’re asked for an administrative username and password, enter them or contact your administrator to sign in.
- If you’re not asked for an administrative username and password, you’re already an admin on your computer.
- Complete the installation and sign in to Dropbox.
Smart Sync and admin privileges
Some Dropbox users will have access to Smart Sync. If you have access to this feature, check that Dropbox is installed with admin privileges on each computer where the feature will be used.
Depending on the policies at your company, your team members may be able to install Dropbox with admin privileges on their own. If not, they may need the assistance of your IT team.
Why does the Dropbox desktop app for macOS require Keychain access?
Keychain is a password management system for Apple's macOS. Dropbox requires access to your Keychain to help verify your account and to provide another layer of security over the Dropbox app settings.
![Mac Mac](/uploads/1/3/3/8/133818232/145982487.jpg)
- To grant Keychain access to Dropbox, click Allow or Always Allow (recommended for seamless access) when prompted to do so from macOS.
- Clicking Deny will result in a 'Couldn't start Dropbox' error message. For security reasons, Dropbox will not start without access to your Keychain.
What is the Dropbox Web Helper for macOS?
Dropbox Web Helper supports the Dropbox user interface on macOS computers. It only runs when the desktop app is running. Dropbox Web Helper is an independent process, so it may start and stop at different times than the desktop app. If you adjust your firewall or antivirus software for Dropbox, we recommend similar adjustments for Dropbox Web Helper.