If you need to delete sensitive documents from your Dropbox account permanently, make sure to delete them from Dropbox cache folders as well. That’s because when you delete files from your Dropbox account, those file are saved in its cache folder which is a hidden folder in your home directory on your systems. Files are kept there for emergency reasons and are automatically removed or deleted every three days for efficiency purposes.

This brief tutorial shows you how to access that cache folder in Windows, Mac and Linux systems so your can permanently remove your sensitive stuff from your computer.

How to access your Dropbox cache folder in Windows:

To access Dropbox’s folder in Windows systems, click on Start –>All Programs –> Accessories –> Run. Then copy and paste the line below into the Run dialog box, then press Enter. In there will be your Dropbox cached content.

%HOMEPATH%\Dropbox\.dropbox.cache

 

dropbox_cache_windows

 

To access your Dropbox’s cache folder in Mac or Linux systems, go to your home directory and press Ctrl – H to show all hidden folders. From there you should be able to see the Dropbox folder and inside it will be the cache folder.

You can then delete your sensitive stuff from there. This can also come in handy if you need to get rid of large amount of content that are taking valuable hard drive space.

~/Dropbox/.dropbox.cache

 

 

Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I clear Dropbox cache in Windows 10?

To clear Dropbox cache in Windows 10, navigate to %HOMEPATH%Dropbox.dropbox.cache and delete the files stored there.

What is the purpose of Dropbox cache folders?

Dropbox cache folders store deleted files for a few days for emergency reasons and are automatically removed every three days for efficiency.

How can I access Dropbox cache on a Mac?

To access Dropbox cache on a Mac, go to your home directory, press Ctrl + H to reveal hidden folders, and find the cache folder inside the Dropbox directory.

Is it necessary to delete files from Dropbox cache folders?

Yes, it is advisable to delete files from Dropbox cache folders if you want to permanently remove sensitive documents from your Dropbox account.

What happens if I don't clear Dropbox cache?

If you don't clear Dropbox cache, the files will remain stored in the cache folder, taking up space on your system and potentially posing a security risk.

Can I access Dropbox cache on Linux systems?

Yes, you can access Dropbox cache on Linux systems by navigating to ~/Dropbox/.dropbox.cache from your home directory.

How often are files removed from Dropbox cache?

Files are automatically removed from Dropbox cache every three days for efficiency purposes to free up space on your system.

What is the shortcut to reveal hidden folders in Mac?

In Mac, press Ctrl + H to show all hidden folders in your home directory, including the Dropbox cache folder.