Dropbox Sync Cache Folder (.dropbox.cache)

Bottom Line: It is 100% safe to delete files inside .dropbox.cache. Clearing the Dropbox sync cache will NOT delete your active Dropbox files or cloud storage.

What is the .dropbox.cache Folder?

Located inside your local Dropbox folder at C:\Users\[Username]\Dropbox\.dropbox.cache on Windows (or ~/Dropbox/.dropbox.cache on macOS), this hidden directory is managed by Dropbox Desktop Client.

When you edit, move, or delete large files inside your Dropbox folder, Dropbox retains temporary staging chunks in .dropbox.cache for 3 days to enable fast file undo and delta syncing.

If you delete or sync large video files or zip archives, .dropbox.cache expands to 5 GB to 25 GB+.

Can You Delete Dropbox Cache?

✅ Yes, it is completely safe to delete.

• Zero file loss: Your active synced files live safely in your Dropbox folder and in the cloud.
• Hidden safety feature: Deleting .dropbox.cache reclaims space immediately without waiting for Dropbox’s 3-day automatic purge timer.

How to Safely Clean Up Dropbox Cache

Method 1: Delete Hidden Cache via File Explorer / Finder

On Windows:

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Users\[Username]\Dropbox.
2. Press Win + R, type %HOMEPATH%\Dropbox\.dropbox.cache, and press Enter.
3. Select and delete all contents inside .dropbox.cache.

On macOS:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Run:

   rm -rf ~/Dropbox/.dropbox.cache/*

Related Guides

• Learn about deleting Dropbox cache.
• How to clean up Google Drive cache.
• Check if you can clean [OneDrive temp files]).