com.apple.app-analytics.production.upload-dropbox

Hi,

This is my first post here, but I ran into this issue today and it was very alarming. In my case, I determined it was caused by the `newsd` service, which is part of the Apple News app.

I was able to use the directory names as a clue. Ex:

% ls -ld ~/Documents/com.apple.app-analytics.production.upload-dropbox/01234A56-78B9-01CD-EFG2-H3I456JK7890

rwxr-xr-x  2 xxx  staff  64 Jun  8 17:04 /Users/xxx/Documents/com.apple.app-analytics.production.upload-dropbox/01234A56-78B9-01CD-EFG2-H3I456JK7890

First, open the console App and click the `Start` button in the top right to begin streaming logs.

My system was creating a new directory about every 10 minutes. Using a terminal, run this command every so often:

ls -lht ~/Documents/com.apple.app-analytics.production.upload-dropbox

You can also use a utility like `watch` to monitor for a new directory to be created if you have it installed. The `-lht` options will print the newest directories at the top.

When a new directory is created, copy its name and paste it into the Console App's search bar to look for a match. These are the results I got:

default	17:04:47.871510-0500	newsd	will start session with identifier=01234A56-78B9-01CD-EFG2-H3I456JK7890
default	17:04:48.360395-0500	newsd	did end session with identifier=01234A56-78B9-01CD-EFG2-H3I456JK7890

Notice that the directories are created with the same timestamp as the log entries.

I did this for several cycles and it was the `newsd` service every time. I should also mention that I don't use Apple News on my Mac, and I have opted out of all analytics sharing. I sent them a report with similar information earlier today, so hopefully it gets fixed soon.

Thanks,

M

That’s right. Despite the name these directories have nothing to do with the Dropbox app/service. I’ve never used that product before and still had this directory in my Documents folder.

In my case I was able to stop the newsd service by disabling iCloud sync for Apple News. The weather sync functionality probably works similarly, so I’m not surprised that the weather widget has been linked to this as well. I deleted the directory and disabled most iCloud syncing on my mac that I don’t need. So far so good.

cantchangeit wrote:

There is a folder named com.apple.app-analytics.production.upload-dropbox in my Documents. It contained dozens of subfolders, apparently with no content. I deleted it, but it returns after a few hours and has done this several times. I do NOT use Dropbox and don't have it installed on any of my devices. Any ideas what it is and/or how to permanently get rid of it? Thank you.

It begs the question— do you use Dropbox? I would start there...

if in doubt search the developers website or contact their: Support/Help/FAQ/Known issues/compatibility/updates…

Contact a third-party vendor - Apple Support

Contact a third-party vendor - Apple Support

https://www.dropboxforum.com/t5/Apps-and-Installations/Folders-Appearing-and-Filling-with-Empty-Folders-Every-Few/td-p/767841/page/3

https://www.reddit.com/r/applehelp/comments/1**4s4b/dropbox_keeps_creating_empty_folders/

'

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/folder-keeps-creating-com-apple-app-analytics-production-upload-dropbox.2427279/

The current stable release of Sonoma including bug fixes, security updates is macOS 14.5

Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support

Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support

This is from a Community Manager on Dropbox Community

Hi Everybody,

I've run this issue by our engineering team. Upon investigation. It does not appear that Dropbox is creating these folders. Based on the location where the folders are being created (com.apple.app-analytics), we recommend reaching out to Apple Support for further assistance.

Feel free to keep us posted with any solutions or further information you are able to obtain from Apple Support.

Thanks,

Ben

Over on dropbox community, they are pointing to the weather widget from Apple.

I have deleted Dropbox, Dropbox extension, and turned off Mac analytics.

This folder and its subfolders return minutes to an hour after deletion: com.apple.app-analytics.production.upload-dropbox

Apple put through an update end of last week to Sonoma 14.6. I have not had the issue since that time.

Disabling iCloud sync of Apple News didn't seem to stop it for me. Interestingly, mine only showed up right after downloading Backblaze cloud backups on this laptop. Anyone else with this issue using Backblaze for backups?

I tried your approach for iCloud sync and deleted the folder. It came back moments later. I am still experiencing the issue.

I have the issue, and I do not use BackBlaze.

I am having this issue also has anyone come up with a solution?