I downloaded BoxDrive, but it does not appear in Finder. The login screen opens, but when I enter my email address and log in, I am returned to the login screen. I am using a MacBook Air with the latest OS. I have tried uninstalling and reinstalling the software. I can use it in my browser. Is there a way to make it appear in Finder?
Here’s the things you could check to resolve the issue:
Verify Box Drive Mode and Finder Location:
Box Drive operates in two modes on macOS: kernel-based mode and File Provider Extension (FPE) mode.
In kernel-based mode, Box appears under Devices > Favorites in Finder sidebar.
In FPE mode, Box appears under Locations > Box in Finder sidebar but cannot be added to Favorites.
To check or switch modes, you can run in Terminal (as current user): defaults write com.box.desktop MacMode fpe (to enable FPE), then restart Box Drive.
Login Loop Issue:
The login screen returning after entering email may be caused by an outdated login page or issues with Single Sign-On (SSO).
Ensure you start the login flow from the Box Drive app’s login button and complete it in the same session.
If using SSO, confirm that the Enterprise SSO redirect URL is correctly configured in your admin console.
You can try forcing external browser login by running in Terminal: defaults write com.box.desktop LoginWithExternalBrowser 1
Also ensure WebView2 component is installed if applicable (mostly Windows).
Box Drive Running Check:
Confirm Box Drive is actually running: look for the Box icon in the menu bar.
If not running, launch Box Drive manually from Applications.
Reset Box Drive:
Since uninstall/reinstall did not help, try a manual reset of Box Drive on Mac:
Quit Box Drive.
Open Terminal and run the command: fileproviderctl domain remove -A com.box.desktop.boxfileprovider; defaults delete com.box.desktop; rm -rf ~/Library/Application\ Support/Box/Box
This archives unsynced files and clears preferences.
Restart Box Drive and log in again.
Grant Terminal Full Disk Access:
Manual reset commands require Terminal to have full disk access.
Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy tab > Full Disk Access, unlock, and add Terminal.
Check Finder Sidebar Settings:
Sometimes Finder sidebar items are hidden.
In Finder, go to Finder > Preferences > Sidebar and ensure “Locations” or “Favorites” includes Box.
Additional Notes:
Box Drive content does not integrate with macOS Spotlight search.
If you previously used Box Sync, ensure it is fully uninstalled as having both can cause conflicts.
Here’s the things you could check to resolve the issue:
Verify Box Drive Mode and Finder Location:
Box Drive operates in two modes on macOS: kernel-based mode and File Provider Extension (FPE) mode.
In kernel-based mode, Box appears under Devices > Favorites in Finder sidebar.
In FPE mode, Box appears under Locations > Box in Finder sidebar but cannot be added to Favorites.
To check or switch modes, you can run in Terminal (as current user): defaults write com.box.desktop MacMode fpe (to enable FPE), then restart Box Drive.
Login Loop Issue:
The login screen returning after entering email may be caused by an outdated login page or issues with Single Sign-On (SSO).
Ensure you start the login flow from the Box Drive app’s login button and complete it in the same session.
If using SSO, confirm that the Enterprise SSO redirect URL is correctly configured in your admin console.
You can try forcing external browser login by running in Terminal: defaults write com.box.desktop LoginWithExternalBrowser 1
Also ensure WebView2 component is installed if applicable (mostly Windows).
Box Drive Running Check:
Confirm Box Drive is actually running: look for the Box icon in the menu bar.
If not running, launch Box Drive manually from Applications.
Reset Box Drive:
Since uninstall/reinstall did not help, try a manual reset of Box Drive on Mac:
Quit Box Drive.
Open Terminal and run the command: fileproviderctl domain remove -A com.box.desktop.boxfileprovider; defaults delete com.box.desktop; rm -rf ~/Library/Application\ Support/Box/Box
This archives unsynced files and clears preferences.
Restart Box Drive and log in again.
Grant Terminal Full Disk Access:
Manual reset commands require Terminal to have full disk access.
Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy tab > Full Disk Access, unlock, and add Terminal.
Check Finder Sidebar Settings:
Sometimes Finder sidebar items are hidden.
In Finder, go to Finder > Preferences > Sidebar and ensure “Locations” or “Favorites” includes Box.
Additional Notes:
Box Drive content does not integrate with macOS Spotlight search.
If you previously used Box Sync, ensure it is fully uninstalled as having both can cause conflicts.
I saw that you wrote about SSO settings, so I checked the “Applications linked to your account” settings in Box, and for some reason, “Google+” was included. After deleting it, I was able to redirect. Thank you for the suggestion.
