Box Sync Not Launching on Startup on macOS – Box Support

Note: Box Sync is not supported on Apple Silicon devices. Users on these devices need to switch to Box Drive.

Overview

Box Sync may not launch automatically when you start your Mac. This can occur after a macOS update, if Box Sync is not added to your login items, or when required permissions (like Full Disk Access) are missing. The guide below describes how to restore automatic launch and ensure Box Sync runs properly at startup.

Problem

Box Sync does not launch on macOS startup, so files and folders do not sync automatically after you sign in to your Mac.

Process for Resolution

1. Confirm Box Sync is installed and up to date

Open the Box Sync application from your Applications folder.
If you do not see it installed, download and install the latest Box Sync from Box (or contact your admin if using an enterprise deployment).
If installed, check for updates via the Box Sync menu or reinstall the latest version to ensure compatibility with your macOS release.

2. Add Box Sync to Login Items

Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).
Go to Users & Groups > your user account > Login Items.
Click the + button, locate Box Sync in the Applications folder, and add it to the list.
Ensure Box Sync is not listed with a hidden checkbox enabled (unless you want it hidden at launch).

3. Grant required permissions (Full Disk Access and Files and Folders)

Open System Settings (or System Preferences) > Privacy & Security (or Security & Privacy).
For Full Disk Access:

Select Full Disk Access.
Click the lock to make changes, authenticate, then click + and add Box Sync from the Applications folder.
Restart Box Sync (quit and reopen) and, if prompted, allow the changes.

For Files and Folders (if applicable):

In Privacy & Security, select Files and Folders.
Add Box Sync and enable access to required locations (e.g., Desktop, Documents) if requested by macOS.

4. Verify Box Sync Launch Agent

Open Finder, press Shift-Command-G and go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents.
Look for files related to Box Sync (for example, items named with com.box.*).
If LaunchAgent files are missing or corrupted, reinstall Box Sync so the installation recreates them.

5. Check for conflicting software

Confirm no other sync client or security software is blocking Box Sync from launching.
Temporarily disable any third-party security or anti-virus tools and restart to test whether Box Sync launches at startup.

6. Reboot and test

Restart your Mac.
After login, confirm the Box Sync icon appears in the menu bar and that folders are syncing.

Outcome

Confirm the problem is solved when:

The Box Sync icon appears in the macOS menu bar automatically after you sign in.
Your synced folders begin updating without manually launching Box Sync.
No error prompts appear related to permissions or missing components.

Alternatives

If you continue to experience any of the symptoms listed above, please manually collect and submit Box Sync Logs and open a support ticket at support.box.com for further assistance.