How to follow a Dropbox folder

Updated May 14, 2024
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The information in this article applies to all Dropbox accounts unless otherwise stated.

You can follow a shared or team folder to receive an email each time a file is added and/or deleted from that folder or subfolders within that folder. Emails will be sent as activity occurs or once a day, depending on your notification preferences.
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Notes:

  • If you choose to receive notifications as activity occurs, emails will be batched in approximately ten minute increments. There are no limits to the number of emails you can receive in a day.
  • Deleting or adding a file in a folder you follow won't trigger an email notification for your actions. However, other followers of the folder will receive email notifications for such changes.

Follow a folder

To follow a folder:

  1. Log in to dropbox.com.
  2. Click the folder you’d like to follow.
  3. Click the gear icon next to the folder’s name to open the folder’s settings.
  4. Click Activity in the dropdown menu.
  5. Click Follow.
  6. Choose which actions you’d like to be notified about and how often you’d like to receive notifications.
  7. Click Confirm.

You’ll receive an email confirming that you’re now following that folder.

Change folder notification preferences

You can change your notification preferences at any time. To do so:

  1. Log in to dropbox.com.
  2. Click the folder you’d like to change notification preferences for.
  3. Click the gear icon next to the folder’s name to open the folder’s settings.
  4. Click Activity in the dropdown menu.
  5. Click Following.
  6. Click Manage options.
  7. Choose which actions you’d like to be notified about and how often you’d like to receive notifications.
  8. Click Confirm.

Unfollow a folder

To unfollow a folder:

  1. Log in to dropbox.com.
  2. Click the folder you’d like to unfollow.
  3. Click the gear icon next to the folder’s name to open the folder’s settings.
  4. Click Activity in the dropdown menu.
  5. Click Following.
  6. Click Unfollow.

FAQs about following folders

What type of folders can I follow?

You can follow any shared folder or team folder.

Can I follow the root Dropbox folder?

No, you can’t follow the root Dropbox folder.

What happens if a folder I’m following is moved or renamed?

If a folder you’re following is moved or renamed, you will continue to receive notifications as usual.

What happens if a file in a folder I’m following is moved or renamed?

If a file in a folder you’re following is moved or renamed, you will not receive a notification.

What if I no longer have access to a folder I’m following?

If you no longer have access to a folder you’re following, you will stop receiving notifications for that folder.

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