How to change the owner of a shared folder

By default, you’re the owner of any shared folders you create. However, you can transfer ownership to someone else.

Learn more about a shared folder owner’s permissions.

Not using Dropbox yet? See how Dropbox helps you effortlessly share files and folders.

Change the owner of a shared folder

You can transfer ownership of a shared folder by changing the folder's sharing permissions. 

On dropbox.com

1. Sign in to dropbox.com.
2. Click All files in the left sidebar.
3. Hover over the name of the correct folder and click the share icon (person).
4. Click [x] people have access.
5. Click the dropdown arrow next to the name of the person you want to transfer ownership to.
6. Select Make owner to confirm your choice.

In the Dropbox desktop app

1. Open the Dropbox folder in File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac).
2. Right-click or control-click the correct folder and select Share….
3. Click the dropdown arrow next to the name of the person you want to transfer ownership to.
4. Select Make owner to confirm your choice.

On the Dropbox mobile app

1. Open the Dropbox mobile app.
2. Tap the “⁝” (vertical ellipsis on Android) “…” (ellipsis on iPhone/iPad) next to the file or folder you’d like to manage.
3. Tap Share.
4. Tap Folder settings.
5. Tap the area below [x] members.
6. Tap the name of the person you’d like to transfer ownership to.
7. Tap Make Owner.

Transfer a folder with no owner

If the owner of a shared folder leaves your team without transferring ownership first, the shared folder will be without an owner. 

If you can contact the original owner and they still have access to the folder, ask them transfer ownership to you.

If you don’t know who the original owner was or you’re unable to contact them, you can copy the files into a new folder and re-invite members.

Learn how to find the owner of a shared folder.