​​I’m having trouble with a shared folder

There are a few situations when shared folders might not work as expected. Check each of the situations outlined in this article to fix issues with shared folders.

If you don’t find an answer here, visit these articles:

• Dropbox shared folders FAQs
• Fix syncing problems in Dropbox
• Solve issues with joining shared folders
• Resolve error messages that happen when sharing

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

I'm not seeing the shared folder options window

If the shared folder options window doesn’t pop up when you click Share, you may be experiencing an issue caused by a third-party browser extension or add-on (such as a pop-up or ad blocker).

To fix this problem, temporarily disable any browser extensions or add-ons that are running. Once you change your shared folder settings and no longer need the shared folder options window, you can re-enable these browser extensions.

If you'd like to continue using the extension, you may be able to create an exception for Dropbox, or whitelist https://www.dropbox.com. However, not all extensions support this functionality.

I can’t share a folder inside another shared folder

If you can’t share a folder inside another folder, your sharing permissions in that folder may be limited by the owner of the parent folder. Try contacting the owner of the parent folder to share a folder inside their shared folder.

If you still can’t share a subfolder, you may have reached the limit on how many shared subfolders can be created in a single folder. Learn more about shared folder limits.

I’m a Dropbox Family customer

Dropbox Family customers can’t directly share subfolders that are inside parent shared folders. If you need to share files or folders inside of a parent shared folder, you can share them via a link.

A shared folder has the same name as another folder

If you join a shared folder that has the same name as a folder already in your Dropbox account, a (1) is appended to the new shared folder name.

Rename the original folder causing the naming conflict (the one without a (1)). Then you can remove the (1) from the shared folder name.

A shared folder is inside of a team folder

If you're on a team account, you may have a team folder.

If you move a shared folder into a team folder, you transfer ownership of that folder to the team. You no longer own the folder, and you can’t remove the folder from the team folder. An admin on the team is the only one who can move a folder out of the team folder.

If you’d like, you can make a copy of the folder and move it to the preferred location in your account. If you need the folder removed from the team folder, please contact your team’s admin.

The owner of a shared folder left

The owner is likely the person who originally invited you to the shared folder. If you don't see an owner for a shared folder, the owner may have already left it. If this happens you can contact the original owner and ask them to first add the folder back to their Dropbox, and then transfer ownership to you.

If you can’t contact the owner, you can:

1. Create a new shared folder.
2. Drag the files from the old folder to this new folder.
3. Re-invite members of the old shared folder to this new shared folder.

You left the folder and want to transfer ownership

If you're the owner of a shared folder and leave it without transferring ownership, the shared folder will be without an owner. The owner is the only member who can remove members from the folder.

If you don’t need this folder anymore, but another member does, you can make them the owner. First, add the shared folder back to your Dropbox account. You can then transfer ownership of the folder to another member.

I need edit permissions to a shared folder that I can only view

A shared folder owner or editor can change permissions. If you need to have a different role within a shared folder, contact the owner or any current editor and ask to have your permissions updated. Learn more about roles in a shared folder.

How do I know if my folder has been shared?

To check that a folder is actively shared between you and the other people you’d like to have access to it:

1. Log in to dropbox.com.
2. Click Shared in the left sidebar.
   • Click More in the left sidebar if you don’t see Shared.
   • For folders someone else owns: If you don’t see the shared folder listed, then you’re not currently a member. Contact the owner to share it with you.
   • For folders you own: If the person you want to share with doesn’t see the folder listed, then they’re not currently a member. They should check the Shared page to see if they can click Join folder on the folder. If they don’t see the folder there, they should contact you.
      

How can I see members of a shared folder?

You can see the members of a shared folder by following the instructions below: