Remove your access from shared files and folders

Updated Jul 02, 2026

In this article

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The information in this article applies to all Dropbox users.

If you‘ve accessed a file or folder through a shared link, you can remove your access. This removes the item from your Visited links list, search results, or other places that rely on that access and revokes the access granted through the shared link.
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Note: If the shared link is still active and you have the URL, you can open it again and regain access.

What happens when you remove your access?

When you remove your access:

  • The item is removed from your Visited links list.
  • Access granted through the shared link is revoked.
  • The item may no longer appear in places that rely on that access, such as search results.
  • Other people who use the shared link aren’t affected.
  • The shared link remains active unless the owner turns it off.
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Note: If you can access the same file or folder through another access path, such as a shared folder, team membership, or ownership, you may still be able to access it after removing your shared link access.

Remove your access from Visited links

  1. Log in to dropbox.com.
  2. Click Shared in the sidebar.
  3. Open the Visited links tab.
  4. Click (more options) next to the file or folder.
  5. Click Remove me.
  6. Click Remove my access to confirm.

The item is removed from your Visited links list.

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Note: Access is usually removed shortly after you complete these steps.

Remove your access from search results

  1. Log in to dropbox.com.
  2. Click the search bar at the top.
  3. Enter the file or folder name.
  4. Click (more options) next to the file or folder.
  5. Click Remove my access.
  6. Click Remove my access again to confirm.

The item is removed from your search results.

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Note: This option isn’t available for all permission types. If you’re the owner, have access through a shared folder, belong to a team with access, or inherit permissions from another folder, you may see a different option or an error message.

Remove your access from files and folders shared directly with you

If someone added you directly to a file or folder, you can remove your own access from the Shared page, the file preview page, or while browsing files and folders.

From the Shared page

  1. Log in to dropbox.com.
  2. Click Shared in the left sidebar.
  3. Click (more options) next to the file or folder. 
  4. Click Remove me.
  5. Click Remove my access to confirm.

The item is removed from your Shared page.

From the Manage permissions window

  1. Log in to dropbox.com.
  2. Open the file or folder.
  3. Click (more options) next to the file or folder.
  4. Click Manage permissions.
  5. Find your name in the people list.
  6. Click the dropdown next to your permission level.
  7. Click Remove my access.
  8. Click Remove my access again to confirm.

After you remove your access, the file or folder is removed from your account unless you still have access through another source.

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Note: This option isn’t always available in Manage permissions. If your access comes from inherited permissions, ownership, team membership, or another permission source, you may not be able to remove your own access. For example, if you inherited Manage permissions access from a parent folder, you can’t remove yourself from Manage permissions from this window. Contact the owner or an admin if you need your permissions changed.

Why can I still access the file or folder?

You may still be able to access the item if:

  • You were added directly to the file or folder.
  • You have access through a shared folder.
  • You have access through team membership.
  • You’re the owner.
  • You opened the shared link again after removing your access.

If you believe you should no longer have access, contact the owner of the file or folder.

FAQS about removing access

Does removing my access delete the file or folder?

No. Removing your access only affects your account. The file or folder remains available to people who still have access.

Does removing my access turn off the shared link?

No. The shared link remains active unless the owner turns it off or changes its settings.

Can I get access again after removing it?

Yes. If the shared link is still active and you have the URL, you can open it again and regain access.

How long does it take for access to be removed?

Access is usually removed shortly after you complete the process.

Why can’t I remove my access from search results?

Some access types can’t be removed from the search results page. For example, you may still have access because you’re the owner or because your team has access to the file or folder. If you need your access changed, contact the owner or your admin.

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