Exceeding your storage on Dropbox Basic: FAQs

If you’re a Dropbox Basic user, you'll have a free storage limit of 2 GB. If you exceed your storage quota, you may be subject to data deletion, and sync and upload restrictions. You may also experience restrictions on sharing and previewing files and folders. You’ll receive notifications about the deletion of your most recent data to make room within your plan limit. To prevent deletion, we recommend that Basic users manage their files to align with the plan limit or consider upgrading to a higher-tier plan for additional storage.

How did I get into this state?

You may be over your storage quota if one of the following occurred: 

• You previously had a paid plan, downgraded to the Basic plan, and retained your uploaded data.
• You were part of a team account that was disbanded, or you were removed from a team.
• You were a trial user with a larger storage allowance but didn't upgrade to a paid plan.
• You may have joined a shared folder which other users contributed to.

What’s my Dropbox free storage limit?

Dropbox Basic offers 2 GB of starting storage space for free. To find out if you’re over your Dropbox free storage limit quota, check how much storage space you have.

How will my data be deleted?

If your account exceeds the free storage limit for Dropbox Basic, we'll notify you through multiple emails in advance. We’ll begin by deleting your least recently modified files first to bring your account under the limit. Only files you own will be deleted.

Files you’ve downloaded to your desktop or mobile device will remain available, even if other files are deleted from your Dropbox account. However, online-only files (placeholders on desktop) and files marked for offline use inside the Dropbox mobile app may be deleted, and won’t be automatically saved to your device’s local file system. If you want to keep a copy, make sure the file is fully downloaded to your device.

The deletion process includes:

• Files and folders that aren't shared with any other users (referred to as "owned" files).
• Backup data.
• Learn how to delete Dropbox Backup.

Additionally, shared folders will be temporarily left based on ownership:

• Shared folders not owned by you will be removed from your directory without deleting contents.
• Shared folders you own will also be removed, allowing other users to maintain access.

Deleted files and folders are moved to the Deleted files tab in the left side panel, for 30 days before permanent removal. You can re-add shared folders and their contents back to your account once your account is under quota, or you have upgraded your account for additional storage. Permanently deleted files can’t be restored.

How can I avoid the deletion of my data?

Before any deletion occurs, we'll notify you multiple times and provide options to prevent the deletion of your files:

• Upgrade your account for additional storage.
• Leave shared folders (shared folders count towards your quota).
• Delete any data you no longer need.

How can I restore my data after deletion

If your files have been deleted because your account has exceeded the free storage limit for Dropbox Basic, you can recover your deleted files and folders.

If the recovered files and folders exceed your storage limit, you’ll need to upgrade your account to add more storage.

If you’re having issues recovering your files and folders, follow the instructions below.

How can I upgrade my Dropbox plan?

To change your Dropbox plan:

1. Log in to dropbox.com.
2. Click your avatar (profile picture or initials) in the bottom-left corner.
3. Click Settings.
4. Click Plan.
5. Click Change plan at the bottom of the page.
6. Select the plan you'd like to change to.
7. Click Review changes.
8. Click Confirm change.

How can I close my account?

Learn how to permanently delete your Dropbox account.

What if I have more questions?

If you have another question about the deletion of your data, recovering your deleted files and folders after exceeding your storage limit, or about an email notification you received, you can contact us. To do so:

1. Log out of your Dropbox account.
2. Navigate to https://www.dropbox.com/get_help/login-issue.
3. Click Submit a request.
4. Complete the form.
   • Note: Under Email, enter the email associated with the account you have a question about. 
5. Click Send.

Please note that most questions can be answered by reading the sections in this article.