Create, Upload, and Share FAQs

I get this message: “Public links have been temporarily suspended for generating excessive traffic” on shared links.

Quick Guide

1. Wait 24 hours; the suspension typically lifts automatically.
2. Reduce link sharing spread – avoid mass automatic downloads.
3. For frequent high-volume usage, consider upgrading to Plus or Business.

Common Causes

• Exceeded download or bandwidth thresholds (e.g., Basic: 20 GB/day).

Possible Fixes

• Pause sharing and wait 24 hours for auto restoration.
• Use a paid plan with higher limits or switch to requested link mode.
• Create time-limited shared links to control usage.

Official Help Center References

• Explanation of bandwidth limits and suspended sharing for excessive traffic.

 

The Dropbox mobile app doesn’t reflect new files saved via desktop.

Quick Guide

1. Pull-to-refresh in mobile app to trigger sync.
2. Sign out and back in on mobile.
3. Check network settings and ensure auto-sync is enabled.
4. Clear app cache or reinstall if persistent.

Common Causes

• App background sync paused or network issue.
• Cached state not updating.

Possible Fixes

• Force refresh or re-login on mobile.
• Enable mobile sync permissions.
• Reinstall app to reset data.

Files marked “Online‑only" still consume local hard drive space.

Quick Guide

1. Verify file status in File Explorer icon overlay.
2. Right-click → Selective Sync → set to Online-only.
3. Disk still showing usage? Clear Dropbox cache via Preferences → Account → Clear Cache.

Common Causes

• Cache or temp files retained even though file placeholder is on-demand.
• The system index or preview services holding the file open.

Possible Fixes

• Clear Dropbox cache to reclaim space.
• Reboot Windows to release file handles.
• Use Selective Sync to make files online-only.

Official Help Center References

• Storage limit and over-quota troubleshooting.

Files either don’t upload or upload extremely slowly via desktop.

Quick Guide

1. Ensure your internet connection is stable.
2. Pause and resume syncing.
3. Check you're under your storage quota.
4. Temporarily disable bandwidth limits in Preferences → Bandwidth.

Common Causes

• Reached storage limit (uploads stop when over quota).
• Bandwidth limits or network congestion.

Possible Fixes

• Raise or remove upload/download speed limits.
• Free space or upgrade plan if you're full.
• Restart app/computer to reset stalled uploads.

Official Help Center References

• Over-quota causing sync to stop.
• Checking and troubleshooting storage space issues.

Dropbox desktop hangs on “Indexing files” or stops syncing after updates.

Quick Guide

1. Pause and restart syncing via the Dropbox menu.
2. Clear cache via Preferences → Account → Clear Cache.
3. Restart the app or computer.
4. If needed, reinstall Dropbox but preserve your Dropbox folder.

Common Causes

• Corrupted cache or temporary indexing data.
• Conflicts with other file‑watching software or anti‑virus.
• Interrupted Windows updates affecting Dropbox service.

Possible Fixes

• Clear cache and restart Dropbox to rebuild index.
• Whitelist Dropbox in antivirus or file‑monitoring tools.
• Reinstall Dropbox and select the existing folder during setup.

Official Help Center References

• Over-quota causing sync to stop.

Why do my shared folders count against my personal storage quota.

Quick Guide

1. Shared folders currently count against each member’s quota unless on a shared team or Family plan.
2. To eliminate storage burden, ask the owner to share via link (view-only).
3. Or exit the shared folder in your account.

Common Causes

• Dropbox counts shared content toward every person’s storage cap except team plans and the Family room folder in Family plans.

Possible Fixes

• Leave the shared folder to free up space.
• Ask for link-based access instead of folder invite.
• Upgrade to a plan (Team/Family) where shared folder only takes up space once.

Official Help Center References

• “Will joining a shared folder count against my storage space?"
• Explanation in “Why can't I join/share folders?" article.

I need to share folders with individuals outside my Dropbox Team without inviting them into the team.

Quick Guide

1. On dropbox.com, right-click the folder → Share.
2. Enter the external person’s email and set them as “Can view” or “Can edit”.
3. Send the invite; they’ll access via shared folder, not added to the team.

Common Causes

• Confusion between “Team folders” (open only to team members) and standard shared folders.
• Some may try sending invites expecting them to auto-join the team structure.

Possible Fixes

• Use standard shared folders with external emails rather than team invites.
• Set correct permissions (view versus edit) to prevent full team access.

Official Help Center References

• Shared Link Permissions

I see a message: "We've interrupted your sharing activity because your files might contain phishing/spam content."

Quick Guide

1. Stop sharing immediately and review the flagged file.
2. Contact Dropbox Support to appeal the classification.
3. Learn and follow Dropbox’s Acceptable Use Policy to avoid future suspensions.

Common Causes

• File flagged as potentially malicious (phishing or spam).
• Bandwidth limits reached (e.g., too many downloads or too large file).

Possible Fixes

• Appeal via Support in the Help Center.
• Share as a view-only link or compress files to reduce bandwidth use.

Official Help Center References

• “Why has my sharing activity been interrupted?” (explains phishing, malware, bandwidth blocks).