Accessing a Shared Folder using Free Account

[KR22]

Help! I have a client that uses Dropbox and has shared a folder with me (4 GB currently). In order to access the folder, Dropbox said I need to sign up for an account. I signed up for a free account but now Dropbox is saying I can't access the shared folder because it is too big. 

Do I really have to buy a silly account to access a folder that isn't even mine? This folder is the only thing I am going to use Dropbox for, so I really don't want to have to pay for something I don't personally need. I'm doing this work pro bono because they are a nonprofit and would hate for either of us to have to pay more than necessary to just access shared photos and videos of rescue animals. 

Thanks for the help!

[Rich]

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@KR22 wrote:

... I can't access the shared folder because it is too big. Do I really have to buy a silly account to access a folder that isn't even mine?

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If the shared folder is larger than the space in your account, then yes.

• https://help.dropbox.com/accounts-billing/space-storage/storage-space

If you don't need edit access to the folder, the owner can send you a shared link to the folder which will allow you to view and/or download the files without needing a Dropbox account.

[Rich]

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@Enableanarchy wrote:
I was sent an email with a link to view a folder on Dropbox but it won’t allow me to view the contents of the folder unless i buy a subscription.

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If it's saying you can't access the folder without a subscription, then you weren't sent a link to view a folder. You were invited to a shared folder, which requires an account with enough available space to receive the share.

If you only need to view the files, ask the owner to send you a view-only shared link. You won't need to subscribe, and you won't even need an account.

[Megan]

Hey @Enableanarchy, thanks for posting here! 

Does the link open directly in the Dropbox app on your mobile, or your browser?

If it's the latter, you should have the option to close the window, and proceed to the link provided your account's quota can handle it. 

Feel free to send me a screenshot -while covering any personal info- in order for me to have a visual too.

Keep me posted, and we'll take it from there! 

[Megan]

Hey @Enableanarchy, you should be able to click on the camera-like icon and attach your screenshots back to me.

If you're having trouble doing so, or if you're using your phone you might need to request the desktop version of our site in order to do that.