I'm unable to transfer a shared folder ownership to the desired contact. How can I resolve that?

[andrewgandon]

The current owner of our Dropbox files is shortly to retire.

We wish to transfer ownership to the Church Administrator.

When we enter the email address and share it, it does indeed share.

However, there is no option to Change Owner to the new email address in the dropdown box.

Others with whom the folder has been previously shared do have that option. Only the new email address does not.

Could it be due to the fact that there is no named person at the new email address?

This email address is not an imported one, it seems to be there in the bowels of Dropbox.

How can we sort this out, please?

[Jane · Accepted solution]

Hey andrewgandon, thanks for reaching out here on your sharing-related query, let’s look into the matter together!

As it’s my understanding that you’d like to follow the steps outlined on this resource, let me quickly clarify that you’ll need to be the current owner of a shared folder so as for the option to transfer ownership to appear. 

Following, the user in question should’ve added the folder in question on their account. If not, you won’t be given the option to make them an Owner (i.e. from the drop-down menu that appears next to their permissions as below).

Hopefully this sheds a bit of light on your question, though I’m always here if this doesn't apply to what you're experiencing, just let me know how my tip works for you & I’ll do my best to check back with you. Enjoy your day until we talk again Andrew! 

[CDSLily]

Hello, I am trying to change the owner as well, but there is no "Make owner" option in the drop-down menu. Any idea why and how can I solve this issue? Thanks.

[Jane]

Hey @CDSLily, thanks for the nudge here! I’m wondering if what you’re experiencing applies to what’s been discussed here before. Could this be happening by any chance? 

If it’s not too much trouble for you, can you clarify if you’re the shared folder Owner & whether you’re working on a team?  I’d appreciate any visual aid you could provide (without personal info), please include any screenshots or short videos would help me paint a clear picture of the issue at hand in your next message if possible. 

Thanks in advance & keep me updated here if I've missed anything along the way!

[fbugay]

If I change ownership will I free up space in the original dropbox account?

[Rich]

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@fbugay wrote:

If I change ownership will I free up space in the original dropbox account?

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Changing ownership doesn't free up space, because after changing ownership, the folder is still in your Dropbox. After changing ownership, if you no longer need the folder, you can remove yourself from the share and that will free up space by removing the folder from your Dropbox.

• https://help.dropbox.com/files-folders/share/leave-shared-folder