We’re Still Here to Help (Even Over the Holidays!) - find out more here.
How To Check If Your Space Is Being Used By A Shared Folder and How To Leave A Shared Folder
Shared folders are one of the easiest ways to collaborate with others while using Dropbox. Having a shared space makes everything simpler when you’re working on a project, sharing family photos or keeping your teams files all organised. But you might be wondering: Does this shared folder take up space in my Dropbox account? And what if I no longer need access - how do I leave it? Does a Shared Dropbox Folder Count Toward My Storage? It depends on how the folder was share with you and what level of access you have. Here’s how to check: Sign in to dropbox.com and click All files. Look for folders with a two-person icon 👥 - these are shared folders. Hover over the folder name and click the “…” (More) menu. Choose Share → then Settings. You’ll see one of these options: Can edit → the folders contents do take up space in your Dropbox account Can view → the folders contents don’t count toward your space Tip: You can also check shared folders directly from the Dropbox desktop app - the 2 person icon works the same way there too. How to Leave a Shared Dropbox Folder I No Longer Need If you see “Can edit” and you no longer need access, it’s really easy to remove yourself from the folder. Here’s how: Go to dropbox.com and sign in. Click Shared in the left sidebar. Find the folder you want to leave. Click the “…” (More) button next to it. Select Leave folder → and confirm. Once you leave: The shared folder and its files are removed from your Dropbox. They’ll no longer count toward your storage. Other members will still have access as usual. If you originally created the shared folder, you’ll need to transfer ownership before leaving. To do that: Open the folder’s Share settings. Click the dropdown beside another member’s name. Select Make owner → then leave the folder. That way, everyone who needs it still has access and the ownership transfers smoothly. And that’s it! Keeping your Dropbox account organised is a simple way to make more room for what matters most - your ideas, projects and memories. If you ever change your mind and want back into a folder in the future, just ask the owner to share it with you again. Got questions about shared folders? Drop them in the comments below or visit our shared folders FAQs. How do you organise and manage your shared folders? Join the conversation and let us know!
