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How to Unshare a Folder in Dropbox: Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to unshare a folder in Dropbox with this comprehensive guide. If you're wondering, 'how do I stop sharing a folder in Dropbox?', we've got you covered with easy-to-follow steps to unshare and secure your files quickly.

January 14, 2025

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How to Unshare A Folder in Dropbox?

 

How to stop sharing content someone else shared with me

I am finding it extremely difficult to remove files and folders other people have shared with me from my Dropbox.

For example, I have agreed to share a folder created by someone else. Several people have access to this folder. One of them has placed a folder there containing huge files that I do not need. I would like to delete the sub-folder and its contents from my Dropbox, but when I select to do that I am told that will will delete it for everyone. I have followed various documentation pages and threads, but none of the advice there worked. I am told for example to "select the dropbox next to your name" by a shared folder, but no matter what I do I never get such a dropbox. All I see is that I am able to edit. I see no way to remove my ability to edit.

Meanwhile Dropbox is warning me that I am over my limit and sending constant requests that I upgrade. It seems to me the system is designed like a roach motel - content gets in but can never get out. I would appreciate any advice, even if the only solution is to stop using Dropbox.

- Question from dropboxforum.com

How do I stop sharing a folder in Dropbox? Don’t worry, there are some ways for you to unshare folders in Dropbox whether you’re the owner or not. First of all, let’s find the reasons why you need to unshare Dropbox folders.

Dropbox

Why Unshare A Folder in Dropbox?

Dropbox is a great way for you to share files and folders, however, you might find that unsharing Dropbox folders might be the best option for you due to the following reasons:

Privacy Issues. Privacy is a major concern in today's digital environment. You might want to remove a Dropbox folder you've shared with someone right away if you later discover the data is sensitive. ⭕ Removing Former Collaborators' Access. Regardless of whether the collaborator is no longer on your team or has finished a project, unsharing the folder guarantees that they can no longer access or modify your files. This prevents unwanted access and keeps your workspace safe. ⭕ Organizing Your Shared Folders. Sometimes, you may simply want to clean up your shared folders. Over time, shared folders can accumulate clutter, making it difficult to find the files you need. Unsharing folders that no longer serve a purpose is an effective way to keep your Dropbox organized and decluttered. ⭕ Security Reasons. If you suspect that your account has been compromised or if a file has been accessed without permission, unsharing folders promptly is an important step in securing your files. It's always better to be safe and revoke access to potentially vulnerable files until the situation is resolved. ⭕ Stopping Unwanted Notifications. If you’ve shared a folder with others, you might be bombarded with notifications every time someone adds or edits files. Unsharing a folder can stop these constant alerts and give you the peace and quiet you need to focus on your own work. ⭕ Changing Dropbox Settings or Plans. Sometimes, you might want to unshare a folder due to changes in your Dropbox plan or settings. If your account is downgraded or if you want to switch to a different method of sharing (like using links), unsharing the folder is a necessary first step.

What Happens If Unshare A Dropbox Folder?

When you unshare a Dropbox folder, you're actually removing access for others who previously had permission to view or edit that folder's contents. The exact consequences depend on the type of sharing that was set up for the folder.

Once you unshare a Dropbox folder, you will find the following things:

✅ All the shared users (collaborators, friends, or anyone with whom you shared the folder via a link or invitation) can’t access the folder anymore. ✅ Any edits will not sync to the unshared folder, including the owner’s and shared users edits. ✅ The shared folder link will no longer work once you unshare the folder and the shared folder users receive an error message or be redirected to a page saying that the folder no longer exists or is unavailable. ✅ If you unshare the folder, you and the people you removed from access will stop receiving notifications related to that folder. ✅ While you won’t lose any data on your end, anyone who had editing privileges and hasn’t downloaded or saved a copy of the folder’s contents will lose access to those files permanently unless they have another copy elsewhere. ✅ If someone had the folder downloaded or synced to their device, they would still have a local copy of the files. There is no any impact on these local copies after unsharing.

After knowing this information, how to unshare a folder in Dropbox? Try the following ways to unshare Dropbox folders easily.

3 Effective Ways to Unshare A Dropbox Folder

How to unshare a Dropbox folder? Check the ways listed below.

Solution 1: Unshare Dropbox Folder Directly

In fact, Dropbox provides you with a feature to unshare folder directly, here is how:

Unshare Dropbox Folder on the Dropbox Website

1. Log in to your Dopbox account on the webpage.

2. Find and locate the shared folder, choose the three-dot icon at the end of the folder, and choose Manage Permissions.

Manage Permissions

3. Tap the gear icon on the top right in the pop-up window.

Share Settings

4. Click Unshare folder on the bottom left corner.

unshare-dropbox-folder.png

5. Check if tick the option “Let removed members keep a copy of this shared folder” according to your situation, and hit Unshare to confirm.

Unshare Confirm on Website

Unshare Dropbox Folder on Desktop App

To unshare Dropbox folder, follow the below steps:

1. Please open up the Dropbox desktop app, and open the Dropbox folder.

2. Right-click the folder you’d like to unshare, choose Manage folder access.

Manage Folder Access

3. Click the gear icon on the top right.

Dropbox Folder Access Settings

4. Choose Unshare folder at the bottom left.

Unshare Folder on Desktop

5. Choose the option “Let removed memebers keep a copy of this shared folder” or not, and click Unshare again to unshare Dropbox folder on desktop app.

Unshare A Folder in Dropbox on Mobile App

1. Launch the Dropbox app on your phone.

2. To unshare a folder, tap the three-dot icon next to it.

3. Press the "Manage Access" (Android) or “Folder Settings” (iOS) button.

4. Press "Unshare" (Android) or “Unshare Folder” (iOS).

Unshare Dropbox Folder on Mobile App

5. Click "Unshare" (Android) or "Unshare Folder" (iOS) once more.

Solution 2. Remove Members from Dropbox Shared Folder

To unshare a Dropbox folder, remove members from the Dropbox shared folder is the quickest way. Here is how to remove members from the Dropbox shared folder on different devices:

Remove Members on the Dropbox Website

1. Log in to your Dropbox account on the Dropbox website.

2. Find the shared folder you’d like to unshare, tap the three-dot icon at the end.

3. Choose Manage permissions.

4. Find the user you’d like to stop sharing with, and hit the permission.

5. Choose Remove from the list.

Remove Member from Dropbox Shared Folder

6. Hit Remove to unshare Dropbox folder.

Remove Member Confirm

 

Remove Members on the DesktopApp

1. Please start your Dropbox desktop app and open the Dropbox folder on your computer, then find the shared folder you’d like to unshare.

2. Right-click and choose Manage folder access from the list.

Dropbox Folder Access on Desktop App

3. It will show you the users you shared with, click the permission at the end of the member you’d like to unshare, and choose Remove.

Remove Member on Dropbox Desktop App

4. Hit Remove to confirm.

Remove Member Confirm

Remove Members on the Mobile App

1. To remove a member from a folder, open the Dropbox mobile app, tap the three-dot icon next to it, then tap Manage access.

2. Tap the area below [x] members, then tap on the member you want to remove.

3. Select whether you want to leave the member with a copy of the shared folder, then tap Remove or Remove access to remove member from shared folder to unshare it.

Solution 3. Delete Dropbox Shared Link

Besides, if you share Dropbox folder via link, you can unshare the Dropbox folder by deleting the sharing link. Here is how it works on website:

1. Please log in to your Dropbox website.

2. Click the three-dot icon at the end of the shared folder you’d prefer to unshare, choose Manage permissions.

3. Hit Links > Settings subsequently in the pop-up window.

Link Settings

4. Select Delete link > Delete to unshare Dropbox folder.

Delete Link for Dropbox Shared Folder

The steps to unshare a Dropbox folder on the desktop and mobile app are quite the same as on the website, just take it for reference.

Bonus Tip: Protect Dropbox Files in Advance

If you would like to move files from Dropbox to another cloud, the comprehensive web-based multiple cloud storage manager - MultCloud would be your best choice.

It supports 40+ clouds and services, including Dropbox, OneDrive, Box, Google Drive, Google Workspace, OneDrive for business, Box for business, iCloud Drive, iCloud Photos, WebDAV, FTP/SFTP, NAS, 4shared, Backblaze, etc.
You can transfer, backup, and sync files from one cloud to another directly.
Provides useful settings to configure, like filter, schedule, email, sync modes, transfer methods, etc.
You can share Dropbox files and folders in different modes, like public share, private share, or source share.

Here is how to protect your Dropbox files by syncing Dropbox to OneDrive for example with MultCloud:

1. Log in to your MultCloud account after signing up.

2. Tap Add Cloud, and then choose Dropbox to add. Add OneDrive accordingly.

Add Dropbox

3. Click Cloud Sync, select Dropbox files as the source and a OneDrive folder as the target. Press the Sync Now button to sync Dropbox files to OneDrive effortlessly.

Sync Dropbox to OneDrive

Configuration tips:

  • You can set up different sync modes (up to 10 modes) in Options, like real-time sync, two-way sync, one-way sync, full backup sync, incremental sync, etc.
  • Filter in Options allows you to select certain files from the source using file extensions, quite easily.
  • Hit Schedule to enjoy the automatic sync, like daily, weekly, or monthly sync, instead of manual sync.
  • Unlock to enjoy all premium features, like filter, schedule, all sync modes, faster transfer speed, etc.
  • Smart Share: Share cloud files via public, private, or source mode.
  • One-key Move: Quick data transfer, sync, and backup among clouds.
  • Email Archive: Protect emails to other clouds or local disks.
  • Remote upload: Effectively save web files to clouds via URL.
  • Save Webpages as PDF/PNG: Keep them locally or online.
  • Instagram Download: Archive Instagram materials locally or online.
  • Easy: Access and manage all clouds in one place with one login.
  • Extensive: 30+ clouds and on-premise services are supported.

FAQs about Unsharing A Folder in Dropbox

If I delete a shared folder in Dropbox, does it delete for everyone?

No. if you delete a shared folder in Dropbox, it will be removed only for yourself. Other members still have access to the shared Dopbox folder even if it’s deleted.

Can Dropbox remove a shared folder without deleting it?

Yes, you can remove yourself from a shared folder without deleting it: Click the three-dot icon at the end of the shared folder, choose Manage permissions > Owner > Remove my access subsequently. This action removes you from the folder but doesn’t affect the folder for the other people who still have access to it.

How do I disconnect from a shared Dropbox folder?

  • To disconnect from a shared folder, follow these steps:
  • Open Dropbox and go to the "Shared" tab.
  • Find the shared folder you want to leave.
  • Right-click on the folder (or click the three dots next to it) and select "Leave folder".
  • This will remove the folder from your Dropbox, but it will still be accessible to the others who have access to it.

The End

Unsharing a folder in Dropbox is a simple and quick process, whether you're using the online interface, desktop client, or mobile app. Understanding how to unshare a Dropbox folder can help you recover control over your data, regardless of your concerns about privacy, file organization, or simply wanting to stop sharing with specific individuals. Besides, if you want to protect your Dropbox files, MultCloud is your best choice.

Quickly transfer, sync or backup files from one cloud to another.

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