Accessing a Shared Folder using Free Account

Question

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 · Answer

KR22&nbsp;wrote:
... I can't access the shared folder because it is too big.&nbsp;Do I really have to buy a silly account to access a folder that isn't even mine?

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

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

&nbsp;
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 · Answer

Enableanarchy&nbsp;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.
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.
&nbsp;
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 · Answer

Hey Enableanarchy, thanks for posting here!&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Does the link open directly in the Dropbox app on your mobile, or your browser?
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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.&nbsp;
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Feel free to send me a screenshot -while covering any personal info- in order for me to have a visual too.
&nbsp;
Keep me posted, and we'll take it from there!&nbsp;

Megan · Answer

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

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