Software⏱️ 4 min readπŸ“… 2026-06-11

How to Fix: Error message - folder too large to download

Error message when trying to download large folders from Dropbox.

Quick Answer: Try using a third-party file transfer tool or service that can handle large files, such as WeTransfer or pCloud.

The 'Folder too large to download' error occurs when Dropbox detects that a folder exceeds its maximum allowed size limit, typically around 250 GB. This issue affects users who attempt to download folders containing multiple files, including those with large file sizes or many subfolders.

This error can be frustrating for users who need to transfer large amounts of data from one location to another. Fortunately, there are methods to resolve this issue without having to download every individual file within the folder.

⚠️ Common Causes

  • The primary reason for this error is that Dropbox has a maximum allowed size limit for folders, which can be exceeded by the total size of files and subfolders within the folder. This limit is in place to prevent potential performance issues or security risks.
  • Another possible cause could be network connectivity issues or outdated software versions, but these are less likely to result in this specific error message.

πŸš€ How to Resolve This Issue

Splitting the Folder into Smaller Chunks

  1. Step 1: To resolve this issue using method 1, start by identifying which files or subfolders within the large folder need to be downloaded. You can do this by right-clicking on the folder and selecting 'Properties' (Windows) or 'Get Info' (Mac), then looking for the total size of each file or subfolder.
  2. Step 2: Next, create a new folder within Dropbox and upload only the files or subfolders that you identified as needing to be downloaded. Repeat this process until all desired files are uploaded, then delete the original large folder.
  3. Step 3: Continue to monitor your progress and adjust as needed, ensuring you don't exceed the maximum allowed size limit for each smaller chunk.

Using Dropbox's 'Shared Folders' Feature

  1. Step 1: As an alternative method, consider using Dropbox's shared folder feature to share a subset of your files with others. This can be achieved by selecting the desired files or folders and clicking on the three dots next to them. From there, you can choose 'Share Folder' from the dropdown menu.
  2. Step 2: Once you've created the shared folder, click on it and select the 'Download' option. Dropbox will then prompt you to download the entire shared folder as a single file. You can then upload this file to your desired location or share it with others.

🎯 Final Words

To summarize, if you encounter the 'Folder too large to download' error while attempting to transfer data from Dropbox, consider using one of the two primary methods outlined above: splitting the folder into smaller chunks or utilizing Dropbox's shared folder feature. By following these steps, you can successfully resolve this issue without having to download every individual file within the folder.

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