How to delete a folder in Dropbox temporarily or permanently using a mobile device or computer

[ad_1]

FILE PHOTO: The Dropbox app logo seen on a mobile phone in this illustration photo October 16, 2017.   REUTERS/Thomas White/Illustration

  • It’s easy to delete a folder from Dropbox via your computer or mobile device.
  • You can delete the folder permanently or delete the folder with the option to recover it later.
  • If you’re a part of a shared folder, you can revoke your access to remove it from your Dropbox account.
  • Visit Business Insider’s Tech Reference library for more stories.

Whether you’re looking up to free up space or want to organize and clean up digital clutter, there are plenty of reasons why you might want to delete a folder from your Dropbox account. 

While it is an easy process, there are two distinct ways to delete a folder from Dropbox:

  • Delete: When you delete a file or folder, Dropbox initiates a recovery window period. If you have Dropbox Basic or Plus, you can recover deleted files up to 30 days. Dropbox Professional and Business accounts are able to recover deleted files for 180 days. After the recovery window is over, files are permanently deleted within 60 days. 
  • Permanently Delete: You can skip the recovery window by choosing to permanently delete the folder, which immediately removes it from your account with no option for recovery. This is the option you should choose if you’re deleting a folder to free up space. If you want to permanently delete a file, you’ll need to do it through the Dropbox website.

Below, a quick guide to deleting a folder in Dropbox from your desktop or mobile device.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone 11 (From $699.99 at Apple)

Samsung Galaxy S10 (From $699.99 at Walmart)

Apple Macbook Pro (From $1,299.00 at Apple)

Acer Chromebook 15 (From $179.99 at Walmart)

How to delete a folder in Dropbox from a computer

1. Go to the Dropbox homepage and log in. 

1 How to delete a folder in Dropbox

2. Click “Files” from the left-side options menu. 

2 How to delete a folder in Dropbox

3. Navigate your cursor to the folder you want to delete, and click the ellipsis icon, or three dots, to its right. 

3 How to delete a folder in Dropbox

4. A drop-down menu will appear. Scroll toward the bottom and select “Delete.”

4 How to delete a folder in Dropbox

5. You’ll be asked if you’re sure. Click “Delete” again to confirm. The folder — and the entirety of its contents — will be removed from your Dropbox.

5 How to delete a folder in Dropbox

Remember: This option does not permanently delete the folder. In fact, the folder will be available for recovery for a limited time, based on your account type. To recover the folder, navigate to the “Deleted Files” page from the left-side options menu.

How to delete a folder in Dropbox from the mobile app

1. Download the Dropbox mobile app from the App Store or Google Play Store if you haven’t.

2. From your home screen, you’ll see recently accessed items. Tap the folder you want to delete if it appears, or tap “Files” from the bottom options dock.

9 How to delete a folder in Dropbox.PNG

3. Navigate to the folder you want to delete. 

11 How to delete a folder in Dropbox.PNG

4. Open the folder you want to delete. Click the ellipsis icon, or three dots, in the top right corner, and select “Delete,” at the bottom.

5. Select “Delete” again to confirm.

How to permanently delete a folder in Dropbox on a computer

1. While in the “Files” menu, select “Deleted files” from the left-side menu. 

Permanently Delete Dropbox Folder 1

2. Click on the checkbox of the folder you want to delete.

Permanently Delete Dropbox Folder 2

3. On the right, select the option “Permanently Delete.” 

Related coverage from Tech Reference:

  • How to change your Dropbox password or reset it if you’ve forgotten it

  • How to uninstall Dropbox on a Mac computer in 4 easy steps

  • How to share a Dropbox folder in 3 different ways

  • How to delete your Dropbox account in 5 simple steps, permanently erasing your files and personal information

  • How to use Dropbox on your iPhone to store or share files, and access them on any device

SEE ALSO: The best external hard drives you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: A cleaning expert reveals her 3-step method for cleaning your entire home quickly



[ad_2]