Shared link asks viewers to request access. Why does this happen?

[skepticalthinker]

Greetings.  I have a shared file set to be viewable by anyone with the link, and I've sent the link to those I want to view the file (see screenshot).  However, when they access the link, Dropbox states they "do not have access to this file" and offers the option to request access, which I must individually approve.  I have other files configured with these same settings, and those with whom I've shared those links can access them without any separate approval.  I don't know why this particular file is different.  Am I missing something?

[skepticalthinker]

Regarding the issue described in my OP, and on the recommendation of @JasonSilverDBX, I contacted Dropbox Support and found an answer to my question.  Apparently, since the recent Dropbox update (with the new "rlkey" share links), when you share a file that has restrictions (e.g. downloading disabled) via a link, and the recipient is logged into Dropbox, that recipient does not have access until the person sharing the file approves it.  Once the access is approved and the recipient adds it to their Dropbox, that recipient has full access to the file and any restrictions placed on that file are gone.  This technically solved my problem, in that if I don't want recipients to have the ability to download shared files, I can inform them to log out of Dropbox before viewing the files (in which case they would view it in their browser as opposed to from their own Dropbox).  However, I think this recent update that caused this issue has introduced unnecessary confusion and makes one of the helpful features of Dropbox Essentials more complicated.

[skepticalthinker]

@anniecdigitals 

I just posted a followup to my OP with what I found out from Dropbox Support that addressed my particular issue.  Perhaps it will help with yours as well.

https://www.dropboxforum.com/t5/Create-upload-and-share/Shared-link-asks-viewers-to-request-access/m...

[anniecdigitals]

I don't have downloading disabled and most people are having no trouble. However I have a handful that always needs approval. Is there a simple answer for this like maybe a setting they need to change?

[skepticalthinker]

First find out if the recipients who are having trouble are logged into Dropbox with the same email address to which you sent the shared file link.  If they are signed in under a different address, I think they will need to request access.  If that's the case, you can ask them to either log in with the email address to which you sent the shared file or, if they don't want to do that, have them log out of Dropbox completely.  If they log out and paste the link to the shared file into their browser, they should be able to view the file in their browser (as opposed to on their desktop, phone, tablet, etc.).

[anniecdigitals]

I'll try that but I would think if some of the files open for them all the ones in that same order should. But hey, I'll try anything. Thanks...

[paulcardon]

Would love to re-invigorate this thread as it seems that, at the heart of our issues, there has been a key change to viewing-link functionality that breaks certain expected behaviors, not just for us Dropbox users, but by clients we're sending external links to. Would be nice to know from staff if this is THE structural change moving forward, or if there is room to have this change revised in some way in the near future (or at least have a toggle-able option to re-introduce the old behavior?).

As I predicted earlier in the thread, this change IS causing friction in our delivery processes and communications with clients that other deliverable platform options just don't have. Some clients have even recently asked us to not send them deliverables over Dropbox anymore to avoid the headaches they've been dealing with while they attempt to distribute content amongst their team members and beyond.

If it's more helpful, I could make a separate thread pin-pointing the viewing link URL change directly as @skepticalthinker's issue seems to be a more specific issue.

[anniecdigitals]

I agree. Customers are getting upset and leery of buying templates that are shared by Dropbox. I haven't been able to figure out what to do and am looking at using Google Drive. Sure wish it would go back to the old way 😮

[yourmom22]

This is not a great response. If you are a indeed a product manager then you should already have access to see the necessary details with this customer.

Sending them to contact support (which is a lower level than product manager, I guess) is just "passing the buck".

[kenny o.]

Soo its now page 3 and now February 2024 - original post was Oct i assume 2023 .. and no affirmative solution .?? .. by by dropping this box !! Before Clients drop me !!

[mkeller]

I have the same problem as this person: 
I have a shared file set to be viewable by anyone with the link, and I've sent the link to those I want to view the file (see screenshot). However, when they access the link, Dropbox states they "do not have access to this file" and offers the option to request access, which I must individually approve. I have other files configured with these same settings, and those with whom I've shared those links can access them without any separate approval. I don't know why this particular file is different. Am I missing something?

How do I give continuous access to share and see and download and edit a FOLDER to my team?