Dropbox Zip File Too Large (Solutions & Alternative)

Oliver updated on Oct 25, 2024 to PC Transfer | How-to Articles

Have you ever encountered 'the zip file is too large' when trying to download a zip file from Dropbox? If so, check this page. We provide practical solutions for you to solve the Dropbox zip file too large issue.

Wedding Video editor here. Some weddings are large, 300 GB. The client has a top-end account in Dropbox and shares files with me. I can't download them due to the zip being too large. I can download them individually, but that's way too much work for every wedding.

I read that Dropbox has a restriction on folder sizes available to download. And so does Google, we tried that also.

Is there a file-sharing platform that doesn't restrict this? - Reddit

Dropbox is a reputed cloud storage service, but users often encounter issues when trying to download large zip files. The problem lies in Dropbox's file size limits for uploads, which can restrict your ability to download large zip files.

Fortunately, there are practical solutions and alternatives available to overcome this hurdle. In this article from EaseUS, we'll explore practical solutions and alternatives so you can overcome the Dropbox Zip file too large hurdle and seamlessly share and download large files without any hassle.

Understand Dropbox File Size Limits

Being a widely used cloud storage service, Dropbox has some limitations that can hinder users who need to download large files or folders.

Below is a table summarizing the current file size limits for various Dropbox plans:

Dropbox Plan Transfer File Size Limit Storage Limit
Basic (Free) 2 GB 2 GB
Plus 50 GB 2 TB
Essentials 100 GB 3 TB
Business 100 GB 9 TB

These limits can be a significant obstacle, especially for professionals dealing with large amounts of data. Users may find it frustrating to split their files into smaller parts or download them individually to bypass these restrictions.

If you're also facing issues with large files, read this article thoroughly to find the best solutions, and don't forget to share this page with others who might be facing similar challenges. Sharing these insights can help more users manage their Dropbox file transfers efficiently.

 

Solutions to Dropbox Zip File Too Large

Now that we've understood the file size limits, let's explore the solutions to overcome the "Dropbox zip file too large" issue.

Way 1. Use Dropbox Desktop Application

If you're facing issues with downloading large zip files from the Dropbox website, try using the Dropbox desktop application instead. This method allows you to bypass the web interface's file size limits. Unlike the web interface, the desktop app speeds up to sync and download large files directly to your computer.

Download and install the Dropbox desktop app on your computer. This creates a Dropbox folder in Windows File Explorer, where you can access all your files and folders. To download files, simply drag and drop them or copy them to your local location.

🚩Read also: How to Move Dropbox Folder [Your Full Guide Is Here]

Way 2. Split Large Zip Files

Another effective method to handle large zip files is by splitting them into smaller parts. Unzipping the file and then re-organizing them into smaller zip files can help in managing the size constraints imposed by Dropbox.

To split large zip files:

  • Create Subfolders: Organize your files into smaller subfolders, each falling within the Dropbox download/transfer size limit.
  • Compress Individually: Compress each subfolder into separate zip files. This way, each zip file remains within the allowable size.
  • Download in Parts: Download each smaller zip file individually. While this process might be a bit time-consuming, it ensures that you can eventually download all necessary files without hitting size limits.

Way 3. Try to Download the Zip File in Incognito Window

Sometimes, browser cache, cookies, and third-party extensions can interfere with your download. Try downloading the zip file in an incognito window to bypass these issues.

Follow the steps:

Step 1. Open your web browser (e.g., Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox).

Step 2. Launch an incognito or private window. This creates a temporary browsing session that doesn't store cookies or cached data.

Step 3. In Google Chrome, you can find the Incognito window under the three dots in the upper right corner.

Step 4. Log in to your Dropbox account in the incognito window.

Step 5. Navigate to the large zip file you want to download and try to download it.

Notice:
Keep the incognito window open until the entire zip file is downloaded successfully. If you close the incognito window, you will lose the download progress and will have to start the process from scratch.

Alternative Solution: Fast File Sharing Software

If the above methods don't meet your needs, consider using dedicated file-sharing software like EaseUS Todo PCTrans Professional. This powerful software is specifically designed to handle large files efficiently, offering greater flexibility and robust file-sharing capabilities.

With its File Sharing feature, you can transfer files between PCs without size limitations, ensuring smooth and hassle-free transfers. Whether you're working with massive video files, extensive project folders, or large datasets, EaseUS Todo PCTrans Professional provides a reliable alternative to traditional cloud services.

Follow the steps:

Step 1. Install and open EaseUS Todo PCTrans on source and target PCs. Navigate to the "File Sharing" tab and click "Start" to begin.

Step 2. To build the connection between two PCs, you need to ensure both of them are under the same network. Then, choose the target PC icon or click "Add PC" and enter the other PC's connection code.

Step 3. Drag and drop the large files that you want to transfer. Then, you can see it in the Receive lists on the target PC.

This professional tool can even help transfer Dropbox to a new Windows 11 PC if you plan to upgrade your device. Download now and experience seamless file sharing without the limitations of cloud storage platforms!

Conclusion

Dropbox is a fantastic cloud storage solution, but its file size limitations can throw a wrench into your plans when dealing with hefty files. As the frustrated wedding video editor on Reddit highlighted, large projects like weddings can easily hit these download roadblocks.

However, there are several practical solutions to overcome the "Dropbox zip file too large" issue. Using the Dropbox desktop application, splitting large zip files into smaller parts, and downloading in an incognito window are effective methods to transfer and download large files without hitting Dropbox's restrictions.

If you find these robust solutions helpful, don't hesitate to share them with your friends and family who also encounter this issue.

 

FAQs on Dropbox Zip File Too Large

Still have queries about Dropbox? Find your answers here!

1. How many GB does Dropbox allow?

The amount of storage space you get with Dropbox depends on your plan. For the basic (free) edition, the transfer file size limit and the storage limit are both 2 GB.

2. Why is my Dropbox app not downloading files?

If your Dropbox app isn't downloading files, check your internet connection, device storage space, and app updates. A weak connection, full storage, or an outdated app can cause issues. Try restarting your device or reinstalling the app to resolve the problem.

3. Why do Dropbox downloads fail?

Dropbox downloads can fail due to internet connection issues, low disk space, or file size limits. Browser cache, extensions, or storage quota exceeding can also cause problems. Try clearing the cache, disabling extensions, using incognito mode, or checking your storage quota to resolve the issue.