Dropbox: Managing Notifications

Environment

U-M Dropbox

Issue

I want to receive notifications for modifications made to folders and files stored in U-M Dropbox. 

Resolution

To avoid sensitive file and folder names from being sent to people via email, some Dropbox email notification settings are unavailable within U-M Dropbox. As a workaround, you can enable email notifications for each specific folder or enable desktop notifications through the Dropbox desktop app.

Note: Notifications for Dropbox Paper are turned off by default, You can turn them back on via your Dropbox settings under Notifications.

Email Notifications:

1. Go to U-M Dropbox and sign in.
2. Hover over the folder for which you want to receive notifications and click the three-dot icon.
3. Hover over Activity in the drop-down menu and select Follow.
4. Check the appropriate boxes for the type of notifications and how often you should be notified.
5. Click Confirm.

After clicking Confirm, a banner will appear at the bottom of the page stating, "Notification options for "Folder-Name" have been set," followed by a confirmation email from no-reply@dropbox.com. When a file within the folder is modified, you will receive an email from no-reply@dropbox.com outlining the changes to the folder.

Desktop Notifications:

1. Open the Dropbox desktop app.
2. Click your icon/initials in the top right corner of the pop-up and select Preferences.
3. Click the Notifications tab.
4. Check the appropriate boxes for the type of desktop notifications you want to receive.
5. Click OK.

You should receive pop-up notifications on your computer. The notifications will appear in the bottom-right corner on Windows or in the top-right corner on Mac.

Additional Information

• The email notifications can only be set on folders in Dropbox, not on individual files.
• You cannot follow private (unshared) folders or Team Folders at the root level.
• If you aren't receiving email notifications, it will be best to ensure that the emails are not being filtered or directed to spam.
• External (non-UM) collaborators do not have the option to "follow" folders.