Dropbox File Too Large to Download? 3 Quick Fixes to Try Now

Content Overview:

• Dropbox File Too Large to Download!
• Dropbox Download Limit
• Why Is My Dropbox File Too Large to Download?
• 7 Fixes for Dropbox File is too Large to Download
• Alternative Way to Download Dropbox Large Files
• FAQs about Dropbox Large File Downloading
• The End

Dropbox File Too Large to Download!

Dropbox provides powerful features for you to store and manage files easily. However, it might be tough to download files from Dropbox, especially for large files. Some users report that they encounter problems, like error message “The ZIP is too large, please add it to your Dropbox”, “The clip displayed here is a preview. To view the entire video, download or add it to your Dropbox”, “There was an error downloading your file”, or “Attempted to zip too many files” in Dropbox Backup, etc.

How to fix Dropbox file too large to download problems? Why can’t download large files from Dropbox? Don’t Worry, you will get answers in this post. Let’s get started.

Dropbox Download Limit

The Dropbox website states that a folder can only be downloaded if it contains fewer than 10,000 total files and is less than 250 GB (uncompressed). The 10,000 file restriction still applies to files in highly nested folders.

By the way, If you want to upload files to Dropbox, there still have a upload limit. The Dropbox file size limit depends on the platform you’re uploading from. See the table below for more information.

Maximum File Size for Upload:

• Dropbox Desktop App: 2TB
• Dropbox Mobile App, Dropbox.com, Dropbox API: 375GB.

Why Is My Dropbox File Too Large to Download?

Before jumping into fixes, it helps to know why Dropbox stops you from downloading big files in the first place. Dropbox has built-in limits to prevent server overload and ensure smooth performance for all users. If you're seeing "Dropbox file is too large to download", here's likely why:

• Browser limitations – Most web browsers struggle with downloads over 20GB.
• Free account restrictions – Free Dropbox users face stricter download caps.
• Slow/unstable internet – Large files may time out before completing.
• Server-side throttling – Dropbox may slow downloads to manage traffic.

After getting reasons, it’s time to find solutions to fix.

7 Fixes for Dropbox File is too Large to Download

Now, it’s emergency to download large files from Dropbox. Fortunately, you still have ways to download big files from Dropbox. Let’s try it one by one to fix.

Way 1. Connect to A Stable Internet Connection

Now, the first thing you should do is to check the Internet connection. If you have a weak Internet connection, your Dropbox download will be failed. Try to change to a wired Internet connection while downloading to ensure these large files can be downloaded.

Way 2. Download Fewer Dropbox Files

If you download much more Dropbox files at a time, it costs a long time and can be interrupted by other process. Try to download fewer Dropbox files at a time if there are a large number of files to be downloaded. Then repeat all the process to download all the files. In this way, you might bypass the error message: Dropbox too large to download, and enjoy the smoothly download.

Way 3. Change Dropbox Settings for More Bandwidth

Alternatively, you can change the settings in the desktop app to allow Dropbox to use more bandwidth when syncing files. For different Dropbox accounts, you have different limits on bandwidth:

• Dropbox free or basic account: 20 GB of bandwidth per day.
• Dropbox Plus, Family, Professional, Essentials, Standard, and Business: 1 TB of bandwidth per day.
• Dropbox Advanced, Business Plus, and Enterprise: 4 TB of bandwidth per day.

Here is how to set up Dropbox bandwidth for better performance:

1. Please install the Dropbox desktop app, log in to your account.

2. Tap the Dropbox icon on the system tray, then tap your avatar image > Preferences.

3. Click Network, then find the Customize bandwidth settings.

• Turn the button off to let Dropbox control bandwidth for best performance.
• Toggle the switch on to change the upload and download rate limits.

After that, check whether your Dropbox large files can be downloaded or not. Or you can upgrade to Dropbox advanced plan for more bandwidth.

Way 4. Download File from the Dropbox Desktop App

When downloading large files from Dropbox, it's best to download the Dropbox app. The App puts a location on your hard drive and circumvents any file size restrictions. So, you can use Dropbox desktop app to download large files from Dropbox easily.

Way 5. Using Dropbox Transfer for Large Files

Dropbox Transfer lets you send files up to 100GB (for paid users). If the original file is in your Dropbox, you can generate a download link that bypasses browser limits.

Way 6. Clearing Cache and Cookies for Smoother Downloads

Browser clutter can interfere. Here is how to clear cache on Chrome:

1. Click the menu (three dots) in the top right corner of your browser after it has opened.

2. Choose "Settings" from the menu.

3. Go to "Privacy and Security" by scrolling down.

4. Tick the "Clear browsing data" option.

5. Check "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files" after selecting a time frame.

6. Select "Clear data".

Way 7. Try A Different Browser

If nothing works, you can try to use a different browser, like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, etc. Then, check if your Dropbox large file can be downloaded.

Alternative Way to Download Dropbox Large Files

Now, you should have fixed the problems downloading large files from Dropbox. If you still have problems, check the alternative way to download large Dropbox files, MultCloud. MultCloud is a professional multiple cloud stroage manager, which allows you to migrate files between clouds directly and manage them in one place without switching.

With MultCloud, you can enjoy the following benefits:

No File Size Limit for Download. You can direct download file and folder from Dropbox easily.

Fast Dropbox Upload. Besides downloading, you can also upload files to Dropbox effortlessly.

40+ Clouds. You can add as many clouds as you have to MultCloud, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, pCloud, MEGA, MediaFire, iCloud Drive, iCloud Photos, Wasabi, WebDAV, and many more.

Direct Migration. To protect files in your Dropbox, you can back up, transfer, and sync files from Dropbox to another cloud directly.

Thus, how to download a large file from Dropbox with MultCloud, here is the full guide:

1. Please sign in to your MultCloud account once registered.

2. Hit Add Cloud, then find the Dropbox icon on the left side, then follow the on-screen guide to add.

3. It will be automatically listed on the left side, open the folder that includes the large files.

4. Tick the Dropbox large file, and tap the Download option on the top menu.

5. Wait for the process to complete, and it will be stored in the Downloads folder.

This method bypasses Dropbox’s download limits entirely!

FAQs about Dropbox Large File Downloading

Q: Can I bypass Dropbox's download size limit?

A: Yes! Use the Dropbox desktop app or Dropbox Transfer for larger files.

Q: Why does my Dropbox keep saying "file too large"?

A: Your browser or account type may be restricting downloads. Try alternative methods like the desktop app.

Q: How do I download a 50GB file from Dropbox?

A: Avoid browsers—use the desktop sync or split the file into smaller parts.

Q: Does Dropbox limit ZIP file downloads?

A: Yes, if the ZIP exceeds browser or account limits. Compress or split it first.

Q: Can I increase Dropbox's download limit?

A: Paid plans offer better limits, but browser restrictions still apply.

Q: What's the max file size Dropbox allows for downloads?

A: Up to 50GB for Pro users, but downloading via browser may fail.

The End

It's annoying when a Dropbox file is too big to download, but there are ways to deal with it. You can access your data hassle-free, whether you use the desktop app, compress files, or move to MultCloud. With multCloud, you can also remote upload to Dropbox, archive Gmail emails to Dropbox, and many more.