Overview
If someone shared a Mindmup map with you and it will not open, the problem may be related to the map's sharing settings, Google Drive permissions, or your browser.
Start by checking how the map was shared. Mindmup can share maps with specific people, teams, everyone in an organization, or anyone with a link.
Check the map's access
If the map was shared directly with you
Ask the map owner to check Share and confirm that your account has access.
Mindmup shows who a map is shared with and their access level, such as Can view or Can edit.
If the owner shared the map with a specific email address, make sure you are signed in with the account that was given access.
If the map uses a link
The owner may have configured General access as Anyone with the link with either Can view or Can edit access.
Ask the owner to check the map's sharing settings if the link does not give you access.
If the map uses a Guest Pass
A Guest Pass can allow people to view or edit a map for a limited time. The owner can also set a password for the Guest Pass.
If you are using a Guest Pass link, check that it is still active and that you have the correct password when one is required.
Check Google Drive access
If the shared map is stored on Google Drive, having the map link is not enough. The owner must explicitly grant access to your Google account.
To open a Google Drive map:
- Open Google Drive in your browser.
- Find the map file.
- Right-click the file.
- Select Open with › Mindmup.
If Google Drive permissions were changed or reset, the map may no longer open from Mindmup.
Check your browser
Mindmup runs in your browser, so browser settings and extensions can sometimes interfere with access.
Try these checks:
- Use a recent version of Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.
- Temporarily disable an ad blocker or privacy extension and try again.
- If you use Google sign-in, make sure Mindmup is allowed by your privacy or ad-blocking tools.
- Open Mindmup in a private or incognito window to check whether an extension is causing the problem.
Common questions
Why can someone else open the map but I can't?
The map may have been shared with specific people rather than everyone. Check that the email account you are using has been given access. For Google Drive maps, the owner must also grant access to your Google account.
What if I have the map link but still cannot open it?
A link alone may not provide access. The owner may need to grant you access directly or change the map's General access settings.
Could a browser extension be blocking the map?
Yes. Ad blockers and privacy extensions can interfere with Google authentication and Drive access. Try opening Mindmup in an incognito window or temporarily disabling the extension to test it.
What if nothing works?
Contact Mindmup support at contact@mindmup.com. Include your browser, device, any relevant extensions, the type of map you are trying to open, and what you have already tried.
Related features
- How to Share a Map
- How to Use Link Sharing
- How to Use Guest Pass
- I Can’t Edit a Shared Map
Shared map access depends on how the map was shared and the access you were given. Check the sharing settings first, then review your account and browser if needed. If you still can’t open the map, contact the map owner or Mindmup support for help.