Request Access to a Private Project (OSF Projects)
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Private projects can only be viewed by those who are a contributors. When you "request access" to a private project, you are requesting to become a contributor on that project (see our help guides Request Access to a Private Project and Understand Contributor Permissions). This request is then sent to the administrators, who can accept or reject it. There is unfortunately no way to cancel the request at this time.
Requesting to view the project but not be a contributor:
The only way to view a private project you are not a contributor to is by accessing the project through a view-only link, which offers a way for project owners to share the private contents with non-contributors and hide contributor names for peer-review (see: Create a View-only Link for a Project).
You will need to contact the authors of the project directly to request this access. Please note, that the OSF team can not provide personal information about other users. You will need to contact these authors using public emails, social media, or faculty websites.
Requesting to become a contributor:
If you have the URL of the private project because you were supposed to be added as a contributor, or the owner of the project shared the URL with you, you can request access to the project.
Navigate to the project using the project's URL.
You will be taken to a page that says you need permission to access it.
Click the green Request access button. Or, if you are already a contributor on the project, but you are logged in to the wrong account, click the Switch account button.
The button will become disabled, indicating that your request has been submitted.
The admin(s) on the project will be notified via email that you have requested access.
If the admin(s) grant you access, you will be notified via email that you have been added as a contributor to the project.
This is my project, why is it private?
Lastly, if this is your project and you are confused about why it is private please see our help guide: https://help.osf.io/article/648-why-is-my-project-private-i-want-it-public
