Do I have to pay to download files?

[dbnoob]

My friend pays for a standard DB account and has uploaded a large file. They sent me a link. I get an message telling me that I need to upgrade my account to add the file. I don't want to add the file. I just want to download it. How do I do that?

I'm only familiar with GD. With GD I can send people a download link and give them download permission with their email. They don't have to buy anything to download it because I've already purchased enough space to host the file.

What am I doing wrong? Thanks!

[Mark]

You are clicking on 'Add to Dropbox' instead of 'Download'.

You wont be able to add to your Dropbox if you dont have the quota, so, you'll need to choose the Download only options. You may need to click on the three dots [...] to see that option, and you will need to do each file individually.

[dbnoob]

The only button is "Add" and the only option under the three dots is to "remove my access". I cannot open the folder unless I add it. Where else might a download option be? Right clicking just gives me browser options "back, forward, reload" etc. Thanks for the reply! But I'm still stuck.

[Mark · Accepted solution]

Ah, he has sent you a shared folder rather than a shared link.

Shared folders allow for collaboration which if you only want to download you the other person needs to send you a link only. https://www.dropbox.com/help/files-folders/shared-links

[dbnoob]

Ok thanks, I'll tell them to send it as a link, mystery solved!