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Dropbox API 409 "not_allowed" error on get_temporary_link

Hi, I’m using the Dropbox API to list all files in a shared folder and generate downloadable links for them. This was working fine yesterday, but today I’m getting a 409 error (not_allowed) only on the get_temporary_link API call. However, I can still list the files and retrieve their metadata.

Here are the details:

I have editing rights on the folder.
No changes have been made to the folder (that I’m aware of).
I can manually download files without issues.
I can still use other API methods (get file metadata using the same path, and list folder)
I don't believe I've hit any API rate limits (I’m on a standard plan with 25,000 requests allowed, and nothing is flagged in the app console).

I’ve reviewed the Dropbox docs but couldn’t find clear information on the not_allowed/409 error. Can you help me identify what might be causing this?

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Comments

Greg-DB

Based on the information you've shared, I understand you are getting a not_allowed error from the /2/files/get_temporary_link API endpoint. That error from that endpoint means:

<STRONG>not_allowed</STRONG>Void The user is not allowed to request a temporary link to the specified file. For example, this can occur if the file is restricted or if the user's links are banned.

Please refer to that linked help article for more information.

MaddieDragon

Thank you for the response and the link, but I’m still unsure how to resolve this issue. I've thoroughly reviewed my account and folder settings, but I can’t find any restrictions or settings that would explain why this error is occurring.

What I find particularly confusing is that the API calls were working fine yesterday, and now, without any changes on my end (even for files in my personal account not in a shared folder), I’m seeing this not_allowed error.

Could you please clarify:

Where can I check or modify settings that might be restricting the ability to generate temporary links?
Why would this issue suddenly occur when no settings or permissions were changed on my side?
Any specific guidance on what settings or configurations I should adjust would be greatly appreciated.

Greg-DB

I suggest contacting support to check on the state of your account, to see if/why your account's links are currently banned.

MaddieDragon

Funny you mention that—I tried upgrading my account today to resolve this issue, but now I can't access the plan/billing section of my settings, and I'm also told I can't contact support because of my plan status, even though I upgraded. I believe there was a glitch, as I was on a Standard trial and attempted to upgrade to a Professional account. Can you please help me with this?

Greg-DB

If you're currently unable to use the standard support page, use this API support form and reference this forum thread; we'll redirect your ticket accordingly.