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Can't disable downloads on a shared link

Hello! I wanted to ask i've been trying to change settings for a share link iv'e created so who ever gets this link won't be able to download the file, but the setting won't allow me to change it - The download section is disabled and I can't change it.

Here's a photo of it:

‏‏לכידה.PNG

I'm adding a photo to show you.

Please help me, Thank you!

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Jay

Hi @Eya_Design, thanks for providing these details!

The feature of disabling downloads on shared links is available for Dropbox Professional and Business plans.

Are you currently on a Dropbox Basic, Plus or Family plan?

This will help me to assist further!

All comments

Jay

Eya_Design

Hey! thank you, yes we are on the Plus plan.

Jay

Thanks, in this instance, this is why the option isn't available on your account.

You'd need to be on a Professional or Business plan to be able to enable this feature.

Varshar

Hi, Can someone help me with this issue I'm facing? I disabled download for a file which I want to share with some people, but even in incognito and logged into my different account I'm able to download the file.

Megan

Hi @Varshar, how are you today?

Just to make sure we're on the same page, can you confirm that these are the steps you're following on your end?

Have you possibly tried removing the link, and creating it from scratch?

Keep me posted on the results.

Jonny_Liebs

I am having this same problem in July 2022. I have followed the Dropbox procedure to the letter, and it does not work. I have a Professional level subscription. I set up the permissions on a folder to share the link for viewing with Downloads Disabled and I save it. And when I share that link, the person is able to download every file in that folder. I have tried it several times - including by deleting and recreating the link. And it just doesn't work. This is VERY frustrating. I did a chat with Dropbox Support and they were unable to help. I really need an answer here. I should be able to share a folder where the person is able to view the files -- but not download it and not be able to share the link with others who are not invited by me. The Dropbox Settings appears to offer those features -- but they DO NOT WORK.

Jay

Hi @Jonny_Liebs, I understand your frustration over this matter.

First of all, did you enable the option to invite specific members to the shared folder, as well as disabling downloads?

Could you attach a screenshot showing your link settings, while hiding any personal info?

Jonny_Liebs

Yes I did enable the option to invite specific members to the shared folder, as well as disabling downloads. But then when I share the link for viewing, the person who I share it with can easily download every file in the folder.

Here is a screenshot of the settings for Link for Viewing:

Screen Shot 2022-07-08 at 8.16.43 AM.png

Jay

When you invite users to the shared link, you're actually inviting them to join the shared folder, which means it's added to their account so the files are then downloaded.

Jonny_Liebs

I don't understand your reply. Can you elaborate?

So what does it mean to disable downloading?

Am I doing something wrong?

Are you saying there is no way to share the folder with other people in a way where they cannot download?

What does the "Disable Downloads" feature mean -- if it doesn't allow me to do that?

Jonny_Liebs

Jay -- I wrote a reply to you 9 hours ago and haven't heard back. Can you elaborate? I thought Dropbox had a feature that allows a Professional User to share a folder in a way where the invited people can view the files, but cannot download them and cannot forward a link to other people.

Jay

The invite feature allows you to share a folder with a user, however, this is a normal shared folder, and not a shared link.

It's only possible to disable downloads on shared links, meaning they can't be shared folders.

LdeLeon20

This makes not sense at all especially when Dropbox is advertising that we can DISABLE DOWNLOADS!

Mark

@LdeLeon20 wrote:
This makes not sense at all especially when Dropbox is advertising that we can DISABLE DOWNLOADS!

What exactly is the issue @LdeLeon20 ? It is possible to disable downloads on Dropbox links. However, on Shared ones which are editable it isn't - because by the sheer nature of them being editable people need that file on their device.