How to Download Files from Dropbox

How to Download Your Photos & Videos from Dropbox (No Account Needed)

Good news: you do not need a Dropbox account to download your files, and you will not be asked to pay.
The “2 GB free account” limit only applies if you try to save files into your own Dropbox. We’ll download straight to your device instead.

Before you start

  • Use Wi-Fi and plug in your device if possible.

  • Make sure you have space (weddings can be many GB).

  • If your device is low on space or older, a computer is easiest. Phones work too—just download smaller batches.

Option A — Download on a Computer (Mac or Windows)

  1. Click the Dropbox link I sent you.

  2. If you see prompts to Sign in or Open in the Dropbox app, choose “Continue to website” or close the sign-in pop-up.

  3. You’ll see a page with the folder name.

    • To get everything: click Download (top right) → Direct download.

    • To grab part of it: check the boxes next to specific sub-folders or files, then click Download.

  4. Dropbox will “prepare” a ZIP file. Keep the tab open until your browser shows the Save dialog.

  5. Choose where to save (e.g., Desktop or Downloads) and click Save.

  6. When the download finishes, unzip the file:

    • Mac: Double-click the .zip file. A regular folder will appear with your photos/videos.

    • Windows: Right-click the .zip → Extract All… → Extract.

  7. Open the new folder to view everything. You can copy it to an external drive for backup.

Option B — Download on an iPhone or iPad (Safari)

  1. Tap the Dropbox link. If asked to sign in, tap “Continue to website.”

  2. Tap Download. When asked, choose “Download” (not “Save to Dropbox”).

  3. A down-arrow icon appears in Safari (top/right). When it finishes, tap that arrow → tap the file name to open it in Files.

  4. In the Files app (usually On My iPhone › Downloads), tap the .zip once—iOS will unzip it into a new folder.

  5. Open the new folder to view your photos and videos.

    • If storage is tight, return to the Dropbox page and download one sub-folder at a time.

Option C — Download on Android (Chrome)

  1. Tap the Dropbox link and choose “Continue to website.”

  2. Tap Download → Direct download.

  3. When it finishes, open your Files or My Files app → Downloads.

  4. Tap the .zip file and choose Extract (many phones do this automatically).

  5. Open the new folder to view your files.

    • If you don’t see an Extract option, install the free Files by Google app and open the ZIP there.

If the folder is very large

  • Dropbox may not let you make one giant ZIP. Download in smaller parts: open the main folder, select a few sub-folders at a time, then Download.

  • If a message says “Too large to zip,” go back and select fewer items (think in chunks—e.g., “Getting Ready,” “Ceremony,” “Reception”).

  • Still stuck? Let me know and I’ll split the gallery or provide an alternate delivery (USB, separate links, etc.).

Downloading just a few items

  • Open the link → click into the folder → hover/click the circle next to each photo/video you want → Download.

  • On phones, tap Select (or press-and-hold) to pick a few items, then Download.

Finding your files afterward

  • Mac: Finder → Downloads (or wherever you saved).

  • Windows: File Explorer → Downloads (or chosen folder).

  • iPhone/iPad: Files app → On My iPhone/iPad › Downloads (or the folder you chose).

  • Android: Files/My Files → Downloads (or chosen folder).

Tips & Troubleshooting

  • Don’t click “Save to Dropbox.” That uses your personal Dropbox space (and triggers the 2 GB warning). Always choose Download.

  • The download stopped or failed? Switch to another browser (Chrome, Edge, Safari) or try again on a stable Wi-Fi connection.

  • Can’t unzip?

    • Mac: make sure the ZIP fully finished downloading; then double-click.

    • Windows: right-click → Extract All…

    • Phone: use the built-in Files app (iOS) or Files/My Files (Android).

  • Phone says storage full? Download a few sub-folders at a time or use a computer with more space.

  • HEIC / MOV files: These are standard high-quality Apple formats. Most modern devices open them. If needed, you can convert to JPEG/MP4 later—just ask.

Need help?

If anything here is confusing or you hit an error, send me a screenshot and I’ll guide you right away. Enjoy your photos and videos!