# Why downloading your 3D model needs a free account, and how to sign in

Source: https://0xr.space/m/how/download-your-3d-model-needs-a-free-account  
Published 2026-10-20, updated 2026-10-20, by ZeroXR, the maker of Model Explorer (https://0xr.space/).

Viewing, opening your own files and making share links need no account. Downloading a model from this device as GLB, STL or USDZ does: open the menu on its card on Home, choose Download GLB, Download STL or Download USDZ, and sign in with a 6-digit code sent to your email. The download then starts by itself.

The account is free, and the emailed code is the only way in; Continue with Meta is off for now, in the browser and in the Quest app. A code works for 10 minutes, and a new one can be sent after 60 seconds. A session lasts 30 days unused and 90 days at most. GLB keeps every part, material and picture; STL is millimetres, Z up, no colour, for a slicer; USDZ is for AR Quick Look on iPhone, iPad and Vision Pro.

## Steps

1. On Home, open the menu on the model's card.
2. Choose Download GLB, Download STL or Download USDZ.
3. Type your email, press Send code, enter the 6-digit code and press Sign in.
4. The file downloads. Next time on this device, it downloads at once.

## Questions

### Do I need an account to share a link?

No. A share goes up signed out. Signing in afterwards lets you manage that link from any device.

### Can I sign in with Meta?

Not at the moment. Sign-in is by a code sent to your email.

### Why is Download greyed out for a model?

Its licence does not allow sharing or downloading, so the entries are off for it.

### Typing an email on a Quest is slow. Is there another way?

Yes. On a Quest 3 or 3S, sign in on your phone and scan the code it shows with the headset.

### Can I delete the account?

Yes. Open Account, press Delete account and enter the code emailed to you. It deletes the account and every link it manages.

## Related guides

- [How to sign in on Meta Quest by scanning a code from your phone](https://0xr.space/m/how/sign-in-on-quest-by-scanning-a-code-with-your-phone)
- [How to see and delete the 3D model links you have shared](https://0xr.space/m/how/see-and-delete-your-shared-links)
- [How to share a 3D model with a link and a QR code](https://0xr.space/m/how/share-a-3d-model-with-a-link-and-qr-code)
- [How to open a 3D model someone shared with you](https://0xr.space/m/how/open-a-shared-3d-model-link)
- [How to scan a QR code to open a 3D model](https://0xr.space/m/how/scan-a-qr-code-to-open-a-3d-model)
- [What Nearby is in Model Explorer, and how to keep your shares out of it](https://0xr.space/m/how/what-is-nearby-in-model-explorer)