iCloud will not let me download to the free icloud

The word you are looking for is "downgrade", not "download".

To switch back to the free iCloud plan (5GB), open Settings, tap your name, then iCloud, and tap "Manage Plan" (or "Manage Account Storage" on older iOS versions). Tap "Downgrade Options," enter your Apple ID password if prompted, and select the free plan. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the process: 

• Open Settings: Go to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
• Tap Your Name: Tap your name at the top of the screen.
• Tap iCloud: Select "iCloud" from the list of options.
• Manage Storage/Plan:
  • iOS 17 and later: Tap "Manage Plan" under iCloud+ Features.
  • iOS 16 and earlier: Tap "Manage Account Storage".
• Tap Change Storage Plan: Tap "Change Storage Plan".
• Downgrade Options: Tap "Downgrade Options".
• Enter Password (if prompted): If prompted, enter your Apple ID password.
• Select Free Plan: Choose the free 5GB plan.
• Tap Done: Tap "Done" to finalize the downgrade.

Sorry, but your post doesn't make sense?

You can't "download to iCloud".

Downloading, by definition, is transferring something from a server or cloud service to your computer or device.

Then contact Apple support directly. This is a user forum. If there is a problem with your account, we don't have the ability to fix it.