Expiring Links

Temporary file sharing with auto-expiring links

Files should not live online indefinitely. Free anonymous links expire after 24 hours automatically. Pro gives you full control — set any expiry date on any share link so access closes exactly when you want it to.

Direct answer

How do you share files with an automatic expiry date?

Upload your files to BulkShare and set an expiry date on the share link before copying it. Free anonymous links expire after 24 hours automatically. Pro users can set any expiry date. Once the link expires, it stops working for anyone — no manual cleanup needed.

  • Free 24-hour links need no account — great for quick one-off sends.
  • Pro unlocks custom expiry dates and lets you extend deadlines anytime.
  • Expired links are permanently inaccessible — even with a saved URL.

Free

24 hours

Free and anonymous. No sign-up required. Upload and share — the link expires automatically after 24 hours and files are deleted.

Free account

Custom duration

Create a free account to keep files longer and manage expiry dates from your dashboard. Files stay until you remove them.

Pro

Full expiry control

Set a specific date and time for any share link to expire. Combine with password protection, custom domain, and download analytics.

Why expiring links are better for privacy

Permanent links create long-term risk. Expiring links keep your data exposure window small and predictable.

No data lingering

Files are automatically deleted after expiry. You do not need to remember to clean up old shares — it happens on schedule.

Controlled access windows

Send files with a clear deadline built into the link itself. When the review window closes, the link stops working automatically.

Safer than open links

Permanent open links can be forwarded, bookmarked, or shared without your knowledge. Expiring links limit the window of exposure.

Stack with passwords

Combine expiry with a password for maximum access control. Pro links can have both — a password and an expiry date.

How temporary file links work

From upload to automatic expiry — no manual cleanup required.

1

Upload your files

Upload files to BulkShare. Free anonymous uploads auto-expire in 24 hours. Free accounts give you control over timing.

2

Set your expiry (Pro)

On Pro, choose exactly when the link should expire — a specific date, or a number of days from now. The default for free anonymous uploads is 24 hours.

3

Share the link

Copy the link and share it with your recipient. They can download the file until the expiry date passes.

4

Link auto-expires

After expiry, anyone who tries to open the link sees an expired notice. Free anonymous files are also deleted from storage.

When to use temporary file sharing

  • Sharing draft deliverables for client review within a specific feedback window
  • Sending event assets, tickets, or documents that should only be accessible before the event date
  • Delivering version 1 of a design or document that will be replaced by a new link on approval
  • Sharing sensitive materials like contracts or NDAs that should not remain accessible long-term
  • Sending login credentials or access instructions that expire after the setup window
  • Beta testing assets, preview links, or build files that are only relevant for a short period

Full expiry control with Pro

Free accounts get 24-hour anonymous links. Pro gives you precise control over every share link you send.

  • Set any expiry date — hours, days, weeks, or a specific calendar date
  • Combine expiry with password protection for double-layered access control
  • Extend or change the expiry date anytime from your dashboard
  • See view and download counts before the link expires

Related guides

Frequently asked questions

How long do temporary file sharing links last?

Free anonymous links created without an account expire after 24 hours. Free account holders can store files longer and manage expiry from their dashboard. Pro users can set a specific expiry date and time for any individual share link.

What happens when a file sharing link expires?

When a share link expires, it stops working immediately. Anyone who opens the expired link sees a message that the link is no longer available. For free anonymous uploads, the files are also deleted from storage after expiry. Files in Pro accounts remain in your dashboard even after a share link expires.

Can I set a custom expiry date for a file link?

Custom expiry dates are a Pro feature. With a Pro account, you can set any specific expiry date and time when creating a share link. On the free plan, anonymous links expire after 24 hours by default.

Are self-destructing file links more secure?

Expiring links reduce the window of exposure compared to permanent open links. Once a link expires, it cannot be accessed even if someone still has the URL. For the strongest protection, combine an expiry date with a password on your share link.

Can I extend the expiry date after sharing a link?

Yes. On a Pro account, you can edit any active share link from your dashboard and update the expiry date. This lets you extend access for a client who needs more time without creating a new link.

Can I manually expire a link before the scheduled date?

Yes. From your BulkShare dashboard, you can deactivate or delete any share link immediately. This is useful if you need to revoke access before the natural expiry date — for example, if files were shared with the wrong recipient.

Does expiry work with password-protected links?

Yes. Pro links can have both a password and an expiry date set at the same time. The expiry date applies regardless of the password — once the link expires, the password no longer grants access.