For senders · about 5 min

Share a package with a passcode-protected public link

Deliver a package to someone who has no account and is not a named recipient: set a passcode when sending, copy the public download link from the package, and understand what the link does and does not allow.

You end up with
A link you can send anywhere that lets the holder view and download the package after entering the passcode, until the package expires.
Plan
All plans, where your organization's policy permits public links.
Updated

Before you start

  • A workspace account that can send packages, in an organization whose policy allows public package links.
  • A way to give the recipient the passcode that is separate from the link itself, for example a phone call or a different messaging channel.

Steps

  1. Start a package as usual

    Workspace · Send

    Open Send, add a Title and your files. Recipients are optional for a public link but you can add named recipients as well.

  2. Set a passcode

    Open More options and enter a Package passcode. The hint reads 'Enables public package links for upload or download with this passcode.' Choose something you can read aloud; the recipient will type it.

  3. Set an expiration

    Under More options, set an Expiration date and time. Public access stops when the package expires. Pick the shortest window that gives the recipient time to download.

  4. Send

    Select Send package and let the upload finish. Watch it in Sent or the transfer panel.

  5. Copy the public download link

    Package · Details

    Open the package in Sent. Under Public download link, select Copy link. The helper text reads 'Anyone with this link and the package passcode can view and download this package.'

  6. Share link and passcode separately

    Send the link by one channel and the passcode by another. Someone who obtains only the link sees a passcode prompt and nothing else.

How you know it worked

  • Opening the link in a private browser window shows the passcode prompt, not the files.
  • After entering the passcode, the package title and files are visible and a file downloads.
  • The package's Activity tab records the external view and download.

If something is off

What you seeWhat to do
There is no Public download link section on the packageThe package was sent without a passcode, or public links are disabled by policy. Send a new package with a passcode, or ask your administrator.
The recipient sees 'Package unavailable'The package has expired, been deleted, or public access has been revoked. Check Expires on the package details.
The recipient needs to send files backThe same passcode enables the public upload flow for this package, or use a Shared Inbox for a repeat return path.