How long should a shared file link stay active?

A link that lives longer than it needs to is a small, quiet risk: it can be forwarded, indexed, or simply forgotten. As a rule, choose the shortest expiry that still gives the recipient time to grab the file.

A simple framework

• 1 day — a live handoff where the recipient will download it right away.
• 3 days — sending to someone in another timezone, or who might not check immediately.
• 5 days — a small group, or a file that a few people will fetch over a busy week.

Pair expiry with a password

For anything sensitive, combine a short expiry with a password. Even if the link leaks, it is useless without the password and stops working entirely once it expires.