One-time Link Generator
One-time link generators share files securely. Create self-expiring links for private, one-time file sharing with maximum safety.
One-time link generator
One-time links let you share a file or message just once. After the first open, the link stops working, so your secret does not spread. This is useful for things like passwords, contracts, or private photos. You choose what to share, set a time limit if you like, and then give the link to one person. It keeps things simple and safe. Even if the link is copied, a second click will fail, which lowers the risk of leaks and keeps control in your hands.
How does a one-time link work?
A one-time link is a short web address that opens only a single time. When someone clicks it, the service checks if the link is still fresh. If it is, it shows the file or note and then marks the link as used. After that, any new visit shows a message that the link has expired. Many tools also delete the content after the first view or after a set time, like one hour or one day. This helps protect private data because there is no copy left on the server for long, and no one else can open the same link again.
What do I need to make one?
- Pick a trusted service that supports one-time links.
- Choose your file or write your secret note.
- Set a time limit or password if offered.
- Copy the link and share it with one person.
When should I use it?
Use a one-time link when you need to send something private and short lived. Good examples include sending a Wi‑Fi password to a guest, sharing a pay stub with a coworker, or giving a doctor a copy of a lab result. It also helps when you want proof that a message was viewed once but not stored forever. If the receiver needs to keep the file, ask them to download it during that first open and store it securely on their own device with a strong password or a safe folder.
How is it different from regular sharing?
Regular sharing links can stay open for days or months, and anyone with the link can view or forward it. A one-time link is stricter: it expires after the first use and often auto deletes the content. This reduces leaks but also means the receiver has only one chance to open it. For teamwork or long projects, a regular shared folder may fit better. For quick, private handoffs, one-time links are the safer and simpler choice because they limit access and time.
What are best safety tips?
Always check the service name and make sure the web page uses HTTPS. Add a password when possible, and send the password in a different channel, like by text if the link is in email. Set short time limits so old links die fast. Do not share on public chats, and never post a one-time link on social media. Tell the receiver to open it in a calm place and to save what they need right away. Delete the source file after sending if you no longer need it.
What if the person cannot open it?
If the link will not open, it may be expired, used already, or blocked by a firewall. First, confirm the time limit and that they did not click before. Ask them to try another device or network. If the data is still needed, create a new one-time link and send it again. You can also try a different service or add a short message with the sender name so they trust it. If problems stay, consider a regular link with a password and a very short expiry.