Shared link problems

A shared link that does not work almost always has a simple explanation: the link has expired, it is password protected, its download limit has been reached, or the file has been deleted by its owner. The fix depends on whether you are the recipient or the file owner.

In short

A shared link can expire (after a number of days, hours or views), require a password or have reached its download limit. As a recipient, ask the owner for a new link; as the owner, review the link’s settings and create a new one if needed.

If you are the link recipient

• The link may have expired. Shared links can expire after a number of days, hours or views set by the owner: ask them for a new link.
• A password may be required. The owner may have protected the link: ask them for the password.
• The download limit may have been reached. Ask the owner to generate a new link.
• The file may have been deleted. If the owner deleted the file, the link no longer works; they can restore the file from the trash for 30 days, then share it again.

If you are the file owner

Review the settings of the link in question — expiration, password, download limit — and create a new link if needed. To revisit your sharing rules, see Share files and Sharing permissions.

Common issues

How long does a shared link stay active?

That depends on the settings chosen by the owner: links can expire after a number of days, hours or views.

Why does the link ask for a password?

The owner protected the link with a password; ask them for it directly.

The file was deleted. Does the link still work?

No. A link to a deleted file no longer works; the owner can restore the file from the trash for 30 days, then create a new link.