Quick answer: To limit downloads: upload your files, open More options and enter a Total limit (all downloads of the link) and/or a Per person limit. Choose what happens when the total is reached: lock the link and keep your files (you can unlock it later) or delete the files. For a single recipient, "Delete after first download" is the quickest option. Add "Devices per person" to stop one person using many phones. Free, up to 20 GB per transfer.
The limits you can set
| Limit | Counts | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Total | All downloads of the link | First 100 people get the free sample pack |
| Per person | Downloads per verified email, recipient, or browser on open links | Each student downloads the paper once |
| Devices per person | Different devices one person uses | A course video on at most 2 devices |
| Delete after first download | The first complete download | A one-off file for one person |
| Close the link at | Time rather than count | Closes when the exam ends |
Set a limit step by step
- Upload your files.
- Open More options. Under the download limits, enter a Total, a Per person number, or both.
- Under When the total is reached, pick Lock the link, keep my files or Delete the files.
- For per-person limits that really mean per person, set Who can open the link to Anyone who confirms their email; on open links a person is counted per browser.
- Share the link and watch the count on your Transfers page.
When the limit is reached
Visitors see that the download limit has been reached; nothing else is shown. If you chose to lock the link, you can unlock it, raise the limit or reset a person's devices from the Transfers page. You also get a note in your update email when a limit is hit.
Tip: leave room for a retry
Each download that starts counts toward the limit, including a second try after a dropped mobile connection. For large files on patchy networks, a per-person limit of 2 is kinder than 1. Previews in the browser do not count as downloads.
Frequently asked questions
Can I allow only one download?
Yes. Set Total to 1, or choose "Delete after first download" to remove the files once they are taken.
How is a "person" counted on an open link?
By browser. For a real per-person limit, require a confirmed email, list the allowed emails, or send by email.
What happens when the limit is reached?
The link is locked, keeping your files, or the files are deleted, whichever you chose. You can unlock a locked link from your Transfers page.
Do previews count as downloads?
No. Only downloads count toward the limit.
Can I change the limit after sending?
You can unlock a locked link and reset devices on the Transfers page. To change the rules entirely, send a new link.
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