Frequently asked questions
Everything people ask about ShareUrFiles: file size, speed, security, plans and what to do when something goes wrong.
General
What is ShareUrFiles?
ShareUrFiles is a web app to send files of any size directly from one browser to another. Files are end-to-end encrypted and never stored on a server. It works on computers and phones with nothing to install.
How does ShareUrFiles work?
You drop a file and get a 6-digit code, a link and a QR code. When your recipient opens it, both browsers open a direct encrypted connection (WebRTC) and the file streams straight from your device to theirs.
Is ShareUrFiles free?
Yes. The Free plan is free forever, with no file size limit, for one file and one recipient per transfer. Basic, Pro and Max add speed, more files, more recipients and protection.
Do I need to install anything?
No. ShareUrFiles runs in any modern browser on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS. You can add it to your home screen if you like.
Which browsers are supported?
Recent versions of Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari and their mobile versions. For files of tens of gigabytes, Chrome, Edge or Firefox on a computer are the most reliable for saving to disk.
In which languages is ShareUrFiles available?
English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Russian, Arabic and Indonesian. The site follows your browser's language and you can change it at the bottom of any page.
Sending files
What is the maximum file size?
There isn't one, on any plan, including Free. The file goes straight from one device to the other, so the only limits are your connection and the free space on the recipient's device.
Do I need an account to send?
Yes, a free account. It lets us apply your plan's limits and protect the service from abuse. Recipients never need one.
Can I send several files or a folder?
Yes, from the Basic plan. You can drop many files or a whole folder, and the recipient gets one ZIP archive with the same structure. Free sends one file per transfer.
Why do I have to keep the page open?
Because the file is sent from your device. If you close the tab or your device goes to sleep, the transfer stops. That is what guarantees no copy of your file exists anywhere else.
How long does a link stay valid?
24 hours on Free, 3 days on Basic, 7 days on Pro, and on Max you choose from 1 hour to 30 days, or no limit. The transfer itself only happens while your page is open.
How fast is a transfer?
As fast as the slower of the two connections, within your plan's cap: up to 2 MB/s on Free, 20 MB/s on Basic, 60 MB/s on Pro and no cap on Max. At 20 MB/s, a 1 GB file takes under a minute.
Can I send files from my phone?
Yes, from any mobile browser. On Android, once ShareUrFiles is added to your home screen, it also appears in the share menu of your other apps.
Are videos and photos compressed?
No. Files arrive exactly as sent, byte for byte, and are checked against the original's fingerprint.
Can I send to several people at once?
Yes: up to 3 recipients per link on Basic, 10 on Pro and unlimited on Max. Free sends to one person.
What is a custom link?
On Pro and Max, you can choose the address of a transfer, like shareurfiles.com/r/your-project, instead of a random one. It is easier to recognize and to type.
Receiving files
How do I receive a file?
Open the link you were sent, scan the QR code, or go to shareurfiles.com/receive and type the 6-digit code. The download starts straight from the sender's device.
Do I need an account to receive?
No. You only need to sign in if the sender restricted the transfer to specific email addresses.
Where are received files saved?
In your browser's downloads folder. Several files arrive together in a single ZIP archive.
What does “Pairing verified” mean?
It means your browser used the secret key in the link to confirm it is connected to the sender's device and nobody else. It appears when you open the link, not when you type the code.
Why am I waiting before the download starts?
The sender is on the free plan. Free transfers start after a short wait, usually 30 seconds to a minute; it can be longer for very large files or when many people use the free plan at once. The download then starts on its own.
The code says “not found”, what should I do?
Check the 6 digits with the sender. The transfer may have expired, been stopped, or reached its maximum number of recipients. Ask for a new code if needed.
Security and privacy
Are my files stored on your servers?
No. Files never pass through our servers, so we cannot see, keep or share them.
Is the transfer encrypted?
Yes. Every transfer uses an end-to-end encrypted connection (DTLS). On Pro and Max, you can add a second layer of encryption with a key only the two browsers know.
Can I protect a transfer with a password?
Yes, on Pro and Max. The password is never sent over the network, and the transfer locks after 5 wrong attempts.
How do I know the file wasn't altered?
The sender's browser computes the SHA-256 fingerprint of each file and the recipient's browser checks it on arrival. If a single byte differs, the file is discarded.
Can I limit who receives my files?
Yes. Set a maximum number of recipients on any paid plan. On Max, you can also allow only specific email addresses or approve each recipient yourself.
What data do you keep about me?
Your email, your hashed password, your plan and basic records of each transfer: date, number of files, total size and number of recipients. With history on Pro and Max, the first file's name is kept too.
Can I turn on two-factor authentication?
Yes. In your account settings, you can protect sign-in with an authenticator app and keep backup codes.
Plans and billing
How much do the plans cost?
Free costs nothing. Basic is $4.99 per month, Pro $9.99 and Max $19.99. Billed yearly, you pay for 8 months and get 4 months free.
What is the difference between the plans?
Free: one file, one recipient, up to 2 MB/s. Basic: several files and folders, 3 recipients, up to 20 MB/s, resume after a cut. Pro: 10 recipients, up to 60 MB/s, password, second layer of encryption, history and custom links. Max: unlimited recipients, no speed cap, allowed emails, manual approval and free choice of link validity.
Does the recipient need a paid plan?
No. Only the sender's plan counts. Recipients never pay.
Can I change or cancel my plan?
Yes, anytime from your account. Upgrades take effect immediately and are prorated. When you cancel, paid features stay active until the end of the period you paid for.
How do I pay?
By card, through Stripe, our payment provider. We never see or store your card number.
In which currency are prices?
In US dollars (USD). Your bank converts the amount if your card uses another currency.
Account
How do I create an account?
Click Sign up, enter your email and a password, then type the code we email you. You can also sign in with Google when available.
I forgot my password, what do I do?
Click “Forgot password?” in the sign-in window. We send you a link, valid for 1 hour, to choose a new one.
Can I delete my account?
Yes, from your account settings. Your account, plan and history are deleted permanently.
Can I change my profile picture?
Yes. Open your account and click your picture to pick a new one.
Troubleshooting
Why does it say “No direct connection”?
Your network or the sender's blocks direct connections between devices, which happens on some corporate networks, public hotspots and mobile carriers. Switch one device to another network and try again.
Why is my transfer slow?
The speed depends on the slower connection, usually the sender's upload, and on the plan's cap. Sending to several people at once also shares the bandwidth.
What happens if the connection drops?
On Basic, Pro and Max, the download resumes where it stopped. On the free plan, it has to start again.
Why did the download fail at the end?
Usually there isn't enough free space on the receiving device, or the browser can't write such a large file. Free up space, or use Chrome, Edge or Firefox on a computer for very large files.
Does it work behind a VPN or a firewall?
Often, but some VPNs and strict firewalls block direct connections. If the transfer doesn't start, pause the VPN or try another network.
Want more detail?
Our guides walk through each situation step by step.
Ready to send?
Drop a file and share a 6-digit code. No size limit, even for free.