# Link Expiration Dates

Expiration dates automatically disable share links after a chosen date. This helps improve security by limiting how long external users can access a document.

##### **Setting an Expiration Date**

To set an expiration date for a share link:

1. Create a new share link.
2. Find the **Expiration Date Field**.
3. Select the date when the link should stop working. [![image.png](https://wikidev.emailarray.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-10/scaled-1680-/9S2image.png)](https://wikidev.emailarray.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-10/9S2image.png)
4. Create the link.

##### **How Expiration Works**

When a link has an expiration date:

- the link remains active until the selected expiration date
- once the link expires, it no longer provides access
- recipients cannot continue using the expired link
- continued access requires an active link

##### **Choosing Expiration Dates**

Choose the expiration period based on how long access is needed.

**Short-Term (Days)**

Use short-term expiration dates for:

- quick reviews
- temporary meeting access
- time-sensitive documents

**Medium-Term (Weeks)**

Use medium-term expiration dates for:

- project collaboration with deadlines
- document review cycles
- contract or approval discussions

**Long-Term (Months)**

Use longer expiration periods for:

- ongoing partnerships
- reference materials
- longer collaboration windows

##### **Expiration Notifications**

Depending on the sharing setup, you may see or receive reminders related to link expiration.

These may include:

- a reminder before the link expires
- a notice when the link has expired
- an alert for the document owner or person managing the link

##### **After Expiration**

When a link expires:

- recipients see that the link is no longer active
- they cannot access the document through that link
- a new active link is needed for continued access
- earlier link activity could still remain part of the link history

##### **Best Practices**

- match the expiration period to the business need
- review and extend links only when necessary
- use shorter expiration periods for sensitive documents
- let recipients know when their access will expire

##### **Expiration vs. Manual Revocation**

Both expiration and manual revocation can end link access, but they work differently.

**Expiration**

- access ends automatically on the chosen date
- works well for planned access periods
- usually needs less follow-up once it is configured

**Manual Revocation**

- access ends when you remove or disable the link
- works well when access must stop immediately
- requires someone to take action to revoke the link