Revoking External Access

When external users no longer need access to a document, you can remove that access by revoking the share link. 
 When to Revoke Access 
 You may want to revoke external access when: 
 
 A project or collaboration has ended 
 Your relationship with the external party has changed 
 The document is no longer relevant 
 A security concern has come up 
 Access was granted by mistake 
 The person who shared the file is no longer with the organization 
 
 Revoking a Share Link 
 
 Navigate to the document. 
 Open the External Sharing option. 
 Find the share link you want to revoke. 
 Click Delete .
 
 
 Confirm the deletion. 
 
 What Happens When Revoked 
 When a share link is revoked: 
 
 The link stops working immediately 
 Recipients will no longer be able to use it 
 Any active access through that link may end 
 Future access with that link is no longer possible 
 
 Revoking a Single User 
 If you only need to remove access for one external user without deleting the entire share link, you can revoke that user individually from the Verified Guests list. 
 
 Open the document sharing settings. 
 Find the external share link. 
 View the Verified Guests  list for that link. 
 Locate the user you want to remove. 
 Click Revoke in the Actions column.
 
 
 Confirm the change. 
 
 After revoking that user: 
 
 That person can no longer use the share link 
 Other verified users on the same link keep their access 
 The share link itself remains active 
 The revoked user would need to be verified again or receive new access if needed later 
 
 Revocation Is Immediate 
 Unlike an expiration date, revocation happens as soon as you remove the link. 
 
 Revocation takes effect instantly 
 No scheduled end date is required 
 It is useful when immediate action is needed 
 
 Impact on Recipients 
 Once access is revoked: 
 
 Users can no longer open the document through that link 
 Saved or bookmarked links stop working 
 Email links previously sent become invalid 
 A new link is required if access needs to be granted again later 
 
 Revoking vs. Expiration 
 Revocation 
 
 Takes effect immediately 
 Requires manual action 
 Best for unexpected situations 
 Does not rely on a scheduled date 
 
 Expiration 
 
 Takes effect on a set date 
 Ends automatically 
 Best for planned access periods 
 Works well when you already know when access should end 
 
 After Revocation 
 After a link has been revoked: 
 
 The old link cannot be used again 
 A new link must be created if access is needed later 
 Access records may still remain available for review or audit purposes 
 
 Communicating Revocation 
 When appropriate, you may want to notify affected users. 
 
 Let them know access has ended 
 Share an updated link if continued access is still needed 
 Provide context if the change affects an active project 
 
 Security Incidents 
 If access is being revoked because of a security concern: 
 
 Revoke access immediately. 
 Review recent access activity. 
 Check what may have been opened or viewed. 
 Follow any required reporting process. 
 Consider additional security steps if needed