Is File.io Safe?
Laura Martisiute
Reading time: 4 minutes

Table of Contents
If you use or plan to use File.io, you need to know: Is File.io safe?
Below, we explain whether File.io is:
- Safe to use.
- Good for privacy.
We also look at some steps you can take to improve both your safety and privacy when using this online service.
What Is File.io?
File.io is an online service for sharing files. It lets users share files using a temporary download link.

After users upload files, they get a special link to share. Once the other person downloads the file (or after the expiration date you set up passes), the file is deleted, according to file.io.
Users don’t need to create an account to use the file.io service.
File.io is free to use, though it also offers paid plans. The paid plans let you share bigger files (the free plan is limited to 2 GB), upload unlimited files per hour, turn off auto-delete, and more.
You can see file.io’s makers (i.e., the people who developed the service) on Product Hunt.
On its ‘About’ page, file.io says that “file.io is a project of Mr Cowboy LLC. It was created simply out of the joy of trying to build cool things on the internet, and we thought it may be useful for others. We take privacy very seriously and do not save any data once it has been deleted.” Mr Cowboy LLC has since been put up for sale.
Is File.io Safe?
Depends on your definition of “safe.”
There’s not much information about file.io outside its own site. Its subreddit, created in 2021, has one post and hasn’t seen any activity for years.
According to file.io, all communications are encrypted via HTTPS/TLS, and uploaded file data is re-secured with military-grade encryption.
File.io also says it regularly reviews its security infrastructure and applies patches immediately when needed. All staff have apparently received security training, too.
The service deletes files once they’re downloaded or they expire.
No data breaches have been associated with file.io at the time of writing.
Is File.io Private?
In theory, yes.
When a file is uploaded, file.io generates a unique download link that can be shared with others, and once the file is downloaded (or after a set expiration time), it is permanently deleted from file.io’s servers.
File.io says, “Our server log files contain no personal identifying information. All uploaded files are permanently deleted once they have been downloaded or reached their expiration date. We do not maintain backups of shared files.”
File.io doesn’t require users to create an account, meaning there is minimal personal information collected.
The service uses encryption to protect files during transfer, ensuring that only those with the unique link can access the uploaded content.
At the time of writing, File.io’s privacy policy has not been evaluated by external review sites such as Terms of Service; Didn’t Read or the Common Sense Privacy Program.
There’s not a lot of information about file.io elsewhere on the web, either on publications like PCMag or online forums like Reddit.
How to Improve Your Safety and Privacy On File.io
Follow the below steps for a safer and more private experience while using file.io.
- Share the link securely. Only share the download link with trusted individuals, and use secure communication channels like encrypted messaging apps or emails. Avoid sharing the link in public or unsecured spaces where unintended recipients could access it.
- Use file expiration settings. File.io allows you to set an expiration period for the file. If possible, choose shorter expiration times to limit how long the file is accessible, reducing the window for unauthorized access.
- Encrypt files before uploading. For added privacy, encrypt your files before uploading them to File.io. Even though File.io uses encryption during transfer, encrypting the file beforehand provides an extra layer of protection, ensuring that only those with the decryption key can view the contents.
- Use a VPN when uploading files. If you want to enhance your privacy while using File.io, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN will hide your IP address, making it harder to track your online activities or associate your upload with your location.
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