Table of Contents

Introduction

Sharing files through Google Drive is easy, but ensuring their privacy once shared is not as simple. We might overlook or forget about the shared file. Instead of sharing and forgetting, setting an expiration date for the shared file will make it secure.

Short Answer

Setting an expiration date for shared files on Google Drive protects them from misuse by limiting access after a specified time.

Setting Expiration Date

Google Drive, coupled with Gmail, allows us to upload and share files with whomever we choose. If files are sensitive, we manually revoke sharing by altering their privacy settings in the file settings on Google Drive. Sometimes, we share files and may forget about them after sharing with someone. Unless you delete the file or change the privacy settings, the file will be accessible via the link you shared with the other person.

Setting an expiration date for shared files on Google Drive protects the files on Google Drive. There will be a time limit for the other person who got the link to access the file. After the predetermined time elapses, access to the shared file ceases to work. You must grant access again or choose to ignore it. Let’s see how to set the expiration date for shared files on Google Drive.

How to Set Expiration Date

  1. Open Google Drive and right-click on the file. Select Share.
  2. Enter the email address of the person you want to share with, in Add people and groups.
  3. Now, click on the dropdown menu icon (which depicts roles) next to the contact or email address and select Add expiration.
  4. Select the expiration date from the calendar that pops up and click Done to save it.

FAQs

1. Do shared links on Google Drive expire?

Shared links you share on Google Drive do not expire unless you set an expiration date for the file on your Google Workspace account. If you don’t have a Google Workspace account, you’ll need to manually change permissions once you’re done working with the shared file. To get additional features like setting an expiration date for a shared file on Google Drive, you need to subscribe to Google Workspace.

2. How long do shared files stay on Google Drive?

Shared files on Google Drive remain as they are until you manually change settings or delete the file entirely from the drive. If you’re a Google Workspace user and set an expiration date while sharing with others, the file’s access will expire on the date set for the other person you shared the file with.

3. What do you do when Google Drive links expire?

When Google Drive links expire, you need to contact the administrator or file owner and request an extension of the expiration date or reshare the file. There’s nothing you can do but contact them.