The Difference Between Deleting a File and Expiring a Link

These two sound similar and get mixed up often, but they're not the same thing, and knowing the difference matters if you're relying on either one for privacy.

Expiring a Link

Setting an expiration means the link stops granting access after a certain point. The underlying file may still exist on the server for a period afterward, it's the doorway that's closed, not necessarily the room behind it.

Deleting a File

This is the file actually being removed. Once it's gone, no link, expired or otherwise, will ever bring it back.

Why the Distinction Matters

If genuine removal is the goal, an expired link alone might not be enough, actual deletion is the stronger guarantee. For most everyday sharing, letting a link expire is plenty. For anything sensitive you want gone for good, deletion is worth doing explicitly.

When in Doubt

If it matters whether a file still technically exists somewhere, don't assume, check the specific behavior of whatever expiration or deletion setting you're using.