1. Home
  2. Receive File

Receive a File with Your Access Code

Enter the 6-character code you were sent and we will take you straight to your files. Free, with no sign-up.

  • No account needed
  • Works on any device
  • Resumable downloads
  • Password-protected files supported
Need to send a file instead? Upload here

How to receive a file in 3 steps

Downloading from FileXL takes about a minute, and the person receiving never has to register.

  1. Get the code

    The sender gets a 6-character access code when they upload. They can share it by message, email or QR code.

  2. Enter it above

    Type or paste the code into the box. Capital letters are added for you, so you never have to think about case.

  3. Download

    Your files open on their own page. Download them to your phone or computer. No account is needed.

Why people receive files on FileXL

Built for large files, simple enough that anyone can use it on the first try.

Open with just a code

A short code replaces a long link. Read it over the phone, type it from a screenshot or scan a QR code.

Private by design

Only people with the code or link can open a file, pages are served over HTTPS, and senders can add a password.

Made for big files

Large downloads are supported, and if your connection drops you can pick up again instead of starting over.

Download a file with a code: what to know

When someone shares a file through FileXL, they receive a link and a short access code for it. If you were given the code rather than a link, this page is where you use it. Type the 6 characters into the box above and you are taken to the download page for that file, where you can see its name and size before you save it.

Because the code is short, it is easy to pass along in a text message, an email, a chat or even out loud. It also means the code is the key to the file, so share it only with the people who should have it. You do not need to create an account, install an app or give an email address just to receive files, which makes it a good fit for sending documents, photos, videos and project folders to clients, classmates, colleagues or family.

Code not working? Try this

  • Look closely. The letter O and the number 0, and the letter I and the number 1, are easy to mix up.
  • Check the date. Senders choose how long a file stays online. Expired files need to be shared again.
  • Limits can apply. A sender may cap the number of downloads or set a file to delete itself once opened.
  • Ask for a fresh code. The quickest fix is to ask the sender to upload the file again and send the new code.

Want to send files too?

Uploading takes just a few clicks on the FileXL home page. You can add a password, share by QR code and use resumable uploads for very large files. Teachers and teams can also collect files from many people with a FileXL Dropzone.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about access codes and downloading files on FileXL.

What is a FileXL access code?

An access code is a short 6-character code that points to one file or one set of files shared on FileXL. Whoever has the code can open the download page, so it works like a key. You enter it on this page instead of needing the full link.

Where do I find my code?

Ask the person who sent you the files. After an upload finishes, FileXL shows the sender both a link and a code, and they can send either one by message, email or QR code. If you were sent a full link, you can just open it directly.

Do I need an account to download a file?

No. You can receive files from FileXL without signing up. An account is only needed if you want to send files and manage them yourself.

My code is not working. What should I do?

First check that you typed all 6 characters and that the letter O and the number 0, or the letter I and the number 1, are not mixed up. Spaces are ignored and capitals are added automatically. If it still fails, the sender may have deleted the file, it may have expired, or the sender may have set a download limit that has been used up. Ask them to share a fresh code.

Is it safe to download files with a code?

Pages are served over HTTPS, and only people who have the code or the link can open a file. Senders can also add a password for extra protection. As with any download, only open files from people you know and trust.

How long is a file available?

That is up to the sender. Files expire after the period chosen at upload, and some senders limit the number of downloads or set a file to delete itself after it is opened. When a file is no longer available, ask the sender to upload it again.

Can I download large files, and what if my connection drops?

Yes, FileXL is built for large files. If your connection drops during a big download, you can open the page again and continue instead of starting from nothing.

Does it work on a phone?

Yes. The download page runs in any modern mobile or desktop browser, so there is no app to install.

How do I send a file instead of receiving one?

Go to the FileXL home page, add your files, and upload. You get a link and a 6-character code to share with anyone you like.

More help & FAQ User guide Contact support

Spread the word

Know someone who still emails big attachments? Show them a simpler way.