User Guide

How to Use Realtime Sender

Complete step-by-step guide to sending and receiving files securely. Master our temporary file transfer service in minutes.

Sending Files - Quick Start

Upload and share in 3 steps

Step 1: Select Your File

Navigate to the Realtime Sender homepage. You'll see two main sections: "Upload" and "Get a file". In the Upload section, either:

  • Click the dropzone area to open your file browser
  • Drag and drop a file directly onto the dropzone

Supported file types include documents, images, videos, audio, archives, and more. The maximum file size depends on your plan: 2GB (Free), 10GB (Pro), or 30GB (Max).

Step 2: Upload Your File

Once you select a file, the upload begins automatically. You'll see a progress bar showing the upload status. Keep the browser tab open until the upload completes. Upload speed depends on your internet connection and file size.

Pro Tip: For large files, use a stable Wi-Fi connection rather than mobile data for faster and more reliable uploads.

Step 3: Share Your Code

After upload completes, a unique 6-character code appears (like "X7K9M2"). This is your file's access key. Copy this code and share it with your recipient through any method you prefer:

  • Text message or SMS
  • Email
  • Chat apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack)
  • Voice call or in person

Remember: Anyone with this code can download your file, and it only works once. Share it securely with your intended recipient only.

Receiving Files

Download with a code

Step 1: Get the Code

Ask the sender for their 6-character code. It will look something like "A3B7K9" - always 6 characters using letters and numbers.

Step 2: Enter the Code

Go to the Realtime Sender homepage. In the "Get a file" section, enter the code exactly as provided (codes are case-insensitive, so "abc123" and "ABC123" work the same).

Step 3: Download

Click the "Download" button. The file will begin downloading to your device immediately. The download location depends on your browser settings - usually your Downloads folder.

Important: Once you download the file, it's permanently deleted from our servers. The code becomes invalid and cannot be used again. Make sure you save the file somewhere safe on your device.

Using Custom Codes

Create memorable codes

What Are Custom Codes?

Instead of random codes like "X7K9M2", you can create custom codes like "PHOTOS", "PROJECT", or "FILE01" - free for everyone. This makes sharing easier, especially when communicating verbally.

How to Create a Custom Code

When uploading a file:

  1. Select your file for upload
  2. Before clicking "Send file", look for the "Custom share code" option
  3. Enter your desired 6-character code using only A-Z and 0-9
  4. Complete the upload

Custom Code Rules

  • Must be exactly 6 characters
  • Can use uppercase letters A-Z
  • Can use numbers 0-9
  • Cannot use special characters or spaces
  • Must be unique - if someone else is using it, you'll need to pick another

Tip: Keep custom codes simple and memorable. Avoid easily guessable patterns like "123456" for security.

Using Cloud Storage (Administrators)

Permanent secure storage with advanced controls

What is Cloud Storage?

Cloud Storage is an internal, administrator-only feature that stores files permanently (until deleted) with enhanced security. It is not part of the public free service. Unlike temporary transfers, Cloud Storage files:

  • Stay available until you manually delete them
  • Have 24-character ultra-secure share codes
  • Support optional password protection
  • Allow download limits and expiration dates
  • Track download history

Uploading to Cloud Storage

  1. Log into an administrator account
  2. Go to your Logs page
  3. Click the "Cloud Storage" tab
  4. Click "Upload to Cloud Storage" button
  5. Select your file (up to 5GB per file, 5GB total storage)
  6. File uploads and appears in your storage list

Setting Password Protection

  1. Find your file in Cloud Storage
  2. Click the lock icon (🔒) next to the file
  3. Enter a password or click the dice icon (🎲) to generate a secure password
  4. Click "Save" to apply the password
  5. Anyone accessing the link must enter the password to download

Sharing Cloud Storage Files

Click the copy icon next to any file to copy the share link. The link looks like:

https://realtimesender.com/s/xSQQJSvSmGworUumABCD1234

Share this link via email, chat, or any method. Recipients see a download page with your filename and a download button.

Deleting Files

Click the trash icon (🗑️) next to any file to permanently delete it from both our servers and database. This action cannot be undone.

Tips for Large Files

Optimizing big transfers

Compress Before Uploading

For faster uploads and downloads, compress files when possible:

  • Use ZIP for documents, images, and mixed files
  • Videos and images may already be compressed - check if compression helps
  • Remove unnecessary files before compressing

Stable Internet Connection

Large files require stable connections:

  • Use Wi-Fi instead of mobile data for files over 500MB
  • Close other bandwidth-heavy apps during upload
  • Don't let your device sleep during upload
  • If upload fails, you can retry - partial uploads resume automatically

Upload During Off-Peak Hours

For maximum speed, upload during times when internet traffic is lower in your region - typically late night or early morning hours.

Security Best Practices

Keep your transfers safe

Share Codes Securely

Treat your 6-character code like a password. Don't post it publicly on social media or forums. Share it directly with your intended recipient through private channels.

Verify Recipient Identity

When receiving a code, verify it came from who you expect. If someone unexpectedly sends you a file, confirm with them before downloading.

Use Strong Custom Codes

If using custom codes, avoid obvious patterns like "123456", "ABCDEF", or easily guessable words related to the content.

Download Promptly

Files expire after 5 minutes if not downloaded. Download files as soon as possible after receiving the code to avoid expiration.

Don't Share Sensitive Info in Filenames

Filenames are visible during download. If sharing sensitive content, consider using generic filenames that don't reveal file contents.

Account Features

Managing your account

Creating an Account

All features are free and no account is required. An optional account simply lets you keep a history of your transfers:

  1. Click "Login" in the top navigation
  2. Select "Create Account"
  3. Enter your email and create a password
  4. Verify your email address
  5. That's it - you're all set!

Viewing Transfer History

Logged-in users can see their activity:

  1. Log into your account
  2. Click "Logs" in the navigation
  3. View your upload and download history

Supporting Realtime Sender

The service is completely free with no plans to upgrade — it's supported by ads. The best way to help is simply to use it and share it with others. There's nothing to pay.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Quick fixes

Upload Won't Start

  • Check your internet connection
  • Verify the file is within your size limit
  • Try refreshing the page
  • Disable browser extensions temporarily
  • Try a different browser

Code Shows "File Not Found"

  • The file may have already been downloaded (codes are single-use)
  • The 10-minute expiry time may have passed
  • Double-check you entered the code correctly
  • Ask the sender to upload again

Download Is Slow

  • Check your internet speed
  • Try downloading at a different time
  • Close other apps using bandwidth
  • Use a wired connection if possible

Custom Code Not Working

  • Ensure it's exactly 6 characters
  • Only use A-Z and 0-9 (no spaces or symbols)
  • The code might be taken - try a different one

Use Cases & Examples

Real-world scenarios

Sharing Photos with Family

Took amazing vacation photos but they're too big to email? Upload the high-res images to Realtime Sender, share the code with family, and they can download the full-quality versions without compression.

Sending Work Documents

Need to quickly share a large presentation or report with a colleague? Upload it, send them the code via Slack or email, and they have instant access. No waiting for slow email attachments.

Video Projects

Video editors can send raw footage or finished projects to clients. A 10GB video file that would be impossible to email uploads in minutes with Realtime Sender.

Software Distribution

Developers can share beta builds or installers. The automatic deletion ensures old versions don't linger, reducing confusion about which version is current.

Confidential Information

Lawyers, healthcare providers, and financial professionals use Realtime Sender for sensitive documents. The automatic deletion and lack of permanent storage adds an extra layer of security.

Quick Reference

At a glance

Feature Free Pro Max
Max File Size 2 GB 10 GB 30 GB
Custom Codes -
Transfer History Recent only Full history Full history
Cloud Storage - - ✓ 5GB with password protection
Support Standard Priority Priority

All plans include: Automatic deletion, HTTPS encryption, virus scanning, and no registration required.