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:
- Select your file for upload
- Before clicking "Send file", look for the "Custom share code" option
- Enter your desired 6-character code using only A-Z and 0-9
- 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
- Log into an administrator account
- Go to your Logs page
- Click the "Cloud Storage" tab
- Click "Upload to Cloud Storage" button
- Select your file (up to 5GB per file, 5GB total storage)
- File uploads and appears in your storage list
Setting Password Protection
- Find your file in Cloud Storage
- Click the lock icon (🔒) next to the file
- Enter a password or click the dice icon (🎲) to generate a secure password
- Click "Save" to apply the password
- 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:
- Click "Login" in the top navigation
- Select "Create Account"
- Enter your email and create a password
- Verify your email address
- That's it - you're all set!
Viewing Transfer History
Logged-in users can see their activity:
- Log into your account
- Click "Logs" in the navigation
- 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.