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Downloading and decrypting files

Download and decrypt your files securely. All decryption happens in your browser - your unencrypted files never touch our servers.

How to download a file

  1. Navigate to your Files dashboard
  2. Find the file you want to download
  3. Click the download button or action menu
  4. Enter your passphrase when prompted
  5. Wait for decryption to complete
  6. The decrypted file will download to your device

For large files, decryption may take a few moments. Keep the browser tab open until the download starts.

Understanding the decryption process

When you download a file:

  1. Fetch: ShieldFive retrieves your encrypted file from storage

  2. Decrypt: Your browser decrypts the file using your passphrase

  3. Save: The decrypted file is saved to your downloads folder

The decrypted file exists only in your browser's memory during this process. ShieldFive never sees your unencrypted file.

Using your vault master key

If you encrypted files with your vault master key:

  • Make sure your vault key is active (check the encryption modal)
  • Downloads will use the active vault key automatically
  • You won't need to enter a passphrase for each file

If your vault key isn't active, you'll be prompted to enter it before downloading.

Downloading files with unique passphrases

If you encrypted a file with a unique passphrase (not your vault key):

  • You'll be prompted to enter the specific passphrase for that file
  • The passphrase must match exactly (case-sensitive)
  • If you forgot the passphrase, the file cannot be decrypted

Download limits

Download limits vary by plan:

  • Free plan: 20 downloads per file

  • Paid plans: Unlimited downloads for your own files

Share links can have custom download limits regardless of your plan. If you hit a limit, upgrade your plan or create a new upload of the file.

Downloading shared files

When someone shares a file with you:

  1. Click the share link they sent
  2. Enter the passphrase (they should send this separately)
  3. Click download
  4. Wait for decryption
  5. Save the file to your device

You don't need a ShieldFive account to download shared files.

Bulk downloads

To download multiple files:

  • Download each file individually (they'll decrypt one at a time)

  • Keep your browser tab open during the process

  • Large batches may take time - all decryption happens client-side

Currently, ShieldFive doesn't support folder downloads or ZIP archives. Each file must be downloaded separately.

Performance and speed

Download and decryption speed depends on:

  • File size: Larger files take longer to decrypt

  • Your device: Faster CPUs decrypt faster

  • Internet speed: Only affects download time, not decryption

  • Browser performance: Chrome and Firefox are fastest

Typical decryption times:

  • Small files (under 100 MB): 1-5 seconds
  • Medium files (100 MB - 1 GB): 10-30 seconds
  • Large files (over 1 GB): 1-5 minutes

Common download issues

"Incorrect passphrase" error:

  • Double-check your passphrase (case-sensitive)
  • Make sure caps lock is off
  • Try copying and pasting from your password manager
  • Verify you're using the right passphrase for this specific file

Download stalls or fails:

  • Keep the browser tab active and focused
  • Check your internet connection
  • Try again with a fresh browser session
  • Disable browser extensions temporarily

"Download limit reached":

  • Free plan has a 20 downloads per file limit
  • Upgrade to a paid plan for unlimited downloads
  • Or re-upload the file to reset the counter

Bandwidth usage

Downloads count toward your monthly transfer quota:

  • View your usage in Settings → Billing
  • Transfer quotas reset every 30 days
  • Large downloads consume more bandwidth
  • Share link downloads also count against your quota

If you exceed your quota, downloads will be blocked until your quota resets or you upgrade your plan.

Download security

ShieldFive downloads are secure:

  • Download links are single-use and time-limited (expire after one download)

  • All decryption happens in your browser, not on our servers

  • Share-link passwords may be submitted to ShieldFive over HTTPS for verification and abuse protection, but are not stored in plaintext

  • The encrypted file is transmitted over HTTPS

Even if someone intercepts your download, they'll only see encrypted data without your passphrase.

Best practices for downloads

  • Keep passphrases in a password manager for easy access
  • Download important files periodically as local backups
  • Verify file integrity after large downloads
  • Use a stable internet connection for large files
  • Keep your browser updated for best performance
  • Don't close the browser tab during decryption