Self-destruct vs temporary links: which one to pick

Both sound similar but work differently.

Self-destruct link disappears after first view. Temporary link gets deleted by time, even if nobody opened it.

Sometimes people confuse them — and get extra risks. Let's figure this out quickly.

How they work briefly

Self-destruct = read and burned. Fast and predictable.

Temporary = expires after X hours. Flexible, but not always precise.

Inside both use client-side encryption and key in URL fragment #. Server only sees ciphertext.

I once sent access to contractor and chose temporary with 24 hours. Recipient got delayed, I got nervous. Should've used self-destruct and closed the question right away. Small detail, but saves nerves.

When self-destruct link works

• Online call or active chat. Recipient is online, will open immediately.
• Passwords that can't be shown twice. One look — and done.
• Sensitive instructions. Less traces, the better.

Plus: minimal risk window. Minus: if didn't manage to open, need to generate again. That's normal.

When temporary link is better

• Different time zones. Don't know when recipient will be at computer.
• Multiple checks on recipient side. Might not open from first click.
• Email correspondence. Email lives, link too, but until set deadline.

Plus: predictable deadline. Minus: theoretically can open multiple times if not limited.

Simple choice rule

1. 1
   Have contact right now? Take self-destruct.
2. 2
   No contact in time? Set temporary with short TTL + limit 1 view.
3. 3
   Adding password? Send it via different channel. Always.

However there are exceptions. Internal audit asks to keep transmission fact, but not content. Here temporary link with short TTL is what you need.

Common mistakes

• Password and link in same message. Separate channels.
• Too long TTL "just in case". After week nobody remembers context.
• Same link for two people. Can't do. Make separate ones.
• Screenshots. Screenshot doesn't burn. Can't recall it.
• Unlimited views. Even for temporary set limit: usually 1.

Another nuance: messenger previews. Ours is safe, content doesn't leak. But habit of "not writing extra stuff nearby" is still worth keeping.

Examples on real scenarios

• DevOps gives prod access. Self-destruct, 1 view.
• Finance requests card number. Temporary for 2 hours, 1 view, better with password.
• Agency sends login to client. Self-destruct, password in different channel.
• Support answers in ticket. Temporary for 24 hours, 1 view.

Honestly, this works almost always. In rare cases need to resend — and that's fine.

Checklist

• Choose type: self-destruct or temporary
• Set limit 1 view
• TTL: 10–60 minutes / 2–24 hours (by task)
• (Optional) Enable password on link
• Separate channels: link ↔ password
• After confirmation click "Burn Now" (if needed)

Bottom line

Both options are tools for one task: transfer secret without traces.

If recipient is online — take self-destruct. If not — set temporary with short period and one view.

Couple clicks, and you control the risk. Honestly it's simpler than it seems.