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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. If your vault is locked, enter your master password to unlock it
  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 unlocked vault key

  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 only ever handles the ciphertext.

Unlocking the vault

Every file you own is encrypted under your vault key, so downloads require an unlocked vault:

  • When you sign in, ShieldFive unwraps the vault key in your browser using your master password

  • If the vault is locked, you'll be prompted to re-enter your master password before the download starts
  • The unwrapped key stays in memory only — it is cleared when you close the tab or sign out

Downloading a share link someone sent you

If the sender protected the link with a share password, you'll be prompted for it before the file decrypts in your browser. The share password is per-link and is separate from any ShieldFive account password. If you don't have the share password and the link requires one, ask the sender — ShieldFive doesn't hold the password or the key, so it can't decrypt the file for you.

Download limits

Downloads of files you own are limited by your monthly transfer quota, not by a per-file download count.

  • Free plan: 20 GB monthly transfer quota

  • Share links: Optional custom download limits

Share links can have custom download limits regardless of your plan. If a shared link reaches its custom limit, adjust the link settings or create a new link.

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

"Can't unlock vault" or decryption error:

  • Re-enter your master password (case-sensitive)
  • Make sure caps lock is off
  • Try copying and pasting from your password manager
  • If you've forgotten it, use your recovery key to reset your master password

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":

  • The shared link has reached its custom download limit
  • Ask the file owner to adjust the link settings
  • Or ask for a new link

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