Download Notifications Guide
Get instant alerts when your files are accessed or downloaded. Real-time awareness of file activity.
What are Download Notifications?
Receive alerts when activity occurs:
- Email notification when file is viewed
- Alert when file is downloaded
- Real-time push notifications (mobile when available)
Enabling Notifications
- Upload file
- Click "Share Settings"
- Check "Enable Notifications"
- Choose notification types
- Select recipients for alerts
- Save settings
Notification Types
Email Notifications
Default notification method:
- Subject: "Your file [name] was accessed"
- Includes: Who, when, where (IP), device info
- Link to view full analytics
- Immediate delivery
- Available when enabled for a share
Sample Email Notification
Subject: Download Alert: Project_Proposal.pdf Your shared file has been accessed: File: Project_Proposal.pdf Downloaded by: 192.168.1.100 Time: January 15, 2026 at 2:30 PM EST Device: Desktop (Windows 11) Browser: Chrome 120.0 Location: New York, United States View full analytics: [link]
Notification Options
- On First Access: Notify once when first accessed
- On Every Download: Alert for each download
- Daily Summary: Digest of all downloads that day
- Weekly Summary: All activity in one weekly email
Mobile Push Notifications
App Notifications
Available when supported:
- Download 25cent.cloud mobile app
- Enable notifications in app settings
- Receive instant push alerts
- See activity in app feed
- Faster than email
Benefits
- Instant awareness (not delayed by email)
- Works offline (shows when you reconnect)
- Can disable specific shares
- Grouped by share for organization
Notification Recipients
Who Gets Notified
- You (uploader): Always notified
- Team members: Can designate others
- Project manager: Optional designee
- Multiple people: All receive notifications
Adding Recipients
- Enter email address
- They'll receive same notifications
- Don't need account at 25cent.cloud
- Can add/remove anytime
- Recipient can opt-out
Customizing Notification Rules
Share-Specific Settings
| Setting | Options |
|---|---|
| Notify on first access | Yes / No |
| Notify on every access | Yes / No |
| Digest frequency | Real-time, Daily, Weekly |
| Notification method | Email, Push (when available) |
| Recipients | Add/remove emails |
Default Preferences
- Go to Account Settings
- Set default notification preferences
- Applies to new shares
- Can override per share
Notification Content
What's Included
- File name: Which file was accessed
- Timestamp: Exact date and time
- IP address: Downloader's location
- Device info: Browser, OS, device type
- Download status: Complete, partial, or failed
Sample Notification Content
Event: File Downloaded File: Sales_Report_Q4.pdf Time: 2026-01-15 14:32:05 EST IP: 203.0.113.45 Location: San Francisco, CA, USA Device: Desktop Browser: Chrome 120.0 Status: Complete View Analytics: [link] Manage Notifications: [link]
Advanced Features
Advanced Integrations
Integrations beyond email and push notifications are not currently offered.
Slack Integration
Coming soon:
- Notifications direct to Slack channel
- Team awareness in real-time
- Searchable history
Use Cases
Freelancer Delivery Proof
- Share deliverables with client
- Get notified when they download
- Proof of delivery for payment
- Know when to follow up
Sensitive Document Distribution
- Share confidential info
- Know exactly when accessed
- Alert if accessed at unusual time
- Proof for compliance
Marketing Campaign Tracking
- Share campaign materials
- Track immediate engagement
- See real-time interest
- Adjust strategy based on response
Notification Frequency
Real-Time Alerts
- Immediate notification on access
- Best for limited recipients
- Can be overwhelming for popular files
- Email delay: typically 1-5 minutes
Daily Digest
- One email per day with all activity
- Sent at set time (your timezone)
- Good for moderate activity
- Reduces email volume
Weekly Digest
- One email per week
- Complete summary of all downloads
- Good for background monitoring
- Minimal email interruption
Managing Notifications
Disabling for Specific Share
- Go to share settings
- Toggle "Enable Notifications" off
- No more alerts for that share
- Can re-enable anytime
Unsubscribing
- Click "Unsubscribe" link in email
- Or manage in account settings
- Can unsubscribe from specific shares
- Or all notifications globally
Noise Reduction
Too many notifications?
- Switch to digest mode (daily/weekly)
- Only notify for critical shares
- Filter notifications by type
- Create rules for high-volume shares
Security & Privacy
Who Sees Notifications
- Only recipients you specify
- They don't see other recipients
- They can't change notification settings
- You have full control
Data in Notifications
- Notifications don't contain file content
- Only metadata (who, when, where)
- Sent via secure channels
- Stored securely on servers
Best Practices
For Important Files
- Enable real-time notifications
- Notify multiple stakeholders
- Check immediately after share
- Follow up if no download in timeframe
For Bulk Sharing
- Use digest mode (avoid notification flood)
- Or disable notifications entirely
- Check analytics manually if needed