Require authentication for downloads

Last updated March 26, 20262 min read

Enable required authentication to protect your digital files: how it works, use cases, and impact on customer experience.

Enable required authentication

Under Settings → Options → Digital Products, you’ll find a toggle for Require authentication for downloads. When this option is enabled, your customers must be logged into their customer portal to download purchased files.

By default, this option is disabled. Enabling it adds an extra layer of security to protect your content.

Even with authentication enabled, download links sent by email continue to work. PayFacile uses a secure token in the URL that automatically identifies the customer. This token is unique per order and per file.

However, if someone tries to access the link without a valid token (for example, a shared or modified link), they’ll be redirected to the customer portal login page.

When to use this option

Required authentication is recommended for:

  • High-value content: premium courses, software, professional tools
  • Sharing prevention: prevent customers from simply forwarding the download link to others
  • Traceability: know exactly who downloads what and when

For low-value or mass-market products (free ebooks, marketing resources), you can leave this option disabled to simplify the purchase experience.

FAQ

Will the customer need to create an account to download?
No. PayFacile automatically creates a customer account during purchase. The customer receives an email with a link to their portal. If they use the link from the order email, authentication is seamless thanks to the secure token.
Does this option affect past orders?
The option applies to future downloads, including for existing orders. If a customer tries to download a file from an old order, they’ll need to log into their customer portal.
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