Fluxer automatically expires older attachments. Smaller files stay available longer; bigger ones expire sooner. If people view a message with a file when it is close to expiring, we extend it so it stays available.
How expiry is decided
- The clock starts when you upload. Viewing or downloading later does not restart it; we only refresh the expiry if the file is close to expiring (see below).
- Files 5 MB or smaller keep links for about 3 years (the longest window).
- Files near 500 MB keep links for about 14 days (the shortest window).
- Between 5 MB and 500 MB, larger files get shorter windows and smaller files get longer ones.
- Files over 500 MB are not accepted on the current plan.
Extending availability when accessed
- We only extend when a file is close to expiring: if a message with the file is loaded and the remaining time is inside the renewal window, we push the expiry forward.
- The renewal window depends on size. Small files can renew up to about 30 days; the largest files renew up to about 7 days. We cap the total lifetime to the size-based budget, so a 500 MB file will not suddenly gain an extra month.
- Multiple views inside the same window do not stack; one view is enough to refresh it. You do not have to click or download the file for this to happen.
- As long as people keep viewing the message before the file expires (and within the size-appropriate renewal window), it stays available. If no one views it and it reaches expiry, the link disappears.
What happens after expiry
We regularly sweep expired attachments and delete them from our CDN and storage. There can be a short delay after the expiry time before removal.
Why we expire attachments
- Storage and bandwidth fairness: Large media is costly to keep forever; expiring it keeps things fair for everyone.
- Safety and privacy: Clearing out long-lived uploads reduces the chance that old sensitive files linger.
- Predictable limits: Clear timeframes help you download what you need to keep.
Keeping important files
- Download attachments you need before they expire.
- For full account exports (including attachment URLs), see Exporting your account data. For deletion requests, see Requesting data deletion.
Frequently asked questions
Q: What if I have Plutonium, do my files stay for longer?
At this time, all users, whether they have Plutonium or not, are subject to the same limits.
Q: What if my workflow relies on guaranteed, persistent access to large files I am not regularly accessing?
Fluxer is a messaging service, not a cloud storage platform. We suggest advanced users host files themselves if this is a concern. There are tools that let you upload screenshots or files to your own cloud storage and domain, then share those links on Fluxer or elsewhere while retaining full control.
Q: Do I need to click or download a file to keep it available?
No. If a message with the file is viewed in chat or search while the file is near expiry, we refresh its expiry window even if you do not click or download it.
Q: What about Saved Media?
Fluxer has a Saved Media feature that lets you keep up to 50 media files (or 500 if you have Plutonium)—images, videos, GIFs, or audio—to access across your accounts. Saved Media is not subject to attachment expiry; items you save there stay until you delete them.
Q: Can I hide the "Expires on" note under attachments?
Yes. Go to User Settings (cogwheel bottom left) > Messages & Media > Media and toggle off "Show Attachment Expiry Indicator" if you prefer not to see it.