How attachment expiry works

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.
• 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

If a message with a 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.

One view is enough to refresh it – you don't have to click or download the file. Multiple views inside the same window don't stack. The total lifetime is capped to the size-based budget, so repeated renewals can't keep a file available indefinitely.

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 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.

Frequently asked questions

Does Plutonium extend file expiry?
Not at this time. All users are subject to the same limits.

Do I need to click or download a file to keep it available?
No. Viewing the message in chat or search is enough.

What about Saved Media?
Saved Media lets you keep up to 50 files (or 500 with Plutonium). Saved Media is not subject to attachment expiry.

Can I hide the expiry indicator?
Yes. Go to User Settings > Messages & Media > Media and toggle off "Show Attachment Expiry Indicator".