file.io alternative.
file.io is a simple service for sharing files that are deleted after a single download. Khamli is a no-account alternative that uses a 4-character code and expires files on a timer instead.
What file.io is
file.io is a web service and API for temporary file sharing. You upload a file, get a link, and share it. By default the file is deleted after it is downloaded once (or after a set period, whichever comes first). It is designed for quick, disposable transfers.
Who uses it: Developers and individuals who need to move a file quickly without an account — often via its API for programmatic uploads. It is popular for ephemeral transfers where a permanent download link is unnecessary.
How it works
You upload a file through the web interface or API. file.io returns a unique download link. The recipient downloads the file, and the file is then deleted (default one download, or an expiry such as 14 days). No account is required for the free tier.
Advantages
- Extremely simple — upload, get a link, done.
- Files are deleted after one download by default, limiting exposure.
- No account required for basic use.
- Developer API for automated file transfers.
Limitations
- Default one-download deletion can be inconvenient if a download fails or must be repeated.
- Free tier has file-size and retention limits.
- No built-in text/message sharing — files only.
- Long-term retention options are limited on the free tier.
At a glance
- Privacy model
- file.io stores files temporarily and deletes them after download or expiry. It requires no account for basic use, but it is a file-hosting service rather than a zero-identity, encrypted-message tool. Provider logging and policies apply.
- Signup requirements
- No account required for the free tier.
- Expiration behavior
- Files are deleted after one download by default, or after an optional retention period (e.g., up to 14 days) if configured.
- File & text support
- Files only. There is no text/message sharing.
How Khamli compares
file.io and Khamli both do no-account file sharing. The main differences are the access model and flexibility: file.io deletes on download, while Khamli expires on a timer (30 minutes to 24 hours) and uses a short 4-character code that is easy to read aloud or text. Khamli also supports up to 10 files per transfer and optional text captions.
When Khamli is the better choice
Choose Khamli when you want a code instead of a long URL, need to share several files at once, or prefer time-based expiry so the recipient can re-download if a transfer fails.
When file.io may be the better choice
file.io may be better when you specifically want one-download deletion or need its API for programmatic, single-use file transfers.
Frequently asked questions
Does file.io delete files after one download?＋
By default, yes — the file is deleted after a single download (or after an optional retention window). This is configurable.
Is file.io free?＋
The basic service is free without an account, with limits on file size and retention. Paid tiers raise those limits.
How is Khamli different from file.io?＋
Khamli uses a 4-character code, supports up to 10 files and text captions, and deletes files on a timer rather than on download.
Can file.io share text messages?＋
No, file.io is file-only. Khamli handles both text and files.
Try Khamli — no account, self-destructs on expiry.
Share with Khamli