How to protect a link with approved emails
Protect a link with email in linkembed so only approved addresses can get in - better than a shared password for client work or press lists.
You need to protect a link with email so only people you already expect can open it. A public password can leak; a list of approved addresses or whole company domains is cleaner for client work, press lists, or internal decks - and easier to revoke per person.
Protect a link with email in linkembed
Email protection is a separate mode from password protection. A link can use one or the other, not both. If a shared secret fits better, see how to add password protection to a link.
- Open Links, edit the link (embed or redirect).
- Set protection to Email.
- Add allow list entries, for example:
- One person:
alex@client.com - A whole domain:
*@client.com
- One person:
- Save.
Full behavior and troubleshooting are in email protection.
What visitors do
They open your URL, enter their email, and tap Request access. For privacy, the confirmation message is always generic: it does not say whether that email is allowed.
If the address matches the list, they receive an email with a one-time access action. After they use it, the link works in that browser or device for a limited time. Access emails are short-lived (about fifteen minutes to use the link), and viewing access lasts about one hour on that device. If you change the list or switch modes, old sessions clear and people may need to verify again.
When this beats a password
- You want revocable access per person without rotating one shared password.
- You already know the domains or addresses that should get in.
- You do not want a single passphrase sitting in a group chat.
The allow list is just an identity check - not a mailing list. Requests from addresses not on your list don't get in, and nobody gets added to a marketing audience automatically.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a custom domain and email gating together?
A: Yes. The gate shows on whatever public URL the link uses. Custom domains require a paid plan that includes them (pricing); email protection works on top of that URL.
Q: Does everyone see whether their email was accepted?
A: No. The on-page copy stays neutral so strangers cannot probe your list.
Q: Can I combine password and email on one link?
A: No. Pick password or email protection for that link.
Q: What link types support email gating?
A: Both embed and redirect links. For staying on your domain while showing external content, see how to embed a page on your own domain.
Q: Where do I manage allow list entries?
A: In the dashboard on that link’s edit screen, as described in the email protection documentation.
linkembed offers email protection alongside password protection on individual links. Start on the Free plan to learn the product; custom domains and analytics need Creator or higher (pricing).