Can Digital Downloads App links work on mobile and do they expire?

Shopify Apps
1

Hello. I will be launching a digital downloads printable store and have 3 questions regarding the Digital Downloads App.

  1. Does the download link work on mobile devices? The Shopify digital download sites I have been on recommend using a desktop or laptop computer for downloading because apparently there can be issues using a link for downloading on mobile devices.

  2. Does the link expire? If so, how long do customers have to download the product?

  3. For file sharing purposes, I was thinking of limiting the number of downloads. Is there a certain number you would recommend (I was thinking of 3)? Thank you.

Susan

2

Hi @susan-c ,

Below are the answer

  1. Yes, download links works for mobile too.

  2. I doubt that link expire, because i digital industry once you purchase any assets you have right to use it anytime.

Like windows, digital media like image and videos.

Until you rent it for specific time period.

However by using custom app you can restrict the access of media.

  1. What do you mean by sharing will you allow user to share file links to others.

Downloading count don’t think will work, since your product is digital. Anyone can download once and keep it on drive or system and share others.

Hope my answer could help…

1 Like
3

Hey! Great questions for setting up a printables store.

  1. Mobile downloads - This really depends on the app. The basic Shopify Digital Downloads app can be wonky on mobile (hence those desktop warnings). Better apps handle mobile properly by providing multiple download methods and clear file names so they save correctly on phones/tablets.

  2. Link expiration - Shopify’s free app doesn’t have expiration controls. Most paid apps let you set time limits (like 30 days) or permanent access through customer accounts.

  3. Download limits - For printables, 3-5 downloads is pretty standard. Enough for customers to download on different devices but prevents sharing. I’d also recommend IP limits to prevent the link being shared widely.

I actually built Alva Digital Downloads to handle these exact issues - mobile downloads work properly, you can set both time and download count limits, plus IP restrictions. Even our free plan has these security features: Alva Digital Downloads

For printables specifically, make sure whatever app you choose delivers files with clear names (not random strings) so customers can find them easily on their devices, especially mobile.

Hope this helps