If a customer clicks a download link and lands on a Shopify password page (the gate that hides your store while you’re building it), it’s because your Shopify storefront still has password protection enabled. Fileflare’s download page lives at your store’s domain, so the storefront password gates it too.
Quick fix: remove the storefront password in Shopify admin. Once you remove it, downloads work immediately for everyone.
Why this happens
Fileflare’s download links use your Shopify store’s domain name (e.g., your-store.com/apps/digital-downloads/...). This is intentional — it makes the download experience feel like part of your brand and avoids the third-party-domain feel of some apps.
But because the link is on your store’s domain, it inherits anything that gates the storefront — including the password page Shopify shows when you’ve enabled storefront protection (typically used during pre-launch or while making big changes).
Fix it
- Go to Shopify admin → Online Store → Preferences.
- Scroll to Password protection.
- Toggle off Restrict access to visitors with the password.
- Save.
Customer download links work immediately. No need to resend any emails.
What if I need the storefront password during a relaunch
The password gate and Fileflare delivery don’t currently coexist — you’d have to share the storefront password with every customer trying to download, which defeats the purpose. Practical options:
- Pause the storefront password during the relaunch window and use other methods (private app links, email comms) to manage who sees the new content.
- Pause Fileflare delivery while the password is on — disable the download emails and let customers know files will be available once you’re live.