Keep the original URL out of a chat
Send a protected link to a review page or shared resource and communicate the password separately.
Password-protected URL hider
Hide a URL behind a password
Keep the original address out of your message. Paste a URL, set a password, and share a LOCK.PUB link that asks for the password before revealing the destination.
Create without signup
- Password required before destination reveal
- No recipient LOCK.PUB account required
- Original website permissions still apply
- Destination becomes visible after unlock
LOCK.PUB
Usage guide
From the original URL to a password-gated link
For example, keep a document’s original address out of a group message. The video below shows this with a Google Drive link.
Paste the original destination
Check the website’s sharing permissions. Keep private details out of the public label.
Create a link with a password
Choose a strong, unique password. Share the generated LOCK.PUB link and communicate the password separately.
Unlock, then visit the destination
The recipient enters the password before the original address is revealed. That website’s login and permissions still apply.
Video transcript
Want a password on a Google Drive link?
A Drive link can be forwarded to anyone.
There's another way.
Paste the Drive link into LOCK.PUB…
…and set a password. No sign-up.
Share the new LOCK.PUB link instead…
…and send the password separately.
With the password, the original link opens.
Drive's own sharing settings still apply.
The original link skips the password…
…so share only the LOCK.PUB link.
Someone with only the LOCK.PUB link?
No password, no entry.
A password in front of your Drive link.
What this tool protects
The destination is visible and copyable after unlock. The original URL bypasses this gate; expiry or removal of a LOCK.PUB link does not revoke a copied destination URL.
Password-protected URL hider
Hide the address until the password step
A link hider changes what you share. LOCK.PUB also adds a password gate before revealing the original URL. It does not change access rules on the destination website.
Avoid exposing details in the address
Use a neutral public label so a project name, file path or query parameter is not copied into the visible message.
Understand the extra step
Recipients unlock the LOCK.PUB link, then open the original website under that website’s own login and sharing rules.
An ordinary short link or a password gate?
If everyone should open a public URL immediately, use a normal hyperlink or shortener. Choose this tool when you want a separate password step.
Read the hidden link guideSwipe horizontally to compare every column.
| Feature | LOCK.PUB password gate | Ordinary short link without a password |
|---|---|---|
| Original address in the shared message | LOCK.PUB password gateHidden behind a separate link | Ordinary short link without a passwordReplaced by a short link |
| Password before destination reveal | LOCK.PUB password gateRequired | Ordinary short link without a passwordNo |
| Destination visible after opening | LOCK.PUB password gateYes, after unlock | Ordinary short link without a passwordYes, after redirect |
| Original URL can bypass the wrapper | LOCK.PUB password gateYes | Ordinary short link without a passwordYes |
| Destination website permissions | LOCK.PUB password gateStill apply | Ordinary short link without a passwordStill apply |
URL hiding questions
Does the original URL stay hidden after opening?
No. After the correct password is entered, the destination is revealed and can be copied. LOCK.PUB is a password gate, not permanent address-bar masking.
Can someone bypass the password with the original URL?
Yes. Someone who already knows the original destination can visit it directly. Keep that URL private and retain the destination website’s own access controls.
Is a link disguiser the same as encryption?
No. Replacing an address with another link changes what appears in your message. LOCK.PUB adds a password step and encrypted storage for the URL, but the service processes the password and destination during unlock; this URL flow is not end-to-end encryption.
Can I hide a URL without a password?
This tool requires a password. If you only want clickable words in a document, use the editor’s insert-link command. An ordinary shortener fits public links that should open without a password.
Is creating a hidden link free?
Guest use allows 3 links per month; a connected Free account allows 5 per month across content types. Pro removes that monthly creation limit. Rate limits still apply. The recipient does not need a LOCK.PUB account.
Can I add an expiry time here?
This focused tool creates a reusable link without a custom expiry or access-count limit. Use the full link creator for the additional settings available on your plan.
Related tools and guides
Need to manage more protected links?
Pro adds unlimited monthly link creation, dashboard controls and deeper access analytics. Use the full link creator for advanced settings.
Hide a URL behind a password
Create without signup