Support center answers to the most common Privnote questions.
Privnote is a free web service at privnote.com that lets you create text notes that automatically self-destruct after being read once. You create a note, receive a unique URL, share it with the recipient, and when they open it, the note is permanently deleted from Privnote's servers. The URL becomes invalid immediately after the note is read.
Yes, completely free. All features including password protection, expiration timers, and read notifications are available at no cost. There are no premium plans or subscription fees. The service has been free since 2008.
Privnote uses client-side encryption. Your note is encrypted in your browser using AES-256 before being uploaded. The encryption key is embedded in the URL fragment (after the #). Since URL fragments are not sent to servers in HTTP requests, Privnote's servers only receive encrypted ciphertext and never have access to the decryption key or plaintext content.
The note is immediately destroyed. You will see the content, but it will be permanently deleted from Privnote's servers. The recipient will see a "note not found" message. You must create a new note and resend it. Always copy the link without clicking it.
Critical distinction: privnote.com (no 's') is the legitimate official service. privnotes.com (with 's') is a documented phishing clone that intercepts your messages. The clone has been documented modifying cryptocurrency wallet addresses in notes. Always use privnote.com.
No. Deletion is permanent and irreversible. There is no backup, no recycle bin, and no recovery mechanism. Not even Privnote's own team can recover a destroyed note.
No. Privnote is text-only. For self-destructing file sharing, consider Bitwarden Send or One-Time Secret, which support file attachments.
Yes. Privnote works in any modern mobile browser on iOS or Android. No app installation required. Visit privnote.com in your mobile browser.