Troubleshoot public access

Public access issues usually come from one of seven causes: public access is off, the URL is wrong, the item was archived or deleted, the owner changed the custom URL, sharing is blocked by permission, the plan does not allow the action, or the app cannot update sharing while offline.

Before you start

• You need access to the original item inside the app to fix sharing settings.
• You need settings access for the item to change public sharing.
• You need internet access to create, disable, or customize a public link.
• Public sharing availability can depend on plan availability.

How public sharing works

Troubleshoot public access in this order:

1. Confirm the viewer is using the correct public URL.
2. Confirm Publish to web is on.
3. Confirm the item is not archived or deleted.
4. Confirm the link was copied after the latest sharing change.
5. Confirm you have settings access for the item.
6. Confirm the plan allows the sharing action.
7. Confirm the viewer understands that public pages are read-only.

Expected outcome: You identify whether the issue is link state, URL format, item state, permission, plan availability, offline state, or viewer expectation.

URL Reference

Public URL	Use it for	Common mistake
/list/…	Public List review.	Sending /p/l/…, which is a signed-in app link.
/doc/…	Public Doc reading.	Sending /p/d/…, which may require Space access.
/whiteboard/…	Public Whiteboard review.	Sending the wrong item link or an inactive old link.
/flow/…	Older Whiteboard public links.	Treating it as a new link format instead of asking for the current copied link.

Fix a public link that does not open

1. Open the original item in the app.
2. Open Share.
3. Confirm Publish to web is on.
4. Select Copy link again.
5. Send the newly copied link to the viewer.
6. If it still fails, confirm the item is not archived or deleted.

Fix a custom URL problem

1. Open the item share settings.
2. Confirm you are online.
3. Choose a unique slug.
4. Avoid punctuation and special characters.
5. Use a longer slug if the app says the URL is too short or already exists.
6. Select Update.
7. Copy the link again.

Help a viewer who needs edit access

Public links are read-only. If the viewer needs to edit:

1. Decide whether they should become a Space member.
2. Invite them or share privately if editing is appropriate.
3. Confirm their role or item access.
4. Send the signed-in app link after access is granted.

Troubleshooting

The page says the content is missing

• Symptom: The public page displays a missing-content message.
• Cause: Public access may be off, the item may be archived or deleted, or the URL may not match an active public link.
• Resolution:
  1. Open the original item.
  2. Confirm Publish to web is on.
  3. Confirm the item is not archived or deleted.
  4. Copy the link again.
  5. Send the new link.

Sharing controls are unavailable

• Symptom: Publish, Copy link, or Customize URL is disabled or blocked.
• Cause: You may be offline, lack settings access, or the plan may not include the action.
• Resolution:
  1. Confirm the app is online.
  2. Ask a Space owner/admin to confirm your item access.
  3. Ask a billing admin to review plan availability if an upgrade prompt appears.

The wrong item opens

• Symptom: The public page opens, but it is not the expected list, doc, or whiteboard.
• Cause: The wrong link was copied or the custom URL changed.
• Resolution:
  1. Open the correct item in the app.
  2. Open Share.
  3. Select Copy link from that item.
  4. Send the new link.

The viewer can open the page but cannot edit

• Symptom: The viewer says the page is read-only.
• Cause: Public pages are intentionally read-only.
• Resolution:
  1. Keep the public link for review.
  2. Invite the viewer as a member only if they need editing or collaboration access.

FAQ

Can support restore a public link after it is turned off?

The owner can usually turn Publish to web back on if the item still exists and public sharing is available.

Does changing a custom URL break old links?

Yes. Copy and share the new link after changing the URL.

Is public access safer than inviting a member?

They solve different problems. Public access is useful for read-only external review. Member access is better when the person needs controlled editing or collaboration.