How to Share Documents Securely Using a QR Code

Someone needs a copy of your ID, certificate or report — right now. The quick option is to send the photo on WhatsApp, but that copy stays in their chat forever. A QR code that expires on its own is almost as fast and far safer. Here's how to do it well, step by step. (New to the idea? Start with What Is QR Code Document Sharing?)

Before you share: ask three questions

1. Do they need to keep a copy, or just see it? Most identity checks only need to see the document.
2. How long do they need it? If they're standing in front of you, a single view is enough.
3. Do they need the full document? For Aadhaar, a masked copy (showing only the last four digits) is often enough.

Your answers decide the settings below.

Step-by-step: sharing a document with IDBANKQR.COM

1. Open the share option

Log in and find the document — either among recent documents on your Dashboard (click Share QR) or on My Documents (click the QR icon on that document's row).

2. Choose the access level

• View only — they can see it but get no download or print button. Best for identity checks.
• View + Download — for when they genuinely need to keep a copy, like an employer's HR file.
• View + Print — when they need a printout for their records.
• Download only — skips the viewer and downloads the file directly.

3. Choose how long it works

• Maximum 1 view — ideal when you're sharing in person; it's done after one scan.
• 10 minutes — for a quick check that might need a second look.
• 1 hour or 24 hours — when you're sending the code to someone who'll open it later.

4. Add a watermark (recommended for ID documents)

Type who you're sharing with in Shared with — for example "ABC Properties, rental verification". That name is watermarked across every page of the view, together with the date and time it was opened and a short reference code for that link, so if a copy is ever misused, it can be traced back to where it came from. Tick Mark as confidential to add a "CONFIDENTIAL — FOR VERIFICATION ONLY" stamp. Images and PDFs are both watermarked.

5. Generate and share the QR code

Click Generate QR Code. If they're with you, just let them scan it from your screen with their phone camera. If not, send them the QR code image, or tap Share on WhatsApp to send the link in a chat. They don't need an IDBANKQR account or app — the document opens in their phone's browser. A countdown shows how long the code has left, and once it's used up, it stops working automatically.

6. See who opened it — and cancel it if you need to

Open My Shared Links from the menu under your name, or from your Dashboard. Every link you have generated is listed there with its status — Active, Used, Expired or Cancelled — and how many times it has been opened. Who opened it lists each opening with its date and time, whether the document was viewed or downloaded, the kind of device and its IP address. The people you share with don't log in, so a link can't tell you their name; that's what the "Shared with" label is for.

Sent a link to the wrong person, or changed your mind? Press Cancel next to it and it stops working immediately. You can also cancel all running links at once.

7. Check your Activity Log

Every share, opening and cancellation is also recorded in your Activity Log, including the access level, validity, who you shared it with and the link's reference code — the same code that appears in the watermark — so you always have a record.

Good habits for sharing documents

• Choose the narrowest access that works — view only unless they truly need a copy.
• Choose the shortest validity that works — a single view when you're sharing in person.
• Always fill in "Shared with" for ID documents like Aadhaar and PAN.
• Share masked Aadhaar wherever the full number isn't required.
• Cancel a link you no longer need from My Shared Links, instead of waiting for it to run out.
• Don't post QR codes publicly or in large group chats — anyone who scans a valid code can open it.
• Be wary of requests you didn't expect. Real banks and government offices won't ask for your documents over an unexpected call or message.