Frequently Asked Questions

Answers on expiry, encryption, plans, and the API

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General Questions

What is ZeroHost?

ZeroHost is a privacy-first ephemeral text sharing service that allows you to share sensitive information that automatically disappears after being viewed or after a specified time period. Use it for API keys, passwords, configuration files, or anything else that should not outlive the task.

How is ZeroHost different from Pastebin or GitHub Gist?

ZeroHost is privacy-first with zero ads, no permanent storage, and modern UX. Unlike Pastebin, we automatically delete your content and don't track or log what you share. Unlike GitHub Gist, we're not tied to any platform and focus exclusively on ephemeral, secure sharing. See our Pastebin alternative comparison page for a full breakdown.

How do expiry times work?

You can set automatic deletion from 1 hour to 30 days, or use "burn after reading" to delete after the first view. All deletion is automatic and permanent. Free users are limited to 24-hour maximum expiry; Pro users get expiry up to 30 days and burn after reading.

Can I use ZeroHost for team collaboration?

Yes. Teams use ZeroHost to pass configuration, credentials, and temporary data around without leaving it in chat history. Enterprise plans include team management and compliance features for larger organizations.

Security & Privacy

Is my shared content encrypted?

Yes. All content is encrypted in transit with TLS 1.3 and at rest with AES-256. Optional password protection adds an extra layer of security. Your content is never stored in plain text.

Is ZeroHost secure for sharing passwords?

Yes. ZeroHost uses password protection, automatic deletion, and does not log content. All data is encrypted in transit via HTTPS. Unlike email or messaging apps, your passwords don't remain in permanent chat history or inboxes.

What happens to my data after it expires?

Our storage provider deletes the object from our servers when the timer ends. The data is destroyed rather than flagged as deleted, and we keep no backups of expired content.

Is ZeroHost GDPR compliant?

Yes. We retain no content past expiry, set no cookies, run no cross-site tracking, and store no personal data beyond what the service needs to run. Site analytics are aggregate only and never run on share pages. Everything else is purged on a schedule.

Do you log or track shared content?

No. We do not log or track the content of your shares. We only maintain minimal metadata necessary for the service to function (like expiry times), and even this is automatically deleted when shares expire.

What security certifications do you have?

ZeroHost is built on cloud infrastructure with enterprise-grade security. We adhere to the CIS (Center for Internet Security) compliance framework with comprehensive security controls and best practices. All data is encrypted and stored in secure, compliant data centers.

Pricing & Plans

How many shares can I create for free?

Free users get 10 shares per day with a 24-hour maximum expiry. The limit resets daily and applies to your browser session. Upgrade to Pro for unlimited shares and extended expiry.

What's included in the Pro plan?

Pro plan ($7/month) includes unlimited shares, custom expiry times (1h - 30 days), password protection, burn after reading, active share management, API access (5,000 requests/day), CLI tool access, and priority email support.

What's included in the Free tier?

The Free tier includes 10 shares per day, 24-hour maximum expiry, password protection, syntax highlighting, and web interface access. That covers occasional personal use and evaluating the service.

Do you offer enterprise pricing?

Enterprise arrangements are handled case by case rather than sold as a fixed plan. Team management, audit logging, custom domains, white-labeling, SLA terms, and dedicated support are all on the table. Contact us to discuss what you need and we will quote it.

Can I cancel my subscription anytime?

Yes, you can cancel your subscription at any time from your account dashboard. Your plan will remain active until the end of your current billing period, after which you'll be downgraded to the free plan.

Technical Questions

Do you have an API for developers?

Yes! Our RESTful API is included with the Pro plan ($7/month). It includes 5,000 API requests per day, comprehensive documentation, SDK libraries, CLI tools, and integration examples for developer workflows and CI/CD pipelines.

What's the maximum size limit for shares?

Shares are limited to 1MB of text, which covers configuration files, code snippets, and API keys. We are looking at higher limits for paid plans.

Do you support file uploads?

Currently, ZeroHost is focused on text-based sharing. File upload support is planned for future releases. For now, you can share file contents as text (like configuration files, scripts, etc.).

What browsers are supported?

ZeroHost works in all modern browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. We use progressive enhancement, so basic functionality works even without JavaScript, though the full experience requires it.

Do you have mobile apps?

The web app is responsive and works in mobile browsers. Native apps are not on the near-term roadmap.

Support & Help

How can I contact support?

You can reach our support team at [email protected]. Pro users receive priority email support with faster response times.

What are your support hours?

We provide email support Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM EST. While we don't offer 24/7 support yet, we aim to respond to all Pro plan inquiries within 24 hours with priority queue handling.

Do you have a status page?

Yes. Our status page lists current service status, ongoing issues, and planned maintenance.

How can I report a bug or request a feature?

Please send bug reports and feature requests to [email protected]. We read all of it and prioritize based on what users ask for most. Pro users' requests go to the front of the queue.

Is there a community forum or chat?

Not yet. A forum and a Discord server are both under consideration; follow us on social media if you want to hear when one opens.

Still have questions?

Email us and we will get back to you