Restrict access so pages can only be viewed via secret links

Goal Make certain pages or collections accessible only when someone uses a special secret link (URL with a token).

When to use this recipe

• VIP early access pages.

• Hidden campaigns where you don’t want content in navigation or search.

• A soft “invite-only” experience without user accounts or tags.

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Step 0 – Before you start

• Decide which page or collection you want to hide behind a secret link.

• Plan how you’ll distribute the secret URL (email campaign, manual share, etc.).

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Step 1 – Lock content

1. Go to Locks → Add lock.

2. In Step 1 – Lock content:

   • Name: Secret link for VIP sale.

   • Target: appropriate content type:

     • For a collection → Hide collection but allow via secret link.

     • For a page → Lock specific page/URL.

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Step 2 – Control access

1. In Step 2 – Control access:

   • Choose condition: Secret link.

2. The app will generate or expect a special URL that includes a secret parameter (token).

3. Only visitors arriving via that URL will pass the condition.

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Step 3 – Advanced settings

• Message for people who land without the secret token:

  • “This page is not publicly available. If you received a special invitation, please use the link provided in your email.”

• Decide if you want to redirect those blocked visitors to your homepage or another safe page.

Click Save.

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Check your page

• Visit the normal URL (without token) → should show your lock message or redirect.

• Visit the secret link (with token) → content should display normally.

Now you can send that secret link to your VIP audience.