Privacy basics
Network Note vs Shared Link: Which Should You Use?
Pick the home network note or a shared link based on who should open the text and whether you are on the same public IP.
Written and reviewed by ThrowNotes Editorial Team. Published July 12, 2026. Updated July 16, 2026.
They solve different problems
Network note: can another browser that shares my public IP open this scratchpad right now? Shared link: can this person open the note because I sent them the URL?
Mixing those up is how people get surprised. Nearby handoff → home note. Access that follows a link → share.
Reach for the network note when
- Both devices look like they share a public IP.
- You care more about speed than a private door.
- The text is temporary and low-risk.
- You do not want to create or send a link.
Reach for a shared link when
- The other person is on a different network.
- You want view or edit on purpose.
- A password in front of the note would help.
- You plan to revoke or clear the share later.
And account rooms?
Use those when the note is yours and should sync after login, even as you change networks. Not a public scratchpad. Not a guest invite.
For the wider three-way comparison, see Private Notes vs Synced Notes.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
Should I use a network note or a shared link?
Use a network note for nearby devices on the same public IP; use a shared link when you are sending text to someone on another network.
Can I password-protect a network note?
Passwords apply to shared links. For a gated space, use a shared link with a password or an account room.
Which is better for a quick self-handoff?
The network note, because there is no link to create when your devices share a public IP.