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Require customers to login to access downloads

Filemonk provides two secure methods to require customers to login before accessing their digital downloads. This feature enhances security by ensuring only authenticated customers can access their purchased digital files, protecting your digital products from unauthorized access.


Setting Up Customer Login Requirements


Filemonk offers two distinct approaches to require customer authentication for download access. Each method serves different use cases and provides varying levels of integration with your Shopify store's customer experience.


Method 1: Customer Account Page Integration


Method 2: Storefront Login Requirement


This method adds login requirements to downloads hosted directly on your store's domain, perfect for merchants who want branded download pages.


  1. Navigate to Settings from the left menu bar in your Filemonk app dashboard
  2. Click on the Download page tab to access download page configuration options
  3. In the "Download files from" section, select Your store radio button (showing your store's domain)
  4. In the "Settings" section that appears, locate the Require customers to login checkbox
  5. Check the box labeled "Require customers to login" - this feature is marked as Beta
  6. The help text explains: "Customers will be asked to login to download their files"
  7. Ensure your app proxy settings in Shopify match the link type you selected
  8. Click Save to apply your changes



Customizing the Login Page Experience


Both login methods allow you to customize the customer-facing login experience to match your brand and provide clear instructions.


Accessing Login Page Customization


  1. Navigate to Settings from the left menu bar in your Filemonk app dashboard
  2. Click on the Download page tab
  3. Click the Customize Download page button to open the Download Page Editor
  4. In the editor sidebar, locate and click Login Page



Customizing Login Content


The login page customization allows you to modify three key elements that customers will see when authentication is required:


  1. Title Field: Edit the main heading that appears on the login page
  • Default text: "Customer Login Required"
  • This field is required and cannot be left empty
  • Keep the title clear and informative for your customers


  1. Message Field: Customize the explanatory text that helps customers understand why login is required
  • Default text: "You need to be logged in with the correct account to access your digital orders. Please click the button below to log in or switch to the appropriate account."
  • Use this space to provide helpful context about the login requirement
  • Consider mentioning the security benefits for customer peace of mind


  1. Button Text Field: Set the text that appears on the login action button
  • Default text: "Login"
  • This field is required and must contain at least one character
  • Choose action-oriented text like "Sign In", "Login", or "Access Account"



Adding Custom Styling


For advanced customization, you can add custom CSS to match your store's theme and branding:


  1. In the login page customization section, locate the CSS input area
  2. Add custom CSS rules to style the login page elements
  3. Test your changes using the preview functionality
  4. Save your customizations when satisfied with the appearance


Prerequisites and Requirements


Before enabling customer login requirements, ensure you have completed the necessary setup steps for your chosen method.


For Customer Account Page Method


  • Your store must have customer accounts enabled in Shopify settings
  • Filemonk extensions must be properly installed and configured
  • Customer account pages must be accessible to your customers
  • Extensions should be tested to ensure proper functionality


For Storefront Login Method


  • The "Download files from a page on your store" setting must be configured first
  • App proxy settings in Shopify must match your selected link configuration
  • Your store's customer login system must be functional
  • The feature should be thoroughly tested as it's currently in Beta status



Troubleshooting


Common issues and their solutions when setting up customer login requirements.


Symptom

Likely Cause

Fix

Login page not appearing

App proxy settings mismatch

Verify app proxy configuration in Shopify matches your selected link type

Extensions not working

Incomplete extension setup

Review extension installation steps and ensure all mandatory extensions are properly configured

Customers can't access downloads

Account login issues

Direct customers to reset passwords or contact support for account access

Beta feature not functioning

Experimental feature limitations

Test thoroughly and consider using customer account method for more stability


FAQs


Common questions about requiring customer login for downloads in Filemonk.


Q: Which login method should I choose for my store?

A: Customer Account page method provides better security and integration, while storefront method offers more branding control but is currently in Beta.


Q: Can I customize the login page appearance?

A: Yes, you can customize the title, message, button text, and add custom CSS styling through the Download Page Editor.


Q: Will requiring login affect my conversion rates?

A: Login requirements may create some friction, but they significantly improve security and prevent unauthorized access to your digital products.


Q: What happens if a customer forgets their login credentials?

A: Customers can use Shopify's standard password reset functionality, or you can direct them to your store's customer support.


Q: Can I disable login requirements after enabling them?

A: Yes, you can return to Settings > Download page and change your selection back to the previous configuration at any time.


Q: Is the Beta storefront login feature safe to use?

A: While functional, Beta features may have limitations. Test thoroughly and consider the more stable Customer Account page method for critical implementations.


Q: Do I need technical knowledge to set up customer login requirements?

A: The basic setup requires no technical knowledge, but custom CSS styling and extension configuration may benefit from technical assistance.


Q: Will this feature work with all Shopify themes?

A: The Customer Account page method integrates with Shopify's standard account system and should work with most themes. Storefront method compatibility may vary.


Updated on: 09/09/2025

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