> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.researchanddesire.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Public Links Opt-Out

> Control whether your lock appears in the public voting directory or remains accessible only via direct link

Choose how discoverable your lock is when you share it. Enabling Public Link generates a shareable URL for your lock. By default, locks with a public link appear in the public voting directory so others can find and vote. You can opt out of the directory while keeping the direct link active.

<Note>
  Terminology: “Public Link” is the shareable URL for your lock; the “public
  voting directory” is the browseable list where eligible public locks appear.
</Note>

## Directory visibility options

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Public directory (default)">
    Your lock is fully discoverable: - Appears in the public voting directory -
    Direct link sharing works - Anyone browsing the directory can view and vote
    on your lock
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Private link only">
    Your lock remains hidden from discovery: - Not listed in the public
    directory - Only accessible via its direct link - Share privately with
    specific people you choose
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Configure your visibility settings

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open lock settings">
    In the dashboard, go to **Chastity Lockbox → Templates** (or **Chastity Lockbox → Home → Edit** for the active lock’s template).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable Public Link">
    Turn on the **Public Link** (or **Enable public voting on lock duration**) toggle to activate link sharing.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open visibility options">
    Click the **settings icon** (⚙️) next to the Public Link toggle to configure visibility.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Opt out of directory listing">
    Toggle **Show in Public Directory** off to hide your lock from the public directory.

    <Check>
      Verification: Copy your lock’s public link and open it in a private/incognito window to confirm it loads. Then browse the public directory to confirm your lock does not appear.
    </Check>
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Info>
  Your visibility choice is applied when you start the lock session. Changes
  made after starting won’t affect the current session; create a new session to
  apply updated visibility.
</Info>

## Important considerations

* **Direct links always work** — Anyone with your link can access and vote, even if the lock is hidden from the directory.
* **Functionality remains unchanged** — This setting only affects discoverability; the lock’s behavior and voting rules stay the same.
* **Privacy through obscurity** — Opting out prevents casual discovery but does not add authentication or a password.

<Warning>
  Treat direct links as shareable. Recipients can forward your link to others.
  If you need stricter controls, share carefully and review your settings before
  starting a session.
</Warning>

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="I can’t find the Public Link or visibility option">
    * Make sure you’re editing the lock’s template in **Chastity Lockbox → Templates**.
    * If a session is already active, some settings may be read-only until you create a new session.
    * Confirm you have permission to edit the lock (owner or keyholder).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="My changes didn’t apply to the current session">
    Visibility is set at session start. End the current session (or wait for it to complete), then start a new session with the updated visibility.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Related guides

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="FAQs: Public Voting" icon="help-circle" href="/chastity-lockbox/faqs">
    Learn how public voting links work and who can vote.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Dashboard Settings" icon="settings" href="/dashboard/settings">
    Explore account-level privacy and sharing controls.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>