---
title: "Send downloads only if the order is fully paid"
description: "Hold the files back until the money has actually arrived."
url: https://help.filemonk.io/send-only-if-fully-paid/
section: "Email"
last_updated: 2026-09-08
---

# Send downloads only if the order is fully paid

> Hold the files back until the money has actually arrived.

Not every order is paid at checkout. Bank transfers, manual payment methods, deposits, and partially paid orders can all reach Filemonk before you have the money. Requiring full payment before delivery closes that gap.

## Before you begin

- Partially paid is not paid. An order with a deposit against it does not qualify.
- This holds delivery back. Customers who pay later get their files when the order becomes paid, not at checkout.

## Set it up

1. Click **Filemonk** in the left menu of your Shopify admin.
2. Click **Settings** in the app's menu, then open the **Orders** tab.
3. Turn on **Check order status** and require a **Payment Status** of paid.
4. To stop the download page working as well as holding the email, turn on **Block access to downloads if status does not match**.

The same screen can require fulfilment or delivery statuses too, for a full review workflow. See [Send email and show the button based on order status](https://help.filemonk.io/send-based-on-order-status/).

## What customers will see

Nothing until the order is paid: no download email, no Thank you page button, and with blocking on, no working download page either. Once payment lands, delivery proceeds.

## Check your setup

Place a test order using a manual payment method so it stays pending, and confirm nothing is delivered. Then mark it paid in Shopify and confirm the files become available. See [Create a test order](https://help.filemonk.io/create-a-test-order/).

## Troubleshooting

### Paying customers are not getting files

Check what payment status their orders actually carry in Shopify. Some payment providers leave orders authorized rather than paid until capture, which does not satisfy a paid-only rule.

### An order was paid but nothing was sent

Payment landed after Filemonk had already dealt with the order. Send the email from the order by hand. See [Troubleshoot a single order](https://help.filemonk.io/troubleshoot-an-order/).

### Deposit customers can't download anything

Expected, since partially paid does not qualify. If deposits should unlock partial access, this rule is the wrong tool: deliver on a different status, or split the product.

### Customers see an empty download page

The rule holds the files without blocking the page. Turn on the blocking option so the page explains itself rather than looking broken.

## FAQ

### Does it apply to free orders?

A 100% off order is normally marked paid, so it qualifies. Test yours if you rely on free orders. See [Create a test order](https://help.filemonk.io/create-a-test-order/).

### What about refunds after delivery?

Different setting, different moment. See [Disable access for refunded or cancelled orders](https://help.filemonk.io/disable-access-for-refunded-orders/).

### Does it slow delivery for normal customers?

No. Orders paid at checkout satisfy the rule immediately.

### Can I require payment for some products only?

No, it is store-wide.

## Related guides

- [Send email and show the button based on order status](https://help.filemonk.io/send-based-on-order-status/), for the full status rules.
- [Disable access for refunded or cancelled orders](https://help.filemonk.io/disable-access-for-refunded-orders/), for after the fact.
- [Troubleshoot a single order](https://help.filemonk.io/troubleshoot-an-order/), to see why one order was held.