# How To Use the Network Recovery Link With BetterShield?

Generate the one-time network recovery link, start a one-hour network pause, and replace or end it safely.

In **[BetterShield](/)**, use **Network Admin › BetterShield › Network › Recovery link for the network**.

## What it does

**Generate recovery link** creates a link shown once. It works once and lasts 90 days. Opening it pauses BetterShield enforcement on every site for one hour. A site's own recovery link pauses only that site.

After use, BetterShield issues a replacement to the network administration address. **Generate a new link** invalidates the previous one. **End the pause now** ends an active network pause on every site.

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## Step 1: Use the Network Recovery Link

Generate the link, store it offline, and verify that the network administration address is monitored. Do not open it as a routine test because use consumes it and starts the pause.

<figure class="doc-shot">
  <img src="/docs/screenshots/network-recovery-link.png" alt="Network recovery card with Generate recovery link and its network-wide effect." width="1964" height="244" loading="lazy" decoding="async">
  <figcaption>The network link is a separate recovery path above any individual site's link.</figcaption>
</figure>

## Recommended settings

Keep the link in the same controlled emergency process as hosting and domain recovery. Regenerate it after staff access changes.

## What it can break and how to undo

Anyone holding the link can start the one-hour pause. Generate a new link to invalidate a suspected copy. Use **End the pause now** after recovery work.

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## Final Outcome

The card should show that a link is on record and when it expires. Confirm replacement email delivery through the network administration mailbox after an authorized real use.

<figure class="doc-shot">
  <img src="/docs/screenshots/network-recovery-link.png" alt="Network recovery card with Generate recovery link and its network-wide effect." width="1964" height="244" loading="lazy" decoding="async">
  <figcaption>Example Network recovery link view. Check the saved values and status on your own site.</figcaption>
</figure>

## Related

- [Set up recovery](/docs/set-up-recovery/)
- [Locked out](/docs/locked-out/)
- [Set a network passkey-only policy](/docs/network-passkey-policy/)

This is how you can use the network recovery link with BetterShield.

Getting Stuck? Feel free to contact our [Dedicated Support Team](/support/).