Two links, two starting views
| Link | Where the host finds it | What it opens |
|---|---|---|
| Whole split | Share near the top of split detail | The bill summary and everyone’s shares |
| Guest payment | Share Pay Link on a person’s card | That person’s amount, breakdown and available payment methods |
Neither link requires a DivIt account just to open it. A personal payment link starts with one person’s bill, but it is not an identity check or a promise that only that person can edit. On supported itemized splits with share editing unlocked, people holding either type of link can use the assignment section to fill in items for anyone on the bill.
Try the three-meal scenario
The receipt has three meals. Ana and Ben each ate one; Cara and Dev shared the last. The host does not need to remember everyone’s order. On an unlocked share page, Cara can select Ana for meal 1, Ben for meal 2, and both herself and Dev for meal 3. Selecting two people on a meal shares that meal equally between them.
Quantity rows expose individual meals, so this does not force all three meals into one equal split. Existing non-equal portions are preserved until people change an assignment; changing the selected people shares that meal equally. The calculator’s three-meal example shows the resulting arithmetic.
What the lock protects
New itemized splits start with share editing unlocked, even if everything is assigned. Existing splits keep their saved setting. The host or payer can use the lock beside Assignments in the app to make share-page assignments view-only, and unlock it when the group needs to edit again.
The lock applies to share-page assignments. It does not revoke permitted editing in the app, hide the bill from link holders, or freeze the amount forever. Archived or otherwise read-only splits remain read-only. If you cannot edit an older split or do not see assignment controls, ask the host to check the split in the current app.
See the host’s Share and assignment-lock controls
When two people change the same meal
Assignments save as you go. If someone else has changed the same item since your page loaded it, the page asks you to review the refreshed assignments before trying again. Read the current selection and then apply the change you still want. Do not keep tapping to force an older selection through.
After assigning, review the updated totals and any unassigned items. When everything is assigned, that section is less prominent so people can move on to the bill and payment details. Opening history lets you review recorded edits; it does not reverse a payment that already happened.
Payment buttons open a payment service
Check the amount, recipient and selected funding source in the payment service before confirming. A handoff may open an app or a website, and it may require signing in or entering the amount. Cash App links may require its mobile app. Zelle uses the organizer’s saved phone or email details; open your participating bank’s app and enter the amount there.
Opening a payment app does not transfer money by itself. “I paid via cash / other” reports a payment to the organizer; it is not independent bank verification. If you have already sent money and the bill still looks unpaid, send the organizer the confirmation rather than paying twice. See the payment-method guide for checks before sending.
When the amount changes after you paid
Review the updated breakdown and what was already recorded. A change can leave more owed or require the group to arrange a refund; the edit itself does not collect or return money. Reconcile with the payer before sending a difference, especially when a payment was reported but not yet confirmed.
Link access and expiry
Anyone holding a link can access the information shown on that page, including exposed bill details and payment handles. Share it with the intended group, not in a public support post. Locking assignments does not invalidate a link. Guest payment links expire after 30 days; ask the organizer for a fresh link when needed. Whole-split links have their own expiry, which the page displays.
A guest may choose “Claim my spot” to connect their share to an account. That is optional for viewing a payment page, and it is separate from whether their payment service requires an account. For the host’s complete setup steps, use DivIt Help.