LocalSend

What is LocalSend?

LocalSend is a free, open-source application that enables secure file and message sharing between nearby devices over your local network—functioning as a universal AirDrop alternative that works seamlessly between Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux without requiring internet connectivity, cloud accounts, or file size limitations. In a world where Apple’s AirDrop only works between Apple devices, Microsoft’s Nearby Share requires Windows on both ends, and cloud-based solutions like Google Drive or Dropbox impose size limits and upload your files to remote servers, LocalSend provides the elegant solution: instant, private, cross-platform file transfer that just works when devices are on the same WiFi network.

LocalSend excels through its remarkably simple operation—open the app on both devices, they automatically discover each other within seconds, select the files you want to send, tap the recipient device, and transfer begins immediately at full local network speed. There is no pairing process, no account creation, no QR code scanning, and no configuration required. Transfer speeds match what your network supports: WiFi 6 users regularly see 50-100 MB/s transfers, enabling even large video files or photo collections to move between devices in seconds rather than the minutes or hours cloud uploads require. All communication is encrypted with TLS/SSL, and since files transfer directly between devices without touching any server, your data remains completely private—no company can access your files, build profiles from your sharing habits, or train AI on your documents.

Beyond individual users, LocalSend serves families sharing photos between mixed device ecosystems without Apple tax, offices transferring documents between workstations without email attachment limits, travelers sharing vacation photos without depending on hotel WiFi upload speeds, classrooms distributing materials to student devices efficiently, photographers moving RAW files from cameras to computers, and anyone frustrated by the fragmented landscape of device-specific sharing solutions that fail the moment platforms don’t match. The project maintains active development with frequent updates, responsive maintainers, and growing platform support including Linux desktop environments, making LocalSend the definitive answer to cross-platform file sharing without compromise.

Key Features

• Cross-Platform: Works between Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux—any combination of devices can share files.
• No Internet Required: Files transfer directly over local network; works perfectly in airplane mode or areas without connectivity.
• No File Size Limit: Send files of any size—gigabytes of video, massive photo collections, entire project folders.
• End-to-End Encryption: All transfers encrypted with TLS/SSL preventing network interception.
• No Account Needed: Install and immediately start sharing—no registration, email verification, or profile creation.
• Automatic Discovery: Devices running LocalSend automatically find each other on the same network within seconds.
• Multiple Recipients: Send files to several devices simultaneously for efficient group distribution.
• Message Support: Send text messages and links alongside or instead of files.
• Clipboard Sharing: Share copied text instantly between devices without creating files.
• Custom Device Names: Set recognizable names for easy identification in multi-device environments.
• Favorite Devices: Mark frequently-used recipients for quick access.
• History: Review previously sent and received items with timestamps and status.
• Receive Mode: Control whether your device accepts incoming transfers or operates send-only.
• Save Location: Configure default save directory for received files on each platform.
• Dark Mode: System-matching or manual dark theme for comfortable viewing.

Supported Platforms

• Android: Google Play Store, F-Droid (open-source store), and APK direct download.
• iOS & iPadOS: App Store for iPhone and iPad with background receive support.
• Windows: Microsoft Store, winget package manager, and portable/installer downloads.
• macOS: App Store and Homebrew package manager for Intel and Apple Silicon Macs.
• Linux: Flatpak (Flathub), Snap Store, AppImage, AUR (Arch), and distribution packages.

What’s New in LocalSend 2024/2025

• Improved Discovery: Faster and more reliable device discovery even on complex networks.
• Enhanced iOS Support: Better background operation and Files app integration on iPhone/iPad.
• Folder Sharing: Send entire folders with directory structure preserved.
• Quick Settings Tile: Android quick settings integration for rapid access.
• Share Sheet Integration: Native share menu support across all platforms.
• Transfer Resume: Interrupted transfers can resume rather than restarting.
• UI Improvements: Modernized interface with better progress visualization.
• Stability Fixes: Resolved connection issues on various network configurations.
• Localization: Support for 40+ languages with community translations.
• Accessibility: Improved screen reader support and keyboard navigation.

System Requirements

Mobile

• Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or later
• iOS 12.0 or later / iPadOS 12.0 or later
• Approximately 30-50 MB storage for app
• WiFi connection to local network

Desktop

• Windows 10 or later (64-bit)
• macOS 11 Big Sur or later (Intel and Apple Silicon)
• Linux: most distributions with Flatpak, Snap, or AppImage support
• Approximately 50-100 MB storage
• WiFi or Ethernet connection to local network

Network

• All devices must be on the same local network (same WiFi)
• Some corporate/hotel networks may block local device communication
• Hotspot sharing works when phone creates network other devices join

How to Get Started with LocalSend

1. Download LocalSend: Install from your platform’s app store (Play Store, App Store, Microsoft Store) or localsend.org.
2. Install on Both Devices: LocalSend must be installed on both sender and receiver—any platform combination works.
3. Connect to Same Network: Ensure both devices are on the same WiFi network.
4. Open LocalSend: Launch the app on both devices—no login or setup required.
5. Wait for Discovery: Within seconds, devices automatically detect each other and appear in the interface.
6. Select Files: On the sending device, tap “Send” and choose files, photos, or documents to share.
7. Choose Recipient: Tap the receiving device shown in the nearby devices list.
8. Accept Transfer: The receiving device shows incoming transfer notification—accept to begin.
9. Transfer Completes: Files appear in the configured save location (typically Downloads or Photos).
10. Customize Settings: Optionally set device name, save location, quick save preference, and theme.
11. Share via System Menu: Use your platform’s native share menu to send files through LocalSend from any app.
12. Send Messages: Use the message feature to share text, links, or clipboard content without files.

LocalSend vs Alternatives

Pros and Cons

Pros

• True Cross-Platform: Works between any combination of Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• No Account Required: Zero setup—install and immediately start sharing without registration.
• Completely Free: No premium tier, no ads, no in-app purchases—genuinely free software.
• No Internet Dependency: Works in airplane mode, remote locations, or offline environments.
• No File Size Limits: Transfer gigabytes of data limited only by storage space.
• Fast Local Speeds: Transfers at full WiFi capability—often 50-100+ MB/s on modern networks.
• Private & Secure: End-to-end encryption with no data ever leaving local network.
• Open Source: Transparent codebase, community development, privacy verifiable.
• Simple Interface: Clean, intuitive design requiring no learning curve.
• Active Development: Regular updates improving features and fixing issues.

Cons

• Same Network Required: Both devices must be on same WiFi—no remote transfers.
• Network Restrictions: Some corporate, hotel, or public networks block local device discovery.
• Background Limitations: iOS background operation less reliable than Android due to platform restrictions.
• No Cloud Sync: Unlike cloud services, files don’t sync automatically—requires manual send.
• Discovery Delays: Occasional delays in device discovery on complex networks.
• Both Apps Required: Recipient must have LocalSend installed—can’t send to arbitrary devices.
• No Web Interface: Requires app installation; no browser-based fallback option.
• Limited History: Transfer history is basic compared to cloud service dashboards.

Who Should Use LocalSend?

LocalSend is ideal for:

• Mixed Platform Households: Families with Android phones, iPhones, Windows PCs, and Macs sharing files regularly.
• Privacy Focused Users: Anyone preferring local transfers over cloud uploads.
• Travelers: Sharing photos and files without relying on internet connectivity.
• Office Environments: Quick document sharing between workstations without email hassles.
• Photographers: Transferring large RAW files and photo batches from camera/phone to computer.
• Content Creators: Moving video files between editing workstation and other devices.
• Educators: Distributing materials to student devices in classroom settings.
• Events: Sharing photos among attendees at gatherings, weddings, or conferences.
• Minimal Storage Users: Those avoiding cloud storage fees for large file transfers.
• Open Source Advocates: Users supporting transparent, community-developed software.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t LocalSend find my other device?

The most common causes: devices aren’t on the same WiFi network (check network names match exactly), one device is on mobile data instead of WiFi, or the network blocks local device communication. Corporate, hotel, and some public WiFi networks often isolate devices for security, preventing LocalSend discovery. Solutions: ensure both devices show same network name in settings, try toggling WiFi off and on, restart LocalSend on both devices, or create a mobile hotspot from one phone and connect the other device to it. If using VPN, try disconnecting as VPNs can interfere with local network discovery.

Is LocalSend secure? Can others on the network see my files?

LocalSend is designed with security as priority. All file transfers use TLS/SSL encryption, meaning the connection between devices is encrypted and cannot be intercepted by others on the same network. Additionally, the receiving device must explicitly accept each transfer—files don’t arrive without user approval. There’s no account or cloud server involved, so no company can access your files. The open-source nature means security researchers can verify these claims by examining the code. For additional privacy, you can set your device to “quick save” mode requiring confirmation before accepting, or enable receive-only mode to prevent unsolicited incoming transfers.

How does LocalSend compare to AirDrop for speed and reliability?

LocalSend achieves comparable speeds to AirDrop since both use local network transfers—typically 30-100+ MB/s depending on WiFi capabilities. Real-world experience: most users report LocalSend works as quickly and reliably as AirDrop for the platforms it supports. The advantage over AirDrop: works between Android and iOS, Windows and Mac, or any combination. Some users actually prefer LocalSend’s explicit confirmation step versus AirDrop’s sometimes-surprising automatic acceptance. Where AirDrop has edge: deeper iOS integration, ability to work via Bluetooth when not on same WiFi, and slightly more polished Apple-specific features. For cross-platform needs, LocalSend is the clear winner; for Apple-only environments, AirDrop remains convenient native solution.

Can I use LocalSend to transfer files to someone far away?

LocalSend is designed for local network transfers—both devices must be on the same WiFi network. For remote transfers across the internet, you would need different solutions: cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive), file transfer services (WeTransfer, Send Anywhere), or self-hosted solutions (Nextcloud, Syncthing). Some advanced users set up VPNs that make remote devices appear on the same network, enabling LocalSend over distance, but this requires technical configuration. For most remote sharing needs, complementing LocalSend with a cloud service makes sense: LocalSend for fast local transfers, cloud for remote sharing.

Final Verdict

LocalSend solves a problem that shouldn’t exist in 2024: the fragmentation of file sharing across platforms. While Apple, Google, and Microsoft each created excellent sharing solutions for their own ecosystems, leaving cross-platform users juggling email attachments, cloud uploads, and USB cables, LocalSend provides the universal solution—install on any device, find others automatically, transfer files at full local network speed with complete privacy. The experience is what AirDrop should have been if Apple had prioritized user convenience over ecosystem lock-in: simple, fast, secure, and platform-agnostic.

The combination of genuine cross-platform support spanning Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux; zero-configuration operation requiring no accounts or setup; transfer speeds matching what your network can deliver; complete privacy with end-to-end encryption and no cloud involvement; and open-source transparency ensures LocalSend will remain free and trustworthy makes this an essential utility for anyone with devices from multiple manufacturers. Install LocalSend on all your devices, recommend it to family and colleagues, and finally enjoy the seamless file sharing experience that should have existed years ago—without platform restrictions, cloud dependencies, file size limits, or corporate data collection. Download from localsend.org or your platform’s app store and discover that sharing files between devices can actually be simple.