Key findings
- Unlike AirDrop, LocalSend allows you to transfer files between multiple devices.
- Although there are alternatives like Snapdrop and PairDrop, LocalSend does not require an internet connection and is more reliable for cross-platform file transfer.
Sending files between devices that use the same operating system or are in the same ecosystem is usually pretty straightforward, but if you need a truly cross-platform solution, your options are limited. That’s where third-party apps like LocalSend come in.
LocalSend is a free, open-source file sharing app available on all major platforms that lets you send files to any device on your local network.
What makes LocalSend better than AirDrop?
Although AirDrop is lightning fast and easy to use, it is not available for non-Apple devices. It is similar to the Quick Share feature that works on Android, ChromeOS, Windows, and (unofficially) Linux. These protocols work similarly but are not interoperable.
iOS devices can’t send files to Windows PCs via AirDrop, and Android phones can’t send files to Macs via Quick Share. That’s where LocalSend comes in. It can send files across these walled gardens without the need for an internet connection.
It’s also free and open-source software, meaning the source code is available to anyone who needs it, whether to investigate it for bugs and security issues or to contribute to the project. Because LocalSend works even without an internet connection, it’s more reliable than other cross-platform services like Snapdrop and PairDrop.
What’s more, it’s simple and easy to use. It works almost as seamlessly as an integrated service and requires little to no setup. It’s completely ad-free and offers secure end-to-end encryption to prevent anyone from spying on your files in transit.
Download: LocalSend for iOS | Android | Windows | macOS (Free)
Using LocalSend between mobile devices
To transfer files between two phones, LocalSend must be installed on at least one of them. When you start the app, it assigns a fancy name to your device, such as “Nice Apple” or “Fine Carrot”. You can change it to anything you like in the app settings.
LocalSend works over a wireless connection, so make sure both devices are connected to your local network. If you are not using a router, turn on the hotspot feature on one device and connect the second device to it.
Then navigate to the Send Tab in the LocalSend app. You can send files, media, text, and even entire folders. You’ll see nearby devices running the app on the same network.
Sending a file is as simple as selecting the files you want to send via the Selection and select a device to send the message to. Devices nearby. The recipient will be notified of the transfer and can accept or reject the transfer. The recipient can Options to select the folder to save the files and rename them.
The gear symbol next to
Devices nearby
allows you to choose whether you want to send to a single recipient or to multiple recipients at once. The Share via Link option lets you send files via a shareable link or QR code to recipients who don’t have LocalSend installed.
Alternatively, you can send files directly from your File Explorer by selecting the file to which share icon and select “LocalSend” from the list of services displayed.
Using LocalSend to transfer files from a PC to a phone
LocalSend has a consistent interface and works similarly across all platforms, so there’s not much difference between sending from a phone and sending from a computer. Again, you’ll need to install the app to send files, but not necessarily to receive them.
Once the app is installed, you can select the files to send by clicking file under the Selection If the receiving device is connected to your local network, it should be under Devices nearby. If the other device doesn’t appear immediately, click the refresh icon.
The file transfer starts as soon as you select a device to send. LocalSend file transfers are pretty fast, which is handy when you want to send multiple large documents, images, and videos.
If you don’t want to approve every file transfer, enable Quick Saves in Settings. Leave the option turned off if you’re not connected to a local, private network.
On desktop computers, you can turn on Autostart after login from the Settings Menu so that the app is always running. There is no similar option in the mobile app, so you need to make sure LocalSend is active before initiating transfers.
Other options you can optimize include:
- Auto finish: This option performs transfers automatically and is disabled by default
- PIN required: If you enable this option, you can set a PIN that a sender must enter to transfer files to your devices
- Save to folder: This setting allows you to select a default folder for incoming transfers
- Save to history: Received files are recorded in Story by default. You can view them by clicking the icon at the top of the Receive Tab.
- Animations: You can disable animations to reduce the app’s memory footprint
LocalSend is not the only Airdrop alternative. There are several other options such as Snapdrop, PairDrop, AirDroid, and KDE Connect. However, LocalSend is simple, doesn’t require an account, works without an internet connection, and is generally more reliable than most of these alternatives.
