LocalSend: The Quickest Method for Sending Files to Nearby Devices

Transferring files across different devices can often be a challenge, particularly when navigating between separate ecosystems. For instance, Apple’s AirDrop facilitates seamless transfers within its ecosystem, while Quick Share (formerly Nearby Share) is confined to Android and Google devices. However, what if you need to share files between varied platforms, such as Android to Linux, Linux to macOS, or Windows to Linux? This is where LocalSend steps in. It is a straightforward, open-source application designed to eliminate barriers between diverse operating systems, enabling quick and private file transfers directly from one device to another.

Embracing LocalSend as My Go-To Solution

As a user who juggles Linux on my laptop while having Windows on my desktop, along with an older Android device and an iPhone for photography, transferring files among these devices was often cumbersome. However, since discovering LocalSend, I have streamlined my workflow significantly. This application effortlessly connects all my devices without additional hassle.

One of the standout features of LocalSend is its seamless user experience. There is no need for account creation or password management. After installing the app, I simply launch it on both devices, and they automatically recognize one another. The user interface is intuitive, allowing me to transfer individual files, whole folders, or text snippets with minimal effort.

Localsend Main Interface On Ubuntu Linux

Moreover, file transfers occur over my local Wi-Fi network or hotspot, completely bypassing any external servers. This setup allows for transfer speeds dependent solely on my router’s capacity, making the process feel impressively swift—especially when moving large videos from my iPhone to my Linux machine, which is far faster than traditional cloud-based methods.

Features That Truly Enhance My Experience

LocalSend offers a myriad of beneficial features, but a few particularly resonate with my needs. The first is the Quick Save function, which streamlines file reception: typically, the receiving device must confirm acceptance for incoming files. However, upon activating Quick Save on my personal devices, I can send a multitude of screenshots from my phone to my PC that automatically download to the designated folder without additional prompts.

Another feature I find invaluable is Share via Link. This comes in handy for sending files to friends on my Wi-Fi network who lack LocalSend. I can quickly activate a temporary web server, share a link with them, and they can download files directly through their mobile browser.

Security is another priority, and LocalSend excels in this area. All transfers stay within your local network, making it a more secure option for sharing sensitive documents compared to third-party services. Additionally, the application employs HTTPS and TLS encryption by default, with the option to set up a PIN for extra protection.

Easy Steps to Install LocalSend

Setting up LocalSend is straightforward and efficient. The first step is to download the installer compatible with your operating system.

For Linux users, the most reliable installation methods are Flatpak or Snap, as they guarantee the latest updates across different distributions. To install LocalSend using Snap, simply execute the following command:

sudo snap install localsend

Alternatively, users can opt for a portable AppImage version or check their system’s App Center for a native package installation.

Initiating Your First File Transfer

To begin sending your first file with LocalSend, launch the application on both the sending and receiving devices. Each device is identified by a random nickname, which you can modify in the settings for easier recognition, such as naming your device “Linux Workstation” or “Personal Phone.”

Ensure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network or hotspot for them to discover each other. Navigate to the Send tab within LocalSend, where you can select individual files, entire folders, or paste text snippets.

Send Tab Of Localsend Application On Ubuntu Linux

After selecting your desired files, a list of nearby devices will become visible, identified by their unique nicknames. Click on the intended target device to initiate the transfer process.

The receiving device will display a notification with the file name along with the sender’s identity. Simply click Accept to commence the transfer.

Notification Appears On Localsend Ios App

For smaller files such as images or text documents, transfers occur almost instantaneously. Larger files like high-definition videos will show a progress bar indicating the transfer speed, which typically maxes out at the capability of your local network. Once the transfer reaches 100%, the files are automatically saved in the designated download folder on your device.

Areas for Improvement in LocalSend

Though my experience with LocalSend has been largely positive, there are instances where it hasn’t performed as expected. For example, on a college Wi-Fi network with client isolation activated, my devices could not locate each other at all, initially leading me to believe the app was not functioning. Switching to my smartphone’s hotspot resolved this issue instantly. While LocalSend operates reliably on standard home networks, restrictive networks can pose challenges.

On iOS, the user experience is slightly less fluid than what I’ve encountered with ingrained system tools. The app sometimes must remain open during file transfers, which, while functional, doesn’t offer the same seamless experience found on Android.

Additionally, while the web sharing feature is beneficial for quick transfers, it remains somewhat basic. Enhanced control options would increase its functionality and versatility.

Concluding Thoughts

For anyone seeking a swift, secure, and genuinely cross-platform solution for local file sharing, LocalSend is a standout tool. Besides LocalSend, I also recommend exploring KDE Connect, which enhances the experience by syncing notifications, enabling clipboard sharing, and even allowing your phone to operate as a remote control.

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