Send files securely between nearby devices without an internet connection
When moving files between a smartphone and a laptop in a cafe or office, unstable internet connections or security concerns can be a problem. LocalSend transfers files directly between devices on the same network. It is an open-source app that moves data via encrypted communication between devices without passing through an external server. Once installed, it automatically finds other LocalSend devices nearby so you can send files.
Secure transmission without external servers
LocalSend shares files over the local network without an internet connection or third-party servers. All data is encrypted with HTTPS during transmission, and each device generates a TLS/SSL certificate immediately for each communication to enhance security. This method does not rely on external servers, resulting in fast transmission speeds and reducing the risk of data leaking externally. This structure increases reliability, especially when moving sensitive files.
Platform support and installation
It supports major platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Fire OS. Installation via app stores or package managers is recommended. Since there is no automatic update feature, you must manually check to keep the latest version. The Windows binary is signed to improve security. Minimum system requirements vary by platform; for example, you need Android 7.0 or higher, iOS 13.0 or higher, macOS 11 Big Sur or higher, or Windows 10 or higher to use the latest version.
File transfer from the terminal
LocalSend CLI provides the ability to send files from the terminal. Using the localsend-cli send command, you can specify a file or directory and select a destination from the list of discovered devices to start the transfer. To send without interaction, you can directly specify the device's alias or IP address using the --to option. When sending a directory, the internal file structure is preserved, and empty directories are not transferred.
Network settings to check before use
In most cases, it works immediately without additional settings, but if file transfer fails, you should check your firewall settings. You must allow incoming and outgoing traffic on TCP and UDP port 53317. If the router's AP isolation feature is enabled, you must turn it off. On Windows, setting the network to 'Private' helps. If you are using a VPN, it is recommended to allow local network traffic or temporarily turn off the VPN. Checking these settings can resolve connection issues between devices.
