Share files like PairDrop in 3 steps
- Open localfiletransfer.com on both devices. Any modern browser works: Safari, Chrome, Edge or Firefox.
- Tap the device that should receive the files. On the same Wi-Fi it appears on your radar within a few seconds, with its name and model.
- Pick the files, then accept them on the other device. Each file shows a progress bar and a Save button when it arrives.
Different networks? Tap Nearby devices → Create a code on one device and scan the QR code with the other. It works like pairing in PairDrop, without pairing the devices permanently.
PairDrop and Local File Transfer compared
| Feature | Local File Transfer | PairDrop |
|---|---|---|
| Free, no app or account | Yes | Yes |
| Files sent directly between devices | Yes | Yes |
| Different networks | Six-digit code or QR code | Paired devices and public rooms |
| Strict Wi-Fi (office, school, hotel) | Encrypted relay takes over | Depends on the network |
| Messages | Group and private chat | Text to one device |
| Open source, self-hostable | No, hosted service | Yes |
Common PairDrop problems, and what helps
- The other device never shows up. Usually the network keeps devices apart (guest Wi-Fi, office or university networks). Here, a code joins both devices to the same private room, and a relay carries the files if a direct connection is blocked.
- It works on one browser but not another. Some browsers and VPNs block the direct connection (WebRTC) that browser sharing needs. If our page can’t use its usual connection, it switches to a backup automatically.
- Big transfers stop halfway. Keep both screens on and the page in front, especially on iPhone. On a computer, Chrome and Edge save large files straight to disk. See sending large videos.
- Photos look worse after sending. Browser sharing sends the original file. If quality drops, the file was probably shared from a chat app, which compresses it.
When PairDrop is the better choice
PairDrop is open source and made for self-hosting, so you can run it on your own server or a Raspberry Pi at home. If that matters to you, use PairDrop. If you want something that just works in any browser, on any network, with step-by-step guides for every device, use this page.
Other PairDrop alternatives
| Tool | Install | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| LocalSend | App on each device | Sharing on a local network without internet |
| Snapdrop | Nothing | The original browser tool, now run by LimeWire |
| Quick Share | Built into Android | Android phones, Chromebooks and Windows PCs with Google’s app |
| AirDrop | Built into Apple devices | iPhone, iPad and Mac only |
| Local File Transfer | Nothing | Any two devices, on any network |
If the other device doesn’t appear
- Check the Wi-Fi. Both devices must be on the same network. Guest networks often keep devices apart.
- Turn off VPNs and ad-blocking apps while you transfer.
- iPhone not showing up? If iCloud Private Relay is on, Safari hides your network, so the iPhone can’t be found nearby. Open Settings → Wi-Fi, tap ⓘ next to your network and turn off iCloud Private Relay, or connect with a code instead.
- Tap Scan at the top of the card for a fresh search.
- Use a code. On one device, tap Nearby devices → Create a code; on the other, tap Enter a code or scan the QR code. This works even on different networks or mobile data.
Questions
What is a good alternative to PairDrop?
Local File Transfer works the same way: open localfiletransfer.com on two devices, tap one and send. It adds automatic reconnecting, a relay for strict networks, device names you choose, and group and private chat. LocalSend is a good choice if you prefer an installed app.
Is PairDrop the same as Snapdrop?
PairDrop started as a fork of Snapdrop’s open-source code and added features such as pairing devices and public rooms. The Snapdrop website itself is now run by LimeWire.
Does PairDrop work between iPhone and Windows?
Yes, in the browser. Local File Transfer does too: open the page in Safari on the iPhone and in Chrome or Edge on the PC.
Can I share files on different networks?
Yes. Tap Nearby devices, then Create a code on one device, and enter the code or scan the QR code on the other. Both devices join the same private room.
Do I need to install an app?
No. Both tools run in the browser. If you want the page in its own window, use Install page as app in Chrome or Edge, or Add to Home Screen on a phone.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. Our server only introduces the devices. Files go straight from one device to the other, encrypted by the browser. Only if a direct connection is blocked does an encrypted relay pass the data along, without storing it.