Share files like Snapdrop in 3 steps
- Open localfiletransfer.com on both devices. Any modern browser works, on the same Wi-Fi.
- Tap the device that should receive the files. 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.
What happened to Snapdrop?
Snapdrop was a popular open-source tool for sharing files between devices on the same network. The Snapdrop website was later acquired by LimeWire (Snapdrop on GitHub), and many users moved to alternatives. The best-known is PairDrop, an open-source fork of Snapdrop that you can also run on your own server.
What Local File Transfer adds
- Group and private chat: message every device at once, or one device privately.
- Connect across networks: a six-digit code or QR code joins two devices anywhere, even on mobile data.
- Works on strict networks: if a direct connection is blocked, an encrypted relay takes over, and if your browser blocks the usual connection, the page switches to a backup automatically.
- Device names you recognise: rename your devices, and phones show their model, such as “iPhone 13”.
- Step-by-step guides for every pair of devices, from iPhone to PC to Android to Mac.
Local File Transfer and PairDrop compared
| Feature | Local File Transfer | PairDrop |
|---|---|---|
| Free, no app or account | Yes | Yes |
| Files sent directly between devices | Yes | Yes |
| Connect on different networks | Room code or QR code | Public rooms and paired devices |
| Group and private chat | Yes | Text messages to a device |
| Open source, self-hostable | No, hosted service | Yes |
Both are good choices. If you want something that just works in any browser with guides for every device, use this page. If you want to run your own server, PairDrop is built for that.
Other Snapdrop alternatives: browser-based and app-based
Browser-based tools need no installation; app-based tools are installed on each device.
| Tool | Install | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| PairDrop | Nothing | Open-source fork of Snapdrop you can self-host |
| Wormhole | Nothing | Sending a link to someone far away; files are uploaded encrypted and expire |
| LocalSend | App on each device | Sharing on a local network without internet |
| 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 (see AirDrop for Windows) |
| Local File Transfer | Nothing | Any two devices, on any network, with chat |
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 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, or tap Nearby devices → Create a code.
- Snapdrop itself not loading? See Snapdrop not working for quick fixes.
Questions
What happened to Snapdrop?
The Snapdrop website was acquired by LimeWire, and many people moved to alternatives such as PairDrop, an open-source fork of Snapdrop, or to other browser tools like localfiletransfer.com.
What is the difference between Snapdrop and PairDrop?
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 was acquired by LimeWire.
Can I download it for my PC?
There’s nothing to download: Local File Transfer runs in your browser. If you’d like it in its own window, use Install page as app in Chrome’s or Edge’s menu, or Add to Home Screen on a phone.
Does Local File Transfer work like Snapdrop?
Yes. Open the page on two devices on the same Wi-Fi, and they appear on each other’s radar. Tap a device to send files. Files go directly between the devices, with no account or app.
Is it free?
Yes. There is no sign-up and we set no file size limit.
Can I self-host it like PairDrop?
No, Local File Transfer is a hosted service. If running it on your own server matters to you, PairDrop is open source and made for self-hosting.
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.