LocalSend is a Great Open Source Simple File Transfer App for Android, iOS, Linux, Mac and PC

I came across a free, open source utility called LocalSend that has added a touch of convenience to my daily life. The app works as a cross-platform tool for transferring files between devices, offering functionality similar to Apple’s AirDrop but without being limited to a single ecosystem. It works across just about every platform out there including Android, iOS, iPad OS, Windows, Mac and Linux.

You can see it in action in my latest video.

To send a photo from my Android to my iPhone, I simply selected the LocalSend destination from the sharing options on my Android. The app assigned a random name to the device for identification purposes, which can be customized in the settings. After accepting the transfer on the iPhone, the photo appeared directly in the Photos app.

The app isn’t just for phones; it’s compatible with tablets and computers too. During testing, I used the Mac client to send a folder containing various file types—a PDF, a text file, an image, and an Excel document—to both my iPhone and Android phone simultaneously. The app preserved the folder structure on both devices.

Another useful feature is the ability to share files via a web link or QR code, eliminating the need for the app on the receiving device.

While the app works efficiently, there are a few caveats. Both devices need to be on the same local network, and the app must be open and active to receive files. It also didn’t work over my Tailscale VPN due to how it handles broadcast packets. However, these are minor inconveniences considering the app’s utility.

For comparison, I’ve used browser-based solutions like Snapdrop, which also allow for quick file transfers across devices. However, Snapdrop relies on a browser interface, whereas LocalSend integrates directly into the share button on mobile platforms. This integration streamlines the process and makes it feel more natural, especially for users accustomed to native sharing features.

I discovered LocalSend while helping my daughter with her YouTube channel. She edits her videos on an iPad but uses an Android phone to upload YouTube Shorts because the iPad’s YouTube app lacks this functionality. With LocalSend, she can quickly transfer videos from the iPad to the Android phone, making the entire process much simpler. It’s become a practical solution for us both.

LocalSend is free, open-source, and available on major app stores, including those for Mac and iOS, along with Android. Downloads for other platforms can be found on the Localsend website.

See more videos like this here.