LocalSend: Transferring Files Between Devices Has Never Been Easier!
Have you ever wanted to send a picture from your phone to your computer? Have you ever wanted to send a file from one of your computers to another? Or a file from your phone to your PC?
It seems that these days, we live in a world where digital privacy is constantly under threat, and we’re forced to rely on cloud services for even the simplest tasks. That’s why our freeware pick, LocalSend, is a breath of fresh air. LocalSend is a free and open-source app that has become my go-to solution for sharing and moving files between all my computers and my Android phone. But, don’t worry, whether you have a Windows PC, an Android phone, or an iPhone, iPad, or Mac computer, LocalSend works with them all, so you can send files and more from one device to another without ever having to use the cloud. ,
The concept is beautifully simple: it’s a cross-platform version of Apple’s AirDrop. However, unlike AirDrop, which is limited to Apple’s ecosystem, LocalSend works seamlessly across all devices—your Windows PC, Mac, Android phone, and iPhone. The days of emailing a photo to yourself or dragging out a USB cable are over.
Above: LocalSend showing my PCs and my Android phone. LocalSend provides “cute” names for each device. If you wish, you can change the device names to anything you want.
What makes LocalSend so good? First and foremost, it’s speed and simplicity. LocalSend automatically discovers other devices on your local Wi-Fi network, and sending a file is as easy as selecting it and tapping on the recipient’s device name. The transfers are lightning-fast because the files never leave your local network—they don’t travel to a third-party server and back. This simple, peer-to-peer approach is not just fast; it’s also private. The files never leave your network. Plus, all transfers are end-to-end encrypted, ensuring your data remains in your control.
LocalSend is loaded with thoughtful features. You can send not just files, but also entire folders or even just plain text from your clipboard. The user interface is simple, clean, intuitive, and very easy to use. I’m amazed that this powerful tool is completely free, with no ads or tracking. It is a testament to the developers’ commitment to open source software principles. LocalSend sets an example for what excellent freeware should be.
LocalSend is for anyone who has ever been frustrated when moving files between computers or a phone and a computer, or an iPhone and an Android device. LocalSend is by far the easiest way to send files between devices. It really is a game-changer. It’s easy, fast, reliable, secure, and hassle-free. Amf mpe that I’ve installed it on all my devices, and I would never be without it. It has earned a permanent place on all my computers and on my Android phone.
You can download LocalSend for Windows here.
You can download LocalSend for Android here.
You can download LocalSend for iPhone here.
Windows Defender Firewall is stopping this on my computer
I have it on 3 Windows 11 computers and on an Android phone. Windows Defender is not blocking anything.This is one fine program. I don’t use Windows Defender it’s not a complete antivirus/antimalware. I use Emsisoft.Perhaps you should research Localsend and find out that it has a great reputation and Microsoft Defender is showing a false positive.
Hi,
I have a question re “Local/Send”
Do the devices/computers connected to a local area network all need the app installed, for the sending computer to “see” the receiving device/computer?
I have installed it on my main computer. The first time I installed it a warning message appeared, saying,”Some of the functions were block by windows defender” So I turned off blocking “Local Area Network” in defender and re installed it, with no warnings appearing. I have not installed it on any other of my devices/computers yet and my computer that I have it installed on, does not “see” any other of my devices/computers that are connected to my local network.
Your answer would be much appreciated and this maybe of help to other readers.
Thanking you much, for all your help and good tips.
Jeff.
All devices need to be on the same network. I tested it on 3 Windows 11 computers and one Android phone and had no problems at all. I can only test software on as many devices as I have. None of my Windows 11 computers had any settings changed as far as Windows Firewall. I use Emsisoft instead of Microsoft Defender.
Windows Defender Firewall fix:
1. Make sure LocalSend is running on BOTH your PC and your phone.
2. On the PC, select the Send option on the main LocalSend screen. Then, on the Send screen, select your File(s) or Folder, etc. Then, under Nearby Devices, select the second option, which is Manual Sending (it has a little arrow pointing to 2 circles).
3. On your phone, select the little “i” button in the top right corner of the main LocalSend screen. You should then see your phone’s IP address and Port number. You’ll only need the IP address, not the Port number.
4. Back on your PC, click on IP address. Then, enter your phone’s IP address, including decimal points. Then, press Confirm.
5. Then, back on your phone, select either Decline or Accept your File(s) or Folder you selected in Step 2 above.
6. You should be good to go now! Good luck!
Localsend is of limited value. Unless I am mistaken, Localsend can transfer data that is “within your house,” on local WiFi network where all you devices must be connected. OK, so I can transfer from desktop to android phone, or desktop to laptop, desktop to ipad….as long as all devices are on same Wifi network. Terrific, but of limited value as it is transfer between MY OWN devices. I would be more interested in an EXTERNALsend where I could send large files, large folders as easily to other external destinations like my email recipients. But this app does say LOCALsend and for that it is very efficient and useful.
Too complicated for me. I just want to send a picture on my android phone, that was sent to me, to my windows 10 computer. All this talk about network, IP address, etc. is beyond me. Besides I don’t want to mess up my phone in case I goof up and have to call customer service where no one ever answers the phone.
Thanks.
U.A.