LocalSend: Cross-Platform Local File Sharing

LocalSend is a free, open-source app that lets you share files and messages between nearby devices over your local network. With over 74,000 GitHub stars, it has become the most popular cross-platform alternative to Apple AirDrop. LocalSend works across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS — no internet connection, no cloud account, and no file size limits.

All transfers happen directly between devices on your local network, meaning your files never leave your control.

Key Features

• Cross-platform file sharing between Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS
• No internet required — works entirely over local Wi-Fi or wired network
• No account or registration needed — devices discover each other automatically
• No file size limits — transfer large files at local network speeds
• End-to-end encryption using HTTPS for all transfers
• Text and clipboard sharing alongside file transfers
• Multiple file and folder transfer in a single session
• Minimal interface focused on speed and simplicity

Why Self-Host LocalSend?

True privacy by design. LocalSend transfers files directly between devices on your local network. Nothing passes through the internet, cloud servers, or relay infrastructure. For sharing sensitive documents, contracts, or personal media, this is the most private file transfer method available.

Works everywhere, with everything. AirDrop only works between Apple devices. Nearby Share is limited to Android and Windows. LocalSend bridges all platforms — send a file from an iPhone to a Linux desktop, or from an Android phone to a Mac. One tool for your entire device ecosystem.

No file size limits or throttling. Cloud-based sharing services impose upload limits and compress files. LocalSend transfers at your local network speed — typically 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps. A 10 GB video file transfers in seconds on a gigabit network.

Zero configuration. Install LocalSend on any device and it's immediately discoverable by other LocalSend instances on the same network. No server setup, no port forwarding, no accounts. It works out of the box.

System Requirements

Resource	Minimum	Recommended
CPU	1 vCPU	1 vCPU
RAM	256 MB	512 MB
Storage	1 GB	5 GB
OS	Ubuntu 22.04+	Ubuntu 24.04

LocalSend is designed as a desktop and mobile application rather than a server. Running it on a VPS creates an always-on file drop point on your network, though it is most commonly used as a peer-to-peer app between local devices.

Getting Started

Deploy LocalSend on your VPS using Docker Compose through Dokploy. While LocalSend is primarily a client-side app, a VPS deployment can serve as a persistent file relay point for your network.

Deploy LocalSend with Dokploy →

Alternatives

• Syncthing — Continuous peer-to-peer file synchronization across devices
• Snapdrop — Browser-based local file sharing inspired by AirDrop
• FileBrowser — Web-based file manager for browsing, uploading, and sharing files
• Seafile — High-performance file sync and share platform

FAQ

Does LocalSend work without Wi-Fi? LocalSend requires a local network connection — either Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet. Both devices must be on the same network. It does not work over cellular data or across different networks without a VPN.

Is LocalSend secure? Yes. All transfers use HTTPS with TLS encryption. Since data only travels over your local network, it never passes through external servers. The recipient must accept each transfer, preventing unsolicited file drops.

Can I send files to multiple devices at once? Yes. LocalSend supports sending the same files to multiple recipients simultaneously. Select multiple devices in the interface before initiating the transfer.

How does LocalSend compare to AirDrop? LocalSend provides similar functionality to AirDrop but works across all platforms — not just Apple devices. Transfer speeds are comparable since both use local network connections. LocalSend requires both devices to have the app installed, while AirDrop is built into Apple's OS.

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App data sourced from selfh.st open-source directory.