📲 LocalSend: Free Open-Source Cross-Platform File Transfer Tool

Discover LocalSend, a free open-source LAN file transfer tool for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. No internet required, end-to-end encrypted, fast and secure.

In daily work and life, we often face a basic yet frustrating problem: how to quickly and securely transfer files between different devices like phones, computers, and tablets? Traditional solutions such as WeChat file assistant have size limits, QQ requires login with unstable speeds, and USB drives are constrained by physical limitations. Today I'm introducing LocalSend, which perfectly solves these pain points — it's a free, open-source, ad-free, cross-platform LAN file transfer tool that requires no internet connection, ensuring your privacy through peer-to-peer encrypted transfers. Below, from core features to advanced tips, I'll walk you through mastering this tool.

1. Core Features and Advantages of LocalSend

• Full Cross-Platform Coverage
  Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Whether transferring between computer and phone, or across iOS and Android systems, it can be done easily. You can even share with devices that haven't installed the client via a browser link.
• Privacy and Security Combined
• End-to-End Encryption: Uses HTTPS protocol by default, with each device dynamically generating TLS/SSL certificates, ensuring transfers cannot be intercepted or tampered with.
• No Server Dependency: All transfers happen within the LAN, files don't pass through any third-party servers, eliminating privacy leaks from the source.
• Efficient Transfer Experience
• Tested in a 300Mbps WiFi environment, transferring speed can fully utilize bandwidth (approximately 37.5MB/s) when encryption is disabled. A 100MB file transfers in just 2-3 seconds.
• Supports batch sending of files, folders, text, and even clipboard content, with more flexible operation than AirDrop.
• Zero Cost and Transparent Open Source
  Completely free, no subscriptions or hidden fees. Source code is hosted on GitHub, anyone can audit the code or contribute to development.

2. Download and Installation Guide

Official download channels for each platform are shown below:

💡 Installation Tip: Windows users encountering firewall blocks need to allow LocalSend through TCP/UDP on port 53317 in "Advanced Security Settings."

3. Detailed Usage Tutorial

Basic Transfer in Four Steps

• Network Setup: Ensure both sender and receiver are connected to the same WiFi or LAN (hotspot also works).
• Device Discovery: Open LocalSend on both ends. The sender's "Send" page automatically lists available devices (showing device name, IP, and label).
• Select Content:
• Click "File"/"Folder" to add local content (drag-and-drop supported)
• Or select "Text" to type and send text directly
• Or select "Clipboard" to transfer copied content
• Send and Receive:
• Click the target device → Receiver clicks "Accept"
• Files are saved by default to the Downloads/LocalSend directory

Leveraging Advanced Features

• Receive Without Client:
  When sending, click the gear icon → "Share via link" to generate a QR code or link. The receiver can scan with their browser to download (requires checking "Auto-accept requests").
• Quick Receive Mode:
  Enable Quick Save in the "Receive" interface → Set to "Favorite devices only" or "Auto-accept from all devices". Long-press a device icon ❤️ to add to favorites.
• Multi-Device Broadcast:
  Before sending, click "Recipient Mode" at the top to switch to Multiple recipients, allowing files to be sent sequentially to different devices.

4. Competitor Comparison: Why LocalSend Wins

Key Advantage Summary: LocalSend crushes most competitors in offline availability, privacy control (optional encryption toggle), and no file size limits.

5. Pro Tips: Unlock Maximum Efficiency

• The Secret to 50% Speed Boost
  Go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Disable "Encryption". In an internal network environment, disabling HTTPS and using HTTP can boost speed from 5MB/s to 30MB+ (suitable for transferring non-sensitive large files like videos).
• Device Identification Optimization
  Modify device name in "Settings → Network → Alias" (e.g., "Kerry's MacBook") to avoid confusion when multiple devices are on the same LAN. Restart the service after modification for changes to take effect.
• Three Troubleshooting Tricks:
• Device Invisible: Check that the receiver hasn't enabled "Invisibility Mode" (Settings → General → Uncheck).
• Transfer Interrupted: Disable VPN/proxy, or switch to a backup port (Settings → Network → Enable backup port).
• iOS Connection Failure: Restart the server in the iOS LocalSend app.
• Portable Mode (Windows Exclusive)
  Create an empty file named settings.json in the same directory as localsend.exe. The software will automatically use this file for configuration storage, perfect for carrying on a USB drive.

6. Conclusion: Who Should Use LocalSend Immediately?

• Privacy-conscious tech enthusiasts: Open-source architecture + end-to-end encryption, secure and controllable.
• Multi-device cross-platform users: Seamless across Win/macOS/iOS/Android/Linux.
• Workers in network-restricted scenarios: Transfers work without internet.
• Those who dislike bloated software: 12MB lightweight installer, no background processes.

Official Website: Link
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Note: This is the English translation of the original Chinese version.