Send files between a phone and a computer with LocalSend

LocalSend is useful when you want to move a few files between nearby devices without uploading them to a cloud account. The devices need a working local-network connection.

Get both devices ready

Install the appropriate official build on each device and connect them to the intended network. Check the device names so you can recognise the recipient. A guest Wi-Fi network or network isolation setting may prevent devices from discovering each other even when both have internet access.

Test with one harmless file

1. Open LocalSend on the sending and receiving devices.
2. Choose a small file and select the intended recipient.
3. Accept the incoming transfer on the correct device.
4. Find and open the received file to confirm the destination.

This short test establishes the workflow before you send a large folder or a time-sensitive item.

Troubleshoot the network, not just the app

If discovery fails, confirm that both devices are on a compatible local network and review the project’s firewall guidance. Do not disable broad protections merely to make one transfer work. Check available storage and the receive location when a transfer arrives but the file is hard to find. Keep important originals until the received copy has been verified.

Official reference

Read the official documentation for current controls, system requirements and release-specific details. Find the publisher’s download link in our Localsend listing.