If you’ve ever tried to send a high-resolution photo from an Android phone to an iPad, or a large video file from an iPhone to a Windows PC, you know the frustration. You usually end up emailing it to yourself (and hitting a size limit) or uploading it to a cloud service just to download it again.
For this week’s Free & Open Source Software spotlight, we’re looking at LocalSend—the best tool I’ve found for moving files between any device in your house, instantly.
Apple has AirDrop, and Android has Quick Share. They work great—as long as everyone is using the same brand. The moment you try to cross that line, things get complicated. Most “solutions” involve using the internet, which is slow for large files and bad for privacy.
LocalSend is a free, open-source app that allows you to share files and messages securely with nearby devices over your local Wi-Fi. No accounts, no internet, and no cables required.
When you open LocalSend, it assigns your device a fun, temporary nickname like “Efficient Lettuce” or “Swift Pineapple.” You simply pick the file you want to send, tap the nickname of the receiving device, and you’re done. It’s that simple.
LocalSend is available for free on all major app stores and their website: LocalSend.org.
I recommend installing it on every device you own. It’s one of those tools that you didn’t know you needed until you use it once—then you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
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