LocalSend – AirDrop Alternative to Transfer files over Local Network

Looking for an app to transfer files and send messages over local network? LocalSend is good choice that works for most devices.

LocalSend is a free and open source application which promotes itself as alternative to Apple’s AirDrop. It’s a cross-platform app that allows to securely send files and messages over local network without an internet connection.

It works in Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Fire OS. Meaning you can use the file transfer app in most PC and mobile devices. And, the app doesn’t require an internet connection or external servers. It uses REST API for secure communication. All data is sent securely over HTTPS, and the TLS/SSL certificate is generated on the fly on each device.

LocalSend app window works with 3 tabs. They are Receive tab for incoming files and messages, Send tab that lists nearly devices with options to send files/messages, as well as Settings page for preferences.

Every device has its own random name that’s shown in the “Receive” tab. User can change the name in Settings and restart the service to apply change.

For choice, there are “Advanced” setting options to change device type (e.g., laptop, mobile phone), module (e.g., Linux, Windows, Android), change listening port, as well as enable/disable encryption.

In coming messages will be displayed automatically in app window, while incoming files by default provide options to either “Accept” or “Decline”. Though, user can enable “Quick Save” option in Settings, so all incoming files are accepted automatically.

The Send page automatically detects all the devices in local network. Though, user can manually add devices by inserting their hashtag or IP addresses. The page provides option to add file, folder, media, text, and clipboard content, then choose send to either single or multiple recipients.

Other features of LocalSend including:

• Send/Receive history.
• Favorites.
• Light/Dark mode.
• Autostart at login.
• Manual button to start/stop the service.

How to Install LocalSend:

LocalSend website provides the download links for all the supported platforms.

Ubuntu users can simply search & install the app from either App Center or Ubuntu Software, though, it’s Snap package runs in sandbox.

For choice, user can download the native .deb package from the link button above or Github releases page, then press Ctrl+Alt+T to open terminal, and run command to install:

sudo apt install ~/Downloads/LocalSend-*.deb

Instead of typing ~/Downloads/LocalSend-*.deb, you may drag’n’drop the file into terminal to insert instead.

Linux Mint 21/22 and Fedora 38+ (with 3rd party repository enabled) can also install the app as Flatpak package from either Software Manager or GNOME Software. While Ubuntu users can install the package by using 2 commands below:

sudo apt install flatpak

flatpak install https://dl.flathub.org/repo/appstream/org.localsend.localsend_app.flatpakref

Uninstall LocalSend

Depends on which package you installed, select run one of the commands below to uninstall it:

To uninstall the Snap package, either use Ubuntu Software, App Center, or run command:

snap remove --purge localsend

To remove the .deb package, open terminal and run command:

sudo apt remove --autoremove localsend

For the Flatpak package, run the command below instead to uninstall:

flatpak uninstall --delete-data org.localsend.localsend_app

You may also run flatpak uninstall --unused to remove useless run-time libraries, which can free up some disk space.