LocalSend feels like AirDrop’s practical cousin: open-source, no account, and it does not care whether you are on Windows, Android, or macOS.
Setup
- Download LocalSend from the official GitHub releases or store listing you trust.
- Allow firewall access on Windows the first time it asks.
- Give the Android app permission to find devices on the local network (Android 13+).
- Optional: set a PIN in settings if you share a flat with curious roommates.
Send a folder
On the sender, add files or a folder, tap the target device, confirm on the receiver if prompted. Speeds track your Wi‑Fi—5 GHz helps for multi‑gig video.
If something fails
Devices invisible to each other are usually on different VLANs or using a VPN that traps traffic. Disconnect VPN briefly or use a phone hotspot as a shared LAN for the transfer.
FAQ
Is it safe?
Traffic stays on your LAN; still only accept prompts from devices you recognize.
iOS?
LocalSend supports more platforms over time—check the project page for the current iOS status.
Replace USB forever?
For quick jobs yes. For imaging phones or ADB sideloads, USB still wins.
Related guides on VpnWP
Photo: Unsplash. Steps checked against current Windows 11 / Android settings menus; UI labels can shift slightly after OS updates.
