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Overview

LocalSend is a free, open-source cross-platform app that lets you share files and messages with nearby devices over your local network. It is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, and works without any internet connection, accounts, or cloud services. This article provides a comprehensive guide to downloading, installing, and using LocalSend.

What is LocalSend?

LocalSend is a free and open-source file sharing app developed by the LocalSend community. It is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, and is distributed under the MIT License. The current stable version is 1.17.0.

LocalSend is designed to be a universal file sharing tool that works across all platforms without requiring an internet connection. Unlike cloud-based file sharing services, LocalSend transfers files directly between devices over your local network. This makes it fast, private, and completely free. No account registration, no subscription fees, and no data collection.

Key Features of LocalSend

Cross-Platform Support

Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Share files between any combination of these platforms.

No Internet Required

LocalSend works entirely over your local network. No internet connection, no cloud servers, no data leaving your network.

No Account Required

There is no account registration, no login, and no user tracking. Just install and start sharing.

Fast Transfers

Files are transferred directly between devices, limited only by your local network speed. No upload/download bottlenecks.

Encrypted Transfers

All transfers are encrypted using HTTPS with self-signed certificates. Your data is secure during transmission.

Message Sharing

Send text messages alongside files. Useful for sharing links, notes, or clipboard content between devices.

How to Download LocalSend

LocalSend can be downloaded from the official website at localsend.org or from app stores.

Platform Download Link
Windows Download Windows Installer
macOS Download macOS Package
Linux (AppImage) Download Linux AppImage
Linux (Flatpak) Install via Flatpak
Android (Google Play) Download from Google Play
Android (F-Droid) Download from F-Droid
iOS Download from App Store

Installation Guide

Windows Installation

  1. Download the Windows installer from localsend.org/download
  2. Run the installer and follow the setup wizard
  3. Choose the installation directory (default is recommended)
  4. Complete the installation and launch LocalSend
  5. Allow LocalSend through Windows Firewall if prompted

Linux Installation (Flatpak)

  1. Install via Flatpak: flatpak install flathub org.localsend.localsend_app
  2. Run: flatpak run org.localsend.localsend_app

Using LocalSend

  1. Install LocalSend on two or more devices on the same network
  2. Launch LocalSend on each device
  3. Devices will automatically discover each other
  4. Select the files or text you want to send
  5. Choose the recipient device
  6. Accept the transfer on the receiving device

Why Choose LocalSend?

LocalSend is the best free cross-platform file sharing app for users who want a simple, private, and fast way to share files between devices. It works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, requires no internet connection, and is completely open-source. LocalSend is particularly useful for sharing files between phone and computer, or between computers on the same network.

For users who need to compress images before sending them, the Image Compression tool can help reduce file sizes. The JSON Formatter is useful for validating JSON data before sharing.

System Requirements

  • Operating System: Windows 10/11, macOS 11+, Linux, Android 8+, iOS 14+
  • Processor: Any modern processor
  • Memory: 256MB RAM minimum
  • Disk Space: 50MB for installation
  • Network: All devices must be on the same local network

Alternatives to LocalSend

Other cross-platform file sharing tools include Warpinator (LAN, Linux Mint) and KDE Connect (device integration). LocalSend's broad platform support, encrypted transfers, and completely free licensing make it the best choice for users who need to share files across different types of devices.

Conclusion

LocalSend is the best free cross-platform file sharing app, offering fast, private, and encrypted transfers across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Download LocalSend today and share files with ease.