Tutorials : LocalSend is a free, open-source, cross-platform application to share files over LAN

 

LocalSend is a free, open-source, cross-platform application that allows you to safely share files and text between devices over your local area network (LAN)—all without requiring an internet connection or relying on third-party cloud servers.

Think of it as a universal, open-source alternative to Apple's AirDrop or Android's Quick Share (formerly Nearby Share) that works across almost every operating system.

🚀 Key Features

• Cross-Platform Integration: It runs seamlessly on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. You can drop a file from an Ubuntu desktop straight to an iPhone or a Windows laptop instantly.

• No Internet Required: It uses your local Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection. Files are transferred directly from device to device, meaning it is incredibly fast and doesn't consume your internet bandwidth.

• Privacy-Focused & Secure: Because everything stays within your local network, your data never touches the cloud. On top of that, communication between devices is fully encrypted using secure TLS/SSL protocols.

• No Setup or Accounts: You don’t need to register, create an account, or log in. Once you open the app on two devices connected to the same Wi-Fi, they will automatically detect each other using placeholder nicknames (e.g., "Cool Orange" or "Friendly Tomato").

🛠️ How It Works under the Hood

LocalSend utilizes a custom, lightweight REST protocol. Devices broadcast their presence on the local network, and when you select a target device and click "Send", a secure handshake takes place. The receiving device gets a prompt to accept or decline the incoming file transfer.

It is highly popular among software developers, freelancers, and privacy enthusiasts who want a quick, clean way to move code snippets, multi-page PDFs, or asset files across their workspace environments without dealing with bloated cloud apps or cables.

How to install on Windows?

Installing LocalSend on Windows is straightforward. You can choose between using a quick terminal package manager or downloading a traditional standalone installer.

Method 1: Using Windows Terminal (Recommended & Fastest)

If you like using the command line or want a silent, automatic installation, Windows has native and third-party package managers that host LocalSend.

Open PowerShell or Command Prompt (CMD) and run one of the following commands based on your preferred manager:

• Via WinGet (Built into Windows 11/10):

  PowerShell

  winget install localsend
  

• Via Chocolatey:

  PowerShell

  choco install localsend
  

• Via Scoop:

  PowerShell

  scoop bucket add extras
  scoop install localsend
  

Method 2: Manual Download (Graphical Installer)

If you prefer a standard graphical wizard:

1. Go to the official website: localsend.org/download.

2. Under the Windows section, click on EXE (or download the setup executable directly from their verified GitHub Releases page).

3. Open the downloaded .exe file and follow the onscreen setup prompts to install it onto your local drive.

Method 3: Portable Version (No Installation Required)

If you are managing an environment where you don't have administrative privileges (or want to run the app straight from a flash drive without modifying the Windows registry):

1. Download the ZIP (portable) version from the official website.

2. Extract the archive folder anywhere on your computer.

3. Double-click LocalSend.exe to run the application immediately.

⚠️ Important First-Time Windows Setup Tip:

When you run LocalSend for the first time, a Windows Defender Firewall prompt will pop up asking for network access.

• Make sure to check Private networks (such as your home or work network).

• If you do not allow this, the firewall will block incoming connections, and your other local devices won't be able to find your Windows machine.

   How install an Android? 

 

Installing LocalSend on Android is quick and can be done either through the official app store or using alternative open-source repositories.

Method 1: Via Google Play Store (Easiest)

1. Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.

2. Search for LocalSend.

3. Tap Install.

Method 2: Via F-Droid (For Open-Source Purists)

If you prefer managing your apps through F-Droid, the decentralized, privacy-respecting repository for free and open-source software (FOSS):

1. Open your F-Droid client app.

2. Search for LocalSend.

3. Tap Install directly within the repository interface.

Method 3: Manual APK Download (Sideloading)

If your device lacks Google Play Services or you want to install it manually:

1. Navigate to the official website at localsend.org/download or visit their verified GitHub Releases page using your mobile browser.

2. Download the latest .apk file compiled for Android.

3. Tap the downloaded file in your notification shade or file manager.

4. Note: If prompted, allow your browser or file manager permission to "Install unknown apps" in your Android system settings, then proceed with the installation.

📱 Critical Configuration Step for Android:

To ensure file transfers aren't randomly dropped in the background:

• Go to your phone's Settings → Apps → LocalSend.

• Under Battery or App battery usage, switch the setting from Optimized to Unrestricted. This prevents Android's aggressive memory management from killing the app mid-transfer when your screen turns off.

  How to install on Ubuntu? 

   

  Installing LocalSend on Ubuntu is highly versatile, as the application is packaged for almost every modern deployment method on Linux.

  Open your terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T) and choose one of the following installation methods:

  Method 1: Via Snap (Easiest & Sandbox Secure)

  Ubuntu comes with Snap support out of the box. This installs the application in a secure sandbox that automatically keeps itself updated.

  Run the following command:

  Bash

  sudo snap install localsend
  

  Method 2: Via Flatpak (Recommended for Desktop Environments)

  If you prefer Flatpak over Snap for desktop apps, LocalSend is officially maintained on Flathub.

  1. First, make sure Flatpak is enabled on your Ubuntu system:

     Bash

     sudo apt update
     sudo apt install flatpak -y
     

  2. Install LocalSend from Flathub:

     Bash

     flatpak install flathub org.localsend.localsend_app -y
     

  Method 3: Native .deb Package (Traditional Installation)

  If you prefer a native system package that runs closely integrated with the underlying OS structures without container sandboxing:

  1. Head to the official downloads repository or use wget to grab the latest .deb file directly.

  2. Install it using the apt package manager to ensure any required system dependencies are pulled automatically:

     Bash

     sudo apt update
     sudo apt install ./localsend_*.deb
     

  🐧 Critical Networking Troubleshooting for Ubuntu:

  Because Ubuntu uses its built-in UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall), your incoming file transfers might be blocked initially. LocalSend uses port 53317 for communication.

  If other devices cannot see your Ubuntu machine on the local Wi-Fi, run these commands to open the required firewall lanes:

  Bash

  # Allow incoming TCP and UDP traffic on LocalSend's port
  sudo ufw allow 53317/tcp
  sudo ufw allow 53317/udp
  
  # Reload the firewall to apply changes
  sudo ufw reload