Whether you’re swapping photos from your phone or moving work files from your laptop, file transfers between devices should be simple. But if you’ve ever tried to send something from your Android phone to your PC without a USB cable, you know it can feel like more trouble than it’s worth. Enter Localsend — a free, open-source app that makes transferring files between Android and Windows, macOS, or Linux so effortless, it almost feels like magic.
A seamless experience across devices
Localsend works on one simple principle: as long as your Android device and computer are on the same Wi-Fi network, they’ll find each other automatically. No account setup, no complicated pairing, no cloud in the middle. Just open the app on both devices, and they’ll connect — no questions asked.
Once linked, you can send files, folders, text snippets, or even content directly from your clipboard. It’s incredibly fast, completely private, and best of all — absolutely free.
How to install Localsend
You’ll need two things: an Android device (a phone or tablet) and a computer. If you’re on Windows or macOS, installation is as simple as downloading Localsend from your app store. For Linux users, there are a few more options depending on your distribution.
If the app doesn’t show up right away, a quick logout and login should do the trick.
Sending files from your computer to Android
Once Localsend is installed, just launch the app on both devices. Each one is assigned a fun, random name — like “Crimson Mango” or “Electric Kiwi” — making it easy to identify what’s what.
To send a file from your PC:
- Open Localsend on your desktop.
- Click “Send,” then choose “File.”
- Select the file you want to share.
- Pick the receiving device from the list.
On your Android device, the incoming file will pop up instantly. Just tap “Accept”, and the transfer begins.
Optimising your Android setup
While Localsend works out of the box, it’s worth tweaking one small thing: the download folder on Android. The default location can be a bit clunky, so it’s a good idea to set up a dedicated folder (say, “Localsend” inside your Downloads). You can change this in Settings > Save to folder within the app.
Whether you’re juggling files between work and personal machines or want an easy way to move photos without relying on cables or cloud services, Localsend is a game-changer, especially for users who bounce between platforms.
With no account needed, no ads, and full cross-platform support, Localsend offers the most hassle-free and secure way to transfer files across devices. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it — and you’ll never look at a USB cable the same way again.