How to Transfer Files Between Any Device Quickly and Freely
This guide will show you how to move files between different devices without spending any money. You’ll learn how to download and use a simple app to send pictures, videos, and other documents from your phone to your computer, or vice versa. It’s a fast and easy method for sharing files instantly.
Prerequisites
- Two devices (e.g., a computer and a smartphone)
- A Wi-Fi network
Step 1: Get the LocalSend App
The first thing you need to do is install the LocalSend app on both devices you want to use for transferring files. For example, if you’re moving files between your PC and your iPhone, you’ll need the app on both. Go to the website localsend.org on each device.
On your computer, find the download section on the website. You can choose to download the app or use the web version if you prefer.
Select the option for your computer’s operating system, such as Windows, and start the download. While that’s downloading, do the same on your phone.
For your iPhone, visit localsend.org and go to the downloads section. You’ll see an option for the iOS version.
This will lead you to the App Store, where you can download the app. If you already have it, just open it.
Step 2: Allow Network Access
When you open the LocalSend app on your phone for the first time, it will ask for permission to use your local network. This is very important because both devices must be on the same network to transfer files.
Tap ‘Allow’ when prompted. This ensures the app can find and connect to other devices on your Wi-Fi. After this, you can set your phone aside for a moment while you finish setting up the app on your computer.
Step 3: Install and Launch on Your Computer
Once the download is complete on your computer, find the installer file and open it. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the app. You’ll typically need to agree to the terms, choose an installation location, and click ‘Next’ or ‘Install’.
The app is quite small, so the installation should be quick. Make sure to select the option to launch the app when the installation finishes. This will open the main window of the LocalSend application on your computer.
Step 4: Connect Devices on the Same Wi-Fi
Now that the app is installed on both your computer and your phone, ensure both devices are connected to the exact same Wi-Fi network. This is the key to making the transfer work.
LocalSend works by letting devices on the same local network discover each other. If the devices are not on the same Wi-Fi, they won’t be able to see each other, and file transfer will not be possible. Double-check your Wi-Fi connection on both devices.
Step 5: Send a File from Your Phone
Decide which device you want to send from. In this example, we’ll send a file from the phone to the computer.
On your phone, open the LocalSend app and tap the ‘Send’ button. The app will then show a list of devices it can see on the network.
You should see your computer listed, possibly with a generated name like ‘the great papaya’. Your computer will show it’s in ‘receiving’ mode.
Select your computer from the list on your phone. Next, choose the file or files you want to send.
If you’re sending photos or videos, you’ll need to grant the app access to your device’s media library. Select the specific media you wish to transfer and confirm your selection. You can add more files or proceed with sending the current selection.
Step 6: Accept the File on Your Computer
After you confirm the file on your phone, tap the name of your computer to initiate the transfer. You’ll see a message indicating the file is sending from your phone (e.g., ‘great lettuce’) to your computer (‘great papaya’). The app automatically creates these simple names to avoid confusion.
On your computer, a notification will appear stating that a file is being sent. Click ‘Accept’ to receive the file. The transfer should only take a few seconds, depending on the file size and your Wi-Fi speed.
Step 7: Locate Your Transferred File
Once the transfer is complete, the app will show that the file has been saved. By default, LocalSend usually saves files to your Downloads folder. Click on the notification or the file path shown to open the folder where the file was saved.
You will find the file you sent from your phone right there in the designated folder on your computer. You can now open it, use it, or move it to another location as needed. This process works just as easily in reverse, sending files from your computer to your phone.
Source: How To Transfer Files Between Any Device Fast and Free (YouTube)
