An open source multiplatform AirDrop alternative
Wireless File Sharing

© Lead Image © alphaspirit, 123RF.com
LocalSend lets you quickly and conveniently exchange data between devices on the same wireless network without the need for cables.
Unlike the operating-system-specific AirDrop, LocalSend is open source, multiplatform file sharing tool [1][2]. Developed using the Flutter framework, LocalSend offers a consistent user interface across various operating systems, including Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. LocalSend operates on a decentralized peer-to-peer protocol, ensuring that data does not pass through a proprietary server. Privacy is safeguarded with end-to-end encryption, protecting users from unauthorized access. Additionally, no registration or personal information is required. If you are looking for an alternative to Apple's AirDrop, LocalSend offers quick and convenient data transfer capabilities.
Installation and Configuration
LocalSend's installation and configuration are simple and straightforward. The easiest way to download LocalSend is from its download page [3]. On Linux, you can proceed by downloading the binary files or relying on your package manager. If you choose the binary route, you only need to extract the archive, which contains the application and the necessary support files. Available archive formats include TAR, DEB, and AppImage. Once the archive is extracted, simply click on the corresponding icon and launch the LocalSend executable to start the graphical interface. If you prefer to proceed from the terminal using a TAR archive, simply type the following to decompress it and launch the application:
tar -xf LocalSend-1.15.2-linux-x86-64.tar.gz localsend_app
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
Red Hat Releases RHEL 10 Early
Red Hat quietly rolled out the official release of RHEL 10.0 a bit early.
-
openSUSE Joins End of 10
openSUSE has decided to not only join the End of 10 movement but it also will no longer support the Deepin Desktop Environment.
-
New Version of Flatpak Released
Flatpak 1.16.1 is now available as the latest, stable version with various improvements.
-
IBM Announces Powerhouse Linux Server
IBM has unleashed a seriously powerful Linux server with the LinuxONE Emperor 5.
-
Plasma Ends LTS Releases
The KDE Plasma development team is doing away with the LTS releases for a good reason.
-
Arch Linux Available for Windows Subsystem for Linux
If you've ever wanted to use a rolling release distribution with WSL, now's your chance.
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.