Localsend: An open-source cross-platform alternative to AirDrop

Post by cortesoft » Tue, Apr 28, 2026, 5:54 PM UTC

satvikpendem wrote: post #161

3371 wrote: post #115

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This kind of services that requires the user to share a seed/code to the recipient always seems kinda awkward to me. The code is not simple/short enough to be verbally communicated; If I can send the code, I usually can just send the file.

Not necessarily. For example I might have a few gigs of photos to send someone, and I want to send them uncompressed. I could text someone the seed or QR code for them to download the photos, but I can't send those photos (especially uncompressed, even if over RCS or WhatsApp) over text.

Post by ddtaylor » Tue, Apr 28, 2026, 6:04 PM UTC

ho_schi wrote: post #76

ddtaylor wrote: post #63

Just use the existing magic wormhole protocol. It works and has been deployed for a long time.

No. It is using a central “well known server” and requires internet. Test: * Does it work in an airplane? * Does it work in a submarine? * Does it work in the mountains, when a thunderstorm is approach and you need to share the GPX? Basically my Garmin Edge and iPhone can do this. Magic-Wormhole fails in all test cases. Implementation shall be able to negoiate a connection locally (e.g. Bluetooth) and upgrade to peer…

Post by burner35534 » Tue, Apr 28, 2026, 6:17 PM UTC

d3Xt3r wrote: post #32

a7fort wrote: post #8

Recently started using it, it works really well and it's much more reliable than AirDrop. But the UX could be improved. But I just wish Apple fixed AirDrop, every time I go to use I have so little confidence in it, it often doesn't see devices or if you have multiple Mac users it will confuse them, showing you the same Mac device twice without telling you which user it is

I'm curious, what do you people use this for? What are all these (presumably large) files that you guys are generating and transferring, that requires the use of apps like these? Like in my case, the only files I generate on my phone are photos and videos, and these get backed up by Immich, which I can then share with someone by sending them a link to the files/album in question. I imagine normal folks would use iClo…

Post by randomeel » Tue, Apr 28, 2026, 6:20 PM UTC

eigenspace wrote: post #28

My problem is that all these alternatives require the devices to be on the same local network. One beauty of Airdrop is that it creates and handles that local network automatically under the hood (as far as I understand). So you could be out on a hike with friends and Airdrop something. The workaround I've found after switching to an Android device has been to teather my connection to my friend's device, which ends u…

Post by burner35534 » Tue, Apr 28, 2026, 6:21 PM UTC

worldsavior wrote: post #174

afavour wrote: post #168

Earlier quoted context omitted.

No it isn't? The main feature is sending things peer to peer.

That's not a feature that's a purpose.