LocalSend: An Open-Source AirDrop Alternative for Linux, Mac, iPhone, and More

Moving files between your own devices should not feel like a complicated technical task.

Yet that is exactly what can happen when your computers and mobile devices belong to different ecosystems. A MacBook, a Linux desktop, an iPhone, and perhaps an Android phone or Windows PC can all work perfectly well on their own, but moving a photo from one device to another is not always as straightforward as it is within a single ecosystem.

Apple users have AirDrop, which makes transferring files between supported Apple devices remarkably convenient. But the experience becomes less seamless when Linux or Windows machines enter the picture.

Cloud storage can solve part of the problem. Email can work for smaller files. USB drives are another option. However, each method introduces additional steps that may not be necessary when the devices are already connected to the same local network.

This is where LocalSend becomes interesting.

LocalSend is an open-source, cross-platform file-sharing application designed to let devices communicate with one another over a local network. The project is available across major desktop and mobile platforms, including Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, and Fire OS.

For someone who regularly works with a mixture of operating systems, that cross-platform approach can make LocalSend a practical addition to the software toolkit.

In this guide, we will look at what LocalSend is, why it can be useful, how to install it on Linux and macOS, how it fits into a multi-device workflow, and how it compares conceptually with alternatives such as email and cloud storage.

Why Cross-Platform File Sharing Can Be Difficult

Modern users often own more than one computing device.

You might use a desktop computer for development, a laptop for travel, and a smartphone for photography. Those devices may not run the same operating system.

For example, consider a setup consisting of:

• A Linux desktop
• A second Linux computer
• A MacBook Air
• An iPhone

There is nothing unusual about this arrangement. Linux is popular among developers and technical users, macOS is common on laptops, and iPhones are widely used for photography and communication.

The problem appears when you want to move a file between those devices.

Suppose you take a photograph with your iPhone and want to edit it on your Linux desktop.

With an Apple-only setup, AirDrop would normally be an obvious choice. But a Linux computer does not participate in Apple’s AirDrop ecosystem.

You therefore need another method.

You could upload the photo to cloud storage and download it on the Linux computer. You could email it to yourself. You could connect a cable. You could use a USB drive.

All of these approaches can work.

But sometimes you simply want to select a file, choose another device, and transfer it.

That is the basic problem LocalSend attempts to address.

What Is LocalSend?

LocalSend is an open-source application for transferring files and other data between devices on a local network.

The project is published under the Apache 2.0 license, and its source code is publicly available on GitHub.

One of its biggest advantages is its broad platform support.

According to the project’s current documentation, LocalSend is distributed for:

• Linux
• macOS
• Windows
• Android
• iOS
• Fire OS

The project also supports multiple distribution methods depending on the operating system. For example, Linux users can choose from options including Flatpak, Snap, AUR, DEB, TAR, and AppImage, while macOS users can obtain the application through the App Store, Homebrew, or a DMG installer.

That makes the application particularly interesting for people who do not live entirely inside one operating-system ecosystem.

Instead of searching for a different transfer solution for each pair of devices, you can use the same application across your machines and mobile devices.

LocalSend Is Designed Around Local Transfers

One important distinction is that LocalSend is intended for communication between devices on a local network.

That makes it different from services such as Google Drive or other cloud-storage platforms.

With cloud storage, the general workflow is:

1. Upload a file.
2. Wait for it to synchronize.
3. Open the cloud service on another device.
4. Download or synchronize the file there.

That approach is useful when you want remote access, backups, synchronization, or sharing with people who are somewhere else.

But if your devices are already nearby and connected to the same network, a local transfer application can be a more direct approach.

The concept is simple: the devices discover each other and can then exchange files.

This can be particularly convenient at home or in an office where several computers are connected to the same network.

Why LocalSend Can Be Useful for Linux Users

Linux users have many ways to move files between computers, but there is not one universal solution that provides the same experience across every platform.

Traditional Linux tools such as scp, rsync, SFTP, SSH, Samba, and NFS can be extremely useful.

However, these tools are generally designed around particular technical workflows.

For example, using SSH to transfer a file might involve opening a terminal, knowing the destination computer’s address, authenticating, and running a command.

That is perfectly reasonable for server administration.

It is less convenient if you simply want to send several vacation photographs from your phone to your desktop.

A graphical application changes the interaction.

Instead of remembering commands, you can use an interface designed around selecting files and choosing a destination device.

That distinction is one of the reasons LocalSend can appeal to desktop Linux users.

Installing LocalSend on macOS

Mac users have several ways to install LocalSend.

The official project currently lists the Mac App Store, Homebrew, and a DMG installer among the available macOS distribution methods.

If you already use Homebrew, installation can be particularly straightforward.

Open Terminal and run:

brew install --cask localsend

Homebrew will handle the package installation for you.

Once installation has finished, LocalSend can be launched like any other macOS application.

If you prefer graphical installation, the project’s download options provide alternatives.

This is useful because not every Mac user has Homebrew installed, and some people prefer obtaining desktop software through a graphical package source.

Using Homebrew to Install LocalSend

Homebrew is widely used by macOS users who prefer managing applications and development tools from the command line.

If Homebrew is already configured on your Mac, the LocalSend installation command is:

brew install --cask localsend

The --cask option tells Homebrew that the package is a graphical macOS application rather than a traditional command-line formula.

After the installation completes, you can open LocalSend from the Applications folder or launch it through the usual macOS application search tools.

The advantage of this approach is convenience for users who already manage their Mac software with Homebrew.

It also means that you do not need to manually search for an installer every time you want to set up the application on another Mac.

Installing LocalSend on Linux

Linux is somewhat different because there is no single universal software distribution system.

Different distributions have different package managers and software repositories.

LocalSend accommodates this by providing several Linux distribution methods. The official project currently lists Flatpak, Snap, Nixpkgs, AUR, TAR, DEB, and AppImage among its Linux options.

This gives users considerable flexibility.

If you use a Linux distribution with Flatpak support, that may be the simplest route.

If you prefer traditional Debian packages, a .deb package is available.

If you prefer portable applications, an AppImage is another option.

The right choice depends largely on your Linux distribution and how you normally install desktop software.

Installing LocalSend Through Flatpak

Flatpak is a convenient way to install desktop applications on many Linux distributions.

For users whose distribution supports Flatpak and Flathub, LocalSend is available there according to the project’s distribution list.

If you are using Linux Mint, for example, you may find LocalSend through the graphical software-management interface.

That can make installation easier for users who would rather avoid downloading package files manually.

Once installed, LocalSend appears among your applications like other desktop programs.

The main benefit of using a distribution mechanism such as Flatpak is that the application can be managed through the package ecosystem rather than requiring you to manually handle an individual downloaded binary.

Installing LocalSend With a DEB Package

Users of Debian-based Linux distributions can also use the .deb package.

The official LocalSend releases currently provide x86-64 and ARM64 Linux DEB builds among their release assets. The current v1.18.2 release, for example, includes both linux-x86-64.deb and linux-arm-64.deb packages.

A DEB package can be appropriate if you prefer software installed in the traditional Debian package format.

After downloading the appropriate package for your architecture, you can install it using your distribution’s package-management tools.

On a Debian-based system, one common approach is:

sudo apt install ./LocalSend-1.18.2-linux-x86-64.deb

The exact filename will depend on the version and architecture you downloaded.

Always check the official release page for the current version instead of assuming an older filename will remain valid.

What About AppImage?

Another Linux option is AppImage.

AppImage applications are designed to be distributed as standalone application files, which can be attractive to users who prefer portable software.

The LocalSend project currently provides Linux AppImage builds as release assets. The v1.18.2 release includes an x86-64 AppImage.

This can be useful if you do not want to install a traditional package or if your distribution does not provide the application in the software manager you normally use.

The general workflow is different from a DEB package because the application is distributed as an AppImage file rather than installed through the normal Debian package system.

As always, download the file from an official LocalSend distribution source and verify that you have selected the appropriate architecture.

LocalSend on iPhone

LocalSend is not limited to desktop computers.

The official project lists an iOS version and currently specifies iOS 12.0 as the minimum supported version.

This is particularly relevant for people who use Linux computers alongside an iPhone.

Apple’s ecosystem is designed to make device-to-device sharing convenient among Apple products. Linux does not have native AirDrop integration.

LocalSend provides a different route.

You can install the application on the iPhone and use LocalSend alongside the corresponding application on your Linux computer.

That makes it possible to create a workflow in which the phone and Linux desktop can participate in the same cross-platform transfer system.

Sending Photos From an iPhone to Linux

Imagine that you have taken several high-resolution photographs with your iPhone.

You want to work with those images on your Linux computer.

Instead of sending the photographs through email, you can use LocalSend as the transfer layer.

The general process is straightforward:

1. Install LocalSend on both devices.
2. Connect the devices to the same local network.
3. Open LocalSend.
4. Select the files you want to transfer.
5. Select the destination device.
6. Accept the incoming transfer when prompted.

The exact interface can change between versions and operating systems, so it is best to follow the current application interface rather than relying on screenshots from an older guide.

The important part is the overall workflow: both devices participate in the same LocalSend environment, allowing files to move directly between them.

Moving Files From Linux to Mac

The same idea works in the opposite direction.

Suppose you have a folder containing documents on your Linux desktop and want them on your MacBook Air.

Without a cross-platform transfer application, you might use a USB drive, cloud storage, network shares, or another method.

With LocalSend installed on both machines, you can use the same application on each device.

This is especially convenient for people who regularly switch between Linux and macOS.

Instead of maintaining separate workflows for each operating-system combination, you can keep one familiar transfer application available on both computers.

Moving Files Between Two Linux Computers

LocalSend is also useful when all the devices involved are Linux machines.

Imagine having a desktop workstation and a laptop connected to the same home network.

You need to move a collection of project files from one computer to the other.

You could use SSH, Samba, a USB drive, or cloud storage.

But if the transfer is occasional and you do not want to configure a permanent network share, a graphical file-transfer application can be more convenient.

This is where LocalSend can fit nicely.

It does not require you to turn your computers into a permanent file server simply to transfer a folder occasionally.

LocalSend and the Same-Network Requirement

Because LocalSend is focused on local communication, the network environment matters.

The devices need to be able to communicate with one another.

In a typical home environment, this could mean having your MacBook, Linux computer, and iPhone connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

However, network configuration can affect device discovery.

For example, some routers and managed networks isolate wireless clients from one another. In such a configuration, two devices may both have internet access while still being unable to communicate directly.

That is not necessarily a problem with the application itself.

It is a property of the network.

If two devices do not appear to see each other, checking whether they are on the same network and whether client isolation or firewall rules are interfering can be useful.

LocalSend and Network Security

Local file transfer naturally raises security questions.

The LocalSend project describes its communication as using HTTPS encryption, and the application has continued to receive security-related changes in recent releases. For example, the v1.18.2 release notes mention a change preventing HTTP redirects sent by peers from being followed.

LocalSend’s open-source nature also means that its source code is publicly available for inspection and contribution.

However, open source does not automatically mean that every possible security risk disappears.

Users should still think about the network on which they are transferring files.

A local transfer tool is most naturally suited to environments where you understand and trust the participating devices and network.

You should also keep the application updated.

The official project currently recommends obtaining the application through app stores or package managers where possible because the application itself does not have an automatic update mechanism.

Why Open Source Matters

One of the defining characteristics of LocalSend is that it is open source.

For many users, this is more than a philosophical detail.

Open-source software allows developers and interested users to inspect the project’s source code, report problems, submit changes, and study how the application works.

LocalSend’s main repository is published under the Apache 2.0 license.

The Apache 2.0 license is a permissive open-source license that allows broad use of the software under its license conditions.

For people who deliberately prefer open-source tools, this is an important part of LocalSend’s appeal.

It also fits naturally into the Linux ecosystem, where open-source software plays a major role.

LocalSend’s Cross-Platform Approach

The biggest practical attraction of LocalSend is arguably its platform coverage.

A single transfer application can be installed across different operating systems.

The current official compatibility information lists:

• Android 5.0 or later
• iOS 12.0 or later
• macOS 11 Big Sur or later
• Windows 10 or later
• Linux with the project’s listed desktop dependencies

That does not mean every feature or interface is identical on every platform.

Desktop and mobile operating systems have different permission systems and application environments.

Nevertheless, having the same project available across these platforms makes it much easier to create a mixed-device workflow.

LocalSend vs Email for File Transfers

Email is one of the most familiar ways to move files.

You attach a file, send it to yourself, and open the message on another device.

For a small document, this can be perfectly reasonable.

The problem becomes more obvious when you are dealing with large collections of photographs, videos, archives, or folders.

Email was not designed primarily as a local-network file-transfer tool.

You also introduce an external service into the process.

LocalSend approaches the problem differently.

Instead of treating the file as an email attachment, you treat the destination computer or phone as another device available for transfer.

For people who frequently move files between nearby devices, that can reduce unnecessary steps.

LocalSend vs Cloud Storage

Cloud storage solves a different problem.

Services such as Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, and iCloud are designed to keep files available through remote infrastructure.

That is useful when you want:

• Files accessible away from home
• Synchronization
• Backup workflows
• Collaboration
• Sharing with other people
• Access from multiple locations

LocalSend is not intended to replace every one of those functions.

Its usefulness comes from being focused on device-to-device transfers.

If you simply need to move a file from your iPhone to the Linux computer sitting on the same desk, uploading it to cloud storage may involve more steps than necessary.

On the other hand, if you need that file to remain available when you are traveling, cloud storage may make more sense.

These are different use cases.

LocalSend vs iCloud

iCloud works particularly well inside Apple’s ecosystem.

An iPhone, iPad, and Mac can share information through Apple’s services with relatively little effort.

The situation becomes different when a Linux computer is involved.

Linux does not have the same native iCloud integration found on Apple’s own operating systems.

This is one reason cross-platform tools can be useful to Linux users who also own Apple hardware.

LocalSend does not attempt to become an Apple cloud service.

Instead, it provides a platform-neutral mechanism for transferring files between supported devices.

That distinction is important.

LocalSend vs AirDrop

The phrase “AirDrop alternative” is useful because it immediately communicates the general idea to people familiar with Apple’s technology.

However, LocalSend is not Apple’s AirDrop implementation.

AirDrop is part of Apple’s operating-system ecosystem.

LocalSend is an independent, open-source project with its own application and protocol.

The major conceptual similarity is the user goal:

Move something from one nearby device to another without relying on traditional file-transfer methods such as email or removable storage.

For someone using only Apple devices, AirDrop may already cover the use case.

For someone combining Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, or Windows devices, a cross-platform application can provide a different kind of flexibility.

A Practical Linux, Mac, and iPhone Setup

Consider a user with three primary device types:

• Linux desktop
• MacBook Air
• iPhone

A useful LocalSend workflow could look like this.

The Linux computer has LocalSend installed through Flatpak, a DEB package, AppImage, or another supported Linux distribution method.

The Mac has LocalSend installed through Homebrew, the App Store, or another official macOS distribution method.

The iPhone has the iOS application installed.

When all three devices are connected to the same compatible local network, LocalSend can serve as a common transfer application.

Now consider several everyday situations.

Scenario 1: iPhone to Linux

You take photographs on the iPhone and need them on your Linux workstation.

LocalSend can be used to transfer those files without first sending them through email.

Scenario 2: Linux to Mac

You finish a project on your Linux desktop and need a copy on the MacBook.

Instead of using a USB drive, you can transfer the files through LocalSend.

Scenario 3: Mac to Linux

You download a document or collect several files on macOS and want them on Linux.

Again, the same application can be used.

Scenario 4: Linux to Linux

You have two Linux computers and need to move files between them.

LocalSend can provide a graphical alternative to command-line transfer methods.

The value comes from having one consistent concept across all these situations.

LocalSend Can Be More Convenient Than a USB Drive

USB flash drives remain useful.

They do not depend on network connectivity, and they are easy to understand.

But they introduce a physical step.

You have to locate the drive, connect it to one computer, copy the files, safely remove it, connect it to another computer, and copy the files again.

With a local transfer application, the physical media step disappears.

This is particularly useful when the devices are already sitting next to one another.

Of course, USB drives still have advantages in situations where networking is unavailable or when you need physical storage.

So LocalSend should not be viewed as a universal replacement.

It is simply another option.

Recent LocalSend Development

LocalSend is an actively maintained open-source project.

The project’s GitHub release page currently lists v1.18.2 as the latest release, dated August 21, 2026.

The v1.18 series also introduced a number of changes.

Version 1.18.0 introduced features including an initial command-line interface, a “receive via link” capability, IPv6 support, checksum support, and improvements to the underlying networking and file-I/O implementation.

The v1.18.2 release subsequently included additional fixes and improvements, including changes related to multicast-network compatibility, HTTP redirects, the Linux AppImage version information, and other platform-specific issues.

This is worth mentioning because software guides can become outdated quickly.

A tutorial written around an older release may contain old download links or describe features that have since changed.

For that reason, users should generally check the official release page when installing LocalSend.

The Importance of Using Official Downloads

When installing open-source applications, it is good practice to obtain software from the project’s official distribution channels whenever possible.

The LocalSend project recommends using an app store or package manager where available and provides multiple official distribution options.

For Linux users, the official project currently provides release assets such as DEB, AppImage, TAR, and ARM64 packages through GitHub releases.

This also means you should avoid blindly copying an old download URL from a random blog post.

Software versions change.

For example, an older guide might contain a direct URL referencing version 1.18.0, while the project has since released 1.18.2.

The safest approach is to visit the project’s current download or release page and select the appropriate package.

What If the Devices Do Not Appear?

One of the first things to check is whether all devices are connected to the same network environment.

If the Linux computer is connected to one network while the Mac or iPhone is connected to another, device discovery may not work as expected.

You should also consider:

• Wi-Fi isolation
• Firewall rules
• VPN configuration
• Network-interface settings
• Guest Wi-Fi networks
• Local network permissions on mobile devices

Linux systems can also have different firewall configurations depending on the distribution and setup.

If an application is unable to discover another device, that does not automatically mean the application is broken.

Network configuration is often the first place to investigate.

Keep the Software Updated

A local file-sharing application is software that participates in network communication.

Keeping it updated is therefore sensible.

LocalSend’s release history shows that new versions can contain both new features and bug or security-related fixes. For example, the recent v1.18.2 release included a security-related change involving HTTP redirects and multiple compatibility fixes.

The official project also notes that the application does not automatically update itself, which is one reason it recommends app stores and package managers where available.

If you installed LocalSend manually, periodically checking the official release page is therefore worthwhile.

LocalSend for Developers

Developers often use several operating systems during their work.

A Linux workstation might be used for development, a MacBook might be used for testing or personal work, and a smartphone may be required for mobile testing.

In such environments, moving screenshots, exported files, test assets, logs, and documents between devices can become a routine task.

LocalSend can fit into that workflow because it is not tied to one operating system.

The project has also expanded beyond the graphical desktop/mobile application.

The v1.18.0 release introduced an initial command-line interface, which gives technically oriented users another way to interact with the software.

That does not mean every user needs the CLI.

For many people, the graphical application is the main attraction.

But the existence of a command-line interface can be useful for users who like automation and terminal-based workflows.

LocalSend Is Not a Backup System

It is important to understand what LocalSend is—and what it is not.

LocalSend is primarily a transfer tool.

It should not automatically be treated as a replacement for:

• Cloud backup
• External-drive backup
• Time Machine
• File synchronization
• Version control
• Long-term archival storage

If you transfer an important photograph from your phone to your computer, that does not necessarily mean you have created a proper backup strategy.

A backup system should account for things such as multiple copies, recovery, accidental deletion, hardware failure, and potentially off-site storage.

LocalSend solves a narrower problem:

How do I move this file from one device to another?

That distinction is important.

LocalSend Is Not a Cloud Storage Service

Similarly, LocalSend should not be confused with cloud storage.

A cloud service generally provides remote storage infrastructure.

LocalSend is centered around transferring information between devices.

This difference can actually be an advantage.

If your goal is simply to move a file between two nearby computers, you may not need to upload it to an online service first.

But if you want access to the same document from multiple locations around the world, cloud storage may be more appropriate.

The best tool depends on the task.

When LocalSend Makes Sense

LocalSend can be particularly useful in situations such as:

1. You use Linux and an iPhone

You want an easier way to move photographs and files between the two ecosystems.

2. You use Linux and macOS

You frequently transfer project files between computers.

3. You have several computers

You need occasional device-to-device transfers without configuring permanent network shares.

4. You prefer open-source software

You want a file-transfer application whose source code is publicly available.

5. Your devices are already on the same network

You do not want to introduce cloud storage into a simple local transfer.

6. You want a graphical alternative to command-line tools

You prefer selecting files through an interface rather than using scp, rsync, or another terminal-based solution.

When Another Solution May Be Better

LocalSend is not necessarily the right answer for every situation.

If you need continuous synchronization between folders, a synchronization service may be more appropriate.

If you need long-term backup, use a proper backup solution.

If you need to share a file with someone who is on another continent, cloud storage or another internet-based sharing method may make more sense.

If the devices cannot communicate over the local network, you may need another transfer method.

The strength of LocalSend is its specific use case rather than its ability to replace every file-management tool.

A Simple Way to Think About LocalSend

You can think of the different tools in terms of what problem they solve.

Email is primarily for communication.

Cloud storage is primarily for remote storage, synchronization, and sharing.

USB drives provide physical storage and offline transfer.

SSH/SFTP provide powerful technical file-transfer capabilities.

AirDrop provides convenient device-to-device sharing within Apple’s ecosystem.

LocalSend provides a cross-platform approach to transferring files between supported devices on a local network.

There is some overlap between these categories, but they are not identical.

Understanding that distinction makes it easier to decide which tool to use.

Getting Started With LocalSend

For someone setting up LocalSend for the first time, the process does not need to be complicated.

Start by installing the application on the devices you want to connect.

For a Linux and Mac setup, that could mean installing LocalSend on both computers.

If an iPhone is also part of your workflow, install the iOS version there as well.

Then make sure the devices can communicate through the same local network.

Open LocalSend on the relevant devices.

From there, you can explore the application’s current interface and test a small file transfer.

Starting with a small file is useful because it lets you confirm that discovery and transfer are working before moving a large collection of files.

Checking Your Linux Installation

After installing LocalSend on Linux, launch the application from your desktop environment.

If you installed it using Flatpak, it should appear in your application menu.

If you used a DEB package, it should similarly be available through your normal desktop application launcher.

If you chose AppImage, you will use the AppImage according to your distribution’s executable-file workflow.

Once LocalSend is open, look for the other LocalSend-enabled devices on the same network.

If another device appears, the basic discovery process is working.

You can then perform a test transfer.

Checking Your Mac Installation

On macOS, open LocalSend after installation.

If you installed it through Homebrew, the application should be available through the normal macOS application environment.

If you used the App Store or DMG distribution, follow the standard installation process for that method.

Then check whether your Linux computer or iPhone is visible.

Again, the important thing is not to assume that every network will behave identically.

If devices are not visible, investigate the network before assuming that the installation failed.

Why a Cross-Platform Tool Is Valuable

The biggest lesson from tools like LocalSend is that file transfer does not have to be tied to a particular operating system.

People increasingly use multiple platforms.

A developer might use Linux at work and macOS at home.

A photographer might use an iPhone for capturing images and Linux for editing.

A student might use a Windows laptop and an Android phone.

A family might have Macs, iPhones, Android phones, and Windows PCs in the same house.

A cross-platform transfer application can make these combinations easier to manage.

That is the basic problem LocalSend is designed around.

Final Thoughts

Moving files between personal devices should be simple, especially when those devices are sitting on the same desk or connected to the same home network.

For users who live entirely inside one ecosystem, the operating system’s built-in tools may already provide everything they need.

The situation changes when different platforms are involved.

A Linux computer does not participate in Apple’s AirDrop ecosystem. Cloud storage works, but it introduces an online storage layer that may not be necessary for a simple local transfer. Email can work for small files, but it is not designed as a dedicated device-to-device transfer mechanism.

LocalSend takes a different approach.

It is an open-source, cross-platform application available for Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, and Fire OS. The project is licensed under Apache 2.0 and provides several installation options across desktop platforms.

For Linux users in particular, the combination of Linux, macOS, and iOS support makes it worth considering.

The current project also continues to receive updates. The latest listed release is v1.18.2, while the 1.18 series introduced features such as IPv6 support, checksums, a command-line interface, and other improvements.

It is not a replacement for every file-management or backup solution.

It does not eliminate the need for cloud storage when remote access is important, and it does not replace proper backups.

Instead, its value lies in doing one particular job: making file transfers between nearby, cross-platform devices easier.

For someone using a Linux desktop, a MacBook Air, and an iPhone, that can be a useful capability to have.

And because the project is open source and available across multiple operating systems, it offers an interesting alternative for people who want something more flexible than an ecosystem-specific sharing solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is LocalSend free?

LocalSend is an open-source project distributed under the Apache 2.0 license. Its official project provides applications through multiple distribution channels.

Does LocalSend work on Linux?

Yes. The official project provides several Linux distribution options, including Flatpak, Snap, AUR, DEB, TAR, and AppImage.

Can LocalSend work between Linux and Mac?

Yes. LocalSend is available for both Linux and macOS, allowing users to use the application across those platforms.

Can I use LocalSend with an iPhone?

Yes. LocalSend has an iOS version, and the project’s current compatibility information lists iOS 12.0 as the minimum supported version.

Does LocalSend work on Windows?

Yes. Windows is one of the platforms officially supported by the project.

Does LocalSend require cloud storage?

LocalSend is designed around local device communication rather than being a traditional cloud-storage service.

Is LocalSend the same as AirDrop?

No. LocalSend is an independent open-source project. It provides a similar general-purpose goal—convenient device-to-device transfer—but it is not Apple’s AirDrop implementation.

Can I install LocalSend on Linux without using the terminal?

Yes. Depending on your Linux distribution, LocalSend may be available through graphical software-management tools such as Flathub-integrated software centers. The project also provides several other distribution formats.

What is the latest LocalSend version?

The project’s GitHub releases page currently lists v1.18.2 as the latest release, dated August 21, 2026.

Where should I download LocalSend?

The safest approach is to use the project’s official download channels, app stores, package managers, or official GitHub releases rather than relying on third-party download sites. The project specifically recommends app stores or package managers where available because the application does not have an automatic update mechanism.

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