How to quickly share files over a local network using LocalSend

One of the most common tasks if you have multiple computers is transferring files between them. There are a huge number of specialized applications and services, but many still use cloud storage or even dialogue with oneself in instant messengers for this. And this is always convenient and safe. 

In this article we will talk about LocalSend, a modern cross-platform open-source application that makes sharing files within a local network as simple as possible.

LocalSend Features

LocalSend is primarily good because it covers almost all typical “send a file to a nearby computer” scenarios without unnecessary services and complications:

• Works on Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS and even Apple TV.
• Automatically finds devices running LocalSend on your local network.
• Data transfer takes place via HTTPS using TLS/SSL certificates (that is, with encryption).
• Uses your network speed «as is», without artificial bandwidth limitations.
• The Internet is not needed — everything happens within the local network.
• You can transfer anything from small documents to large video files.
• No surveillance, advertising or data collection — the project is completely open.
• Notifications about received/sent files, connected devices and transfer progress.

The current version of LocalSend is supported by an active community: the project has millions of downloads around the world, and regularly receives updates, new features and improvements. Unlike legacy solutions, LocalSend is built on modern technologies and is developing right now.

How to Install LocalSend on Linux

LocalSend is designed for a wide range of modern Linux distributions and different desktop environments. Next we will talk about the main installation methods.

Ubuntu and Debian

The simplest option for Ubuntu is Snap. Typically, support for installing snap packages is available in the system out of the box:

sudo snap install localsend

If you are more accustomed Flatpak, can be delivered via Flathub:

flatpak install flathub org.localsend.localsend_app

You can also download .deb package from the official LocalSend website and install manually:

sudo dpkg -i LocalSend-*.deb

Fedora

In Fedora it is convenient to install via Flatpak:

flatpak install flathub org.localsend.localsend_app

Arch Linux

In Arch, LocalSend is available in AUR. You can install as a ready-made binary package:

yay -S localsend-bin

It is also possible to build from source: 

yay -S localsend

But keep in mind that assembly may take time. 

AppImage for any distribution

LocalSend is also distributed as AppImage, which is suitable for almost any Linux. Download the file from the official website, make it executable and run:

chmod +x LocalSend-*.AppImage

./LocalSend-*.AppImage

How to Use LocalSend on a Linux PC

Important: all devices between which you want to transfer files must be connected to the same local network (for example, to one Wi-Fi) and have installed and running LocalSend.

After installation, find LocalSend in the applications menu and launch it. On the left you will see three sections.

• Receive — incoming transmissions and history.
• Send — sending files and data to other devices.
• Settings — application parameters.

When you first launch the device, it is assigned a random name (like “Efficient Lettuce”) and an identifier, but this can easily be changed in the settings to something more understandable.

Sending files

Open LocalSend on both the sending and receiving devices. Then on the sending device go to the tab Send — at the top there will be options for what exactly you want to convey:

• File — one or more files
• Folder — a whole folder with all the contents
• Text — text message or note
• Paste — contents of the clipboard

Once selected, LocalSend will show a list of devices nearby (on your network) in a section like Nearby devices. Select the desired device and the recipient will receive a notification. 

He will be able to accept or reject the transmission. If you accept, the transfer will start immediately, and progress will be visible on the indicator.

Receiving files

To accept files, keep the app open in a tab Receive. When someone sends you data, a notification will appear — you can usually see what exactly is coming, and only then confirm the reception.

By default, files are saved to the folder Downloads. The save path can be changed in the settings. There are also useful options there: for example, enable Quick Save (auto-receive without confirmation) and mark trusted devices as favorites to receive from them automatically.

Settings and personalization

In the section Settings The following options are usually available:

• Device Name — change the device display name
• Download Location — select a folder to save received files
• Port Settings — change port (default 53317) for advanced cases
• Quick Save — enable/disable automatic acceptance of files
• Network Interface — select a network interface if there are several of them
• Theme — light/dark theme

If devices do not see each other

If LocalSend doesn’t find other devices, first check the obvious: that everyone is connected to the same network. Then you should make sure that Firewall doesn’t block LocalSend. For UFW, you can allow port 53317 like this:

sudo ufw allow 53317

Results

LocalSend — this is exactly the kind of file sharing you expect in 2025: fast, secure, simple and without being tied to one platform. Whether you want to transfer a file from a laptop to a Windows PC, send documents from Android to Linux, or move a folder between different distributions, LocalSend does it without any fuss.

A separate advantage is that the application is completely offline and does not force you to upload files to the cloud “just in case” in order to immediately download them to another device in the same room. The open-source approach, respect for privacy and a clear interface make it a very practical tool for every day.

CONTENT:

Similar

All news