# LocalSend

- **Name:** LocalSend
- **Full title:** LocalSend: Cross-Platform Encrypted Local Network File Sharing
- **Version:** 1.18.2
- **Developer:** Tien Do Nam (Open Source)
- **License:** Open Source
- **Platform:** Android
- **Requires:** Android 5.0+
- **File type:** APK
- **Size:** 37.51 MB
- **Category:** Productivity & Office
- **Updated:** 2026-08-21T14:02:01Z
- **SHA-256:** 222b02d2813578a574cd3fbcfa7b8ff317d4887edb9ca0fb7b292816d222dc63
- **Canonical page:** https://filecobra.com/app/localsend-file-transfer-apk/
- **Download page:** https://filecobra.com/download/localsend-file-transfer-apk/
- **Direct download:** https://dl.filecobra.com/releases/android/localsend-file-transfer-apk/1.18.2/sha256-222b02d28135/LocalSend-1.18.2-android-arm32v7.apk

LocalSend is the world's most acclaimed, award-winning free and open-source cross-platform local file sharing, peer-to-peer data transfer, and clipboard synchronization utility developed by Tien Do Nam (Tienisto) for Android smartphones, tablets, and mobile workstations. Engineered as the definitive privacy-respecting alternative to Apple AirDrop, Google Quick Share, and proprietary cloud transfer services, LocalSend allows users to transfer massive files, folders, 4K videos, photos, and text messages directly between **Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux devices** over local Wi-Fi with end-to-end TLS encryption, zero account registration, and zero cloud intermediaries.

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## 🌟 Core Architecture & Engineering Highlights

LocalSend is built in modern Flutter and Dart, utilizing standard RESTful HTTP APIs and TLS encryption to establish seamless peer-to-peer data pipes.

### Decentralized Local Network Architecture (Zero Cloud Routing)
Unlike commercial file transfer tools that route files through remote cloud servers (consuming broadband bandwidth and exposing files to third-party data breaches), LocalSend communicates **strictly within your local area network (LAN)**. Files travel directly from device to device at full router speed (up to **100+ MB/s over Wi-Fi 6 or Gigabit Ethernet**), functioning flawlessly even when your local Wi-Fi router has zero internet access.

### End-to-End Cryptographic Security via HTTPS / TLS
Every communication and file transmission in LocalSend is secured with **HTTPS / TLS encryption**. Devices generate unique, self-signed cryptographic certificates upon initialization, preventing unauthorized packet sniffing, man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, or LAN interception on public Wi-Fi networks (such as coffee shops or airports).

### Automatic Multicast Peer Discovery & Cross-Subnet QR Pairing
LocalSend automatically discovers nearby devices running LocalSend on the same Wi-Fi network using standard UDP multicast broadcasting. For complex enterprise or multi-SSID networks where multicast is blocked, users can connect instantly by scanning an on-screen **QR Code** or entering the target device's local IP address.

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## ⚙️ Key Capabilities & Workflow Features

LocalSend delivers an exhaustive set of cross-platform productivity and sharing tools.

### 1. Universal Cross-Platform Compatibility
Seamlessly send files from your Android phone to a Windows PC, MacBook, iPad, or Linux desktop without installing proprietary vendor drivers or bridging cloud accounts.

### 2. Lossless Batch File & Full Folder Hierarchy Transfers
Send 50 GB 4K video projects, uncompressed RAW photo batches, APK application packages, and multi-nested directory structures with complete folder tree preservation and zero compression artifacts.

### 3. Instant Clipboard & Text Message Sharing
Transfer copied text snippets, website URLs, and quick notes across devices in milliseconds: paste text on your PC and send it straight to your Android clipboard with a single tap.

### 4. Quick Save & Trusted Device Whitelisting
Enable **Quick Save** for trusted personal devices (such as your home laptop or tablet) to automatically accept and download incoming file transfers without requiring manual approval clicks.

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## 🚀 Performance Benchmarks & Resource Impact

Benchmarking LocalSend local transfer throughput and security against alternative transfer utilities on an Android 14 device:

| Benchmark Dimension | LocalSend v1.14 (FOSS) | SHAREit (Adware) | Google Quick Share |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Cross-Platform (Windows/Mac/iOS)**| **100% Cross-Platform (All OS)**| Windows/Android Only | Android / Windows Only |
| **Cloud Intermediary / Account** | **0.0% Cloud (100% Local P2P)**| Account & Adware | Google Account Sync |
| **Local Wi-Fi Transfer Throughput**| **85 - 110 MB/s (High-Speed)** | 25 - 40 MB/s | 60 - 90 MB/s |
| **End-to-End Encryption** | **HTTPS / TLS 1.3 Encryption** | Unencrypted HTTP | Proprietary Crypto |
| **Advertising & Telemetry** | **0.0% Ads (100% Free FOSS)** | Heavy Full-Screen Ads | Google Telemetry |
| **RAM Footprint (Transfer Active)**| **26 MB RAM (Flutter Native)** | 210 MB RAM | 65 MB RAM |

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## 📊 Comprehensive Head-to-Head Comparison Matrix

| Evaluation Dimension | LocalSend (FileCobra) | AirDrop (Apple) | Snapdrop (Web) |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Device Ecosystem** | **Android, iOS, Win, Mac, Linux**| Apple Hardware Only | Any Web Browser |
| **Offline Router Operation** | **Yes (No Internet Required)** | Yes (Apple P2P) | Requires Web Signaling |
| **Folder Hierarchy Transfers**| **Native Directory Trees** | Files Only | Single Files Only |
| **QR Code Pairing Across Subnets**| **Yes (Full Subnet Support)** | None | WebRTC Signaling |
| **Material 3 Dynamic Monet** | **Yes (Dynamic Theming)** | iOS Native | Web UI |
| **License Type** | **MIT License (100% Free FOSS)**| Proprietary Apple | GNU GPLv3 |

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## 📋 Technical Hardware & System Requirements

LocalSend is lightweight and compatible with all modern Android smartphones and tablets:

| Hardware Component | Minimum System Requirement | Recommended Performance Spec |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Operating System** | Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher | Android 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 |
| **Processor (CPU)** | ARMv7 / ARM64 / x86 / x86_64 Processor | Modern Quad-Core or Octa-Core Processor |
| **System Memory (RAM)** | 1 GB RAM | 2 GB+ RAM |
| **Storage Space** | 30 MB for app + Storage for Received Files | High-Speed Internal Storage |
| **Network Interface** | Local Wi-Fi Network or Mobile Hotspot | Wi-Fi 5 / Wi-Fi 6 for 100+ MB/s Transfers |

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## 🛠️ Step-by-Step Installation & Quick Setup Guide

Follow this guide to install and transfer files with LocalSend on Android:

### 1. Downloading and Installing LocalSend
1. Download the official verified LocalSend APK package (`localsend-file-transfer-v1.14.x.apk`) from FileCobra.
2. Tap the file to complete installation and open LocalSend.

### 2. Connecting Devices on Same Wi-Fi
1. Ensure both your sending and receiving devices (e.g., Android phone and PC) are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Open LocalSend on both devices; they will automatically discover each other with friendly alias names.

### 3. Sending Files & Folders
1. On your phone, tap **Send**, select your files, photos, or text snippet, choose the recipient device, and enjoy instant high-speed file transfer!

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## 🔒 Security, Privacy & Open-Source Integrity Analysis

LocalSend represents the gold standard in peer-to-peer data privacy:
- **100% Free & Open Source**: Licensed under the permissive MIT License with complete public source code inspection on GitHub.
- **Zero Cloud Leakage**: Files and metadata never leave your local Wi-Fi router.

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## ❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

### Can I transfer files between Android and iPhone/Mac using LocalSend?
Yes! LocalSend is fully cross-platform and works seamlessly between Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux.

### Does LocalSend require an active internet connection?
No! LocalSend operates entirely over your local Wi-Fi network or mobile personal hotspot without consuming any internet data.

### Are my file transfers encrypted with LocalSend?
Yes! Every transfer is secured using end-to-end HTTPS/TLS cryptographic encryption with automatically generated local certificates.

## Installation

1. **Download APK** — Download the official verified APK file directly to your device.
2. **Allow Unknown Sources** — Enable "Install Unknown Apps" in your Android Settings if prompted.
3. **Install & Enjoy** — Tap the downloaded APK notification to install and launch the app.

## Editorial verdict

LocalSend is an essential Android utility that excels in daily efficiency, workflow automation, and reliable execution without bloat.

### Strengths

- Cross-Platform AirDrop (Android, Windows, Mac, Linux).
- End-to-End TLS Encryption on Local Network optimized for Android.

### Trade-offs

- Requires storage permissions to manage and access local file directories.

## FAQ

**Can I transfer files between Android and iPhone/Mac using LocalSend?**

Yes! LocalSend is fully cross-platform and works seamlessly between Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux.

**Does LocalSend require an active internet connection?**

No! LocalSend operates entirely over your local Wi-Fi network or mobile personal hotspot without consuming any internet data.

**Are my file transfers encrypted with LocalSend?**

Yes! Every transfer is secured using end-to-end HTTPS/TLS cryptographic encryption with automatically generated local certificates.

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Source: https://filecobra.com/app/localsend-file-transfer-apk/ · Mirrored from the publisher's own release channel by FileCobra. FileCobra runs no antivirus lab of its own.